Kurdish Concerns Persist as Syria Forms New National Army

In the aftermath of Syria's ongoing civil war, the Kurdish community expresses skepticism toward the newly formed national army, fearing it may fail to represent their interests.

As Syria attempts to reconcile its fractured populace post-civil war, a significant challenge remains: the integration of the Kurdish-led military into a national army that faces deep-rooted distrust from many in the northeastern region. The Kurdish political forces, which have autonomous control over their areas, now find themselves in an uneasy alliance with a government emerging from former rebel factions once linked to Al Qaeda.

The wariness is further fueled by the government's alignment with Turkey, known for its aggressive stance against Kurdish aspirations. This ongoing tension was highlighted in conversations with residents of Kobani, where Amina Mahmoud, a local Kurdish woman, voiced her concern: “How can we trust this new government in Damascus?” Her sentiment resonates among other ethnic and religious minorities in the region, who fear that the new regime may not prioritize their representation or security.

As the fledgling government takes its initial steps toward stability, this delicate integration process underscores the complex dynamics that lie ahead and how historical grievances could shape the future of a united Syria.