Calm in Damascus Contrasts With Ongoing Conflicts in Syria’s Northeast

Calm prevails in Damascus as the new interim president holds a peace conference, yet battles rage in northeastern Syria where Kurdish and Arab militias clash. This spate of violence complicates the president’s ambitions to unify the country and stabilize the region, especially with the resurgence of the Islamic State and Turkey’s pressures regarding the Kurdish population.

In Damascus, the new interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, strives to unify Syria and extend authority while hosting a national unity conference and receiving foreign dignitaries. The atmosphere is marked by unprecedented freedom of expression among citizens, who gather at cafes to engage in open discussions for the first time in decades.

However, in northeastern Syria, approximately 400 miles away from Damascus, violent conflicts persist, defying government control. Skirmishes continue between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States, and a largely Arab militia backed by Turkey. The situation has intensified following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.

The ongoing conflict in northeastern Syria presents significant challenges for the interim leadership, as it seeks to consolidate power amidst fragmented territorial control and rising extremist threats. The Kurds’ quest for autonomy and Turkey’s concerns over their influence further complicate the political landscape. Consequently, the stability of the region remains uncertain, with broader implications for neighboring countries and the fate of various ethnic groups within Syria.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com