The Syria of Sharaa and the Syria of Kurds and minorities

In the wake of a historic conference that saw Syria's most prominent Kurdish blocs gather to assert common demands for minority rights in the new Syria, their vision of a "multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious" state faces challenges under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

At least 14 killed in sectarian clashes in Syria

Violent clashes in Damascus and surrounds have seen members of Syria's Druze minority skirmish with security forces, with the outbreak of hostilities relating to a widely shared audio clip that purports to show a Druze individual engaging in rhetoric deemed blasphemous by some of the country's Sunni majority.

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Syrian presidency rejects Kurdish push for federalism

Damascus accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of violating a recent agreement by promoting separatism, warned against demographic changes, after a Kurdish Unity Conference in Damascus called for federalism.

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Iraq officially invites Syria’s Sharaa to Arab Summit in Baghdad

Iraqi minister of culture has delivered an official invite, upon directives from the Iraqi president, to Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad next month.

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Kurds demand ‘decentralized’ Syria, increased recognition in Unity Conference

Saturday's Kurdish Unity Conference saw high-profile Kurdish leaders come together to discuss a series of demands for the Damascus administration relating to the rights of Kurds in Syria, urging a strong degree of decentralization and autonomy for the country's myriad minority groups.

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Iraqi delegation, Syrian president discuss potential rehabilitation of oil pipeline

A visiting Iraqi delegation spearheaded by spymaster Hamid al-Shatri delved into the possibility of rehabilitating the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipleline with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which would provide Iraq with access to Mediterranean ports and lessen oil-export-related strategic dependence on Turkey. Enhancing border security, combating terrorism and boosting trade were also on the agenda in the high-level meeting.

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Top Iraqi government delegation arrives in Damascus

An Iraqi delegation headed by intelligence chief Hamid al-Shatri arrived in Damascus for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with "combatting terrorism," trade possibilities, and establishing security arrangements for their shared border set to top the agenda.

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Kurdistan Region president stresses ‘Kurdish unity’ in Syria in meeting with Abdi

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani discussed the latest developments in Syria and the need for Kurdish unity in the country, in a meeting with Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

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ENKS sets Kurdish Unity Conference date

The Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) has set Saturday, April 26, as the date for the Kurdish Unity Conference, endeavoring to form a common front from disparate Kurdish political actors and organizations in dealing with the new administration in Damascus, which Kurdish groups have criticized for marginalizing minorities.

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