The SDF's dissolution is a historic moment for Syria

On Tuesday, the prominent Kurdish leader of Syria, Mazloum Abdi, declared the end of the Syrian Democratic Forces as a separate military entity. This marks a significant milestone for the war-ravaged nation, as it integrates tens of thousands of SDF fighters into the nation's institutions. The dissolution of the US-backed coalition symbolizes a crucial step towards establishing state institutions and bolstering state power, long overdue for Syria.

Formed in 2015, the SDF emerged as one of the most potent forces in Syria's north and east under American support. This decision, made by Abdi, is commendable given the Kurdish community's history of discrimination, which included denial of citizenship and restrictions on language use and teaching. Despite enduring decades of marginalization, the Kurdish leadership opted to prioritize the nation's broader interests by relinquishing power to a unified Syrian state.

This decision was facilitated by the new government's efforts to address Kurdish concerns about majoritarian rule, as well as its commitment to integrating the minority group into the emerging nation-state. In 2021, President Ahmad Al Shara formally recognized Kurdish as a national language and granted Syrian nationality to previously stateless Kurds, signaling a departure from the treatment of Kurds under the Assad regime.

However, disagreements persist over various issues, such as the future of Kurdish women's units in the armed forces, which face opposition from the national government. These challenges should not overshadow the progress made. The Kurdish experience may serve as a litmus test for Syria's transformation. If handled judiciously, it could contribute to the country's stabilization.

Abdi's historic decision for a united, pluralistic Syria underscores the need for all influential figures in the country to fulfill the promise of a Syria belonging to all its people.