Amid a renewed deadlock in negotiations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian government issued a firm statement reaffirming its longstanding position on national unity, military centralization, and state sovereignty. The declaration, released amid growing international pressure for a political resolution in the northeast, emphasized the principles of “one Syria, one army, one government” as non-negotiable foundations for any future settlement.

The Syrian leadership stated its readiness to absorb SDF fighters into the Syrian Arab Army, provided this is done “within constitutional and legal frameworks.” While portraying itself as open to practical steps forward, Damascus warned that delays in implementing previously signed agreements have only prolonged instability and “complicated the scene.” The statement also stressed that re-establishing state authority and restoring public services in the northeast was essential to resolving the ongoing vacuum in governance.

“The Kurdish component is a fundamental part of Syria’s national fabric,” the statement read. “But all rights are protected within the state—not outside it.”

U.S. Envoy Urges the SDF to Move Toward Damascus

In a parallel development, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack echoed much of Damascus’s language while affirming Washington’s continued support for Syria’s territorial integrity. In a series of comments clearly aimed at the SDF leadership, Barrack clarified that the United States does not endorse Kurdish separatism or an independent Kurdish entity.

“When Minister Rubio talks about autonomy and sovereignty, what he's talking about is Iraq is one nation, Syria is one nation,” Barrack said. “The Kurds are a unique, valuable, and enduring community within those nations. I don't believe that he means an independent Kurdistan.”

Barrack also addressed the broader question of federalism, stating bluntly that “We’ve learned that federalism doesn’t work” in Syria’s current context. “You can’t have, within an independent nation, your own separate or non-national [authority],” he added. Instead, Barrack stressed the importance of national cohesion and a unified command structure: “We need to all give up something and get to that end result—one nation, one people, one army, and one Syria.”

A Shift in U.S. Messaging

The remarks mark a notable evolution in U.S. rhetoric, which had previously backed the SDF as a primary partner in the fight against ISIS. Now, however, the focus appears to be on encouraging a negotiated reintegration of northeastern territories into the Syrian state, even if this means the SDF relinquishing its autonomous governance structures.

Barrack acknowledged the Syrian government’s clear stance and said it had shown “flexibility” in trying to reach a settlement. “To be candid, I believe the SDF has been willing to accept and negotiate, but the progress towards this side has been slow,” he said. “My advice to them is to speed up that process. There is only one way, and that way is Damascus.”

High Stakes for the Northeast

The northeast remains one of Syria’s most politically and militarily sensitive regions. Though rich in oil and agriculture, it has been administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), a de facto Kurdish-led governing body that emerged during the civil war. While the SDF has played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS, its future under a unified Syrian state remains unresolved.

Damascus views the current arrangement as a temporary aberration and seeks the full return of state institutions. The latest statement is seen as a signal that while the government is prepared for a political compromise, it expects the SDF to commit to national reintegration without preconditions of autonomy.

As international actors, including the U.S. and Russia, continue to exert influence on both sides, the fate of northeast Syria could hinge on whether the SDF accelerates its political engagement with Damascus—or risks being sidelined in future power-sharing arrangements.