December 18, 2024
By Nasser Kandil
The briefing presented by UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen painted a deeply concerning picture – not merely due to the urgent humanitarian needs, which can be addressed if capable nations choose to act, but primarily due to the intense political complexities.
Pedersen highlighted divisions within major armed factions regarding the policies pursued by the new authority led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) through the Interim Salvation Government based in Damascus. A significant number of factions controlling Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama have rejected HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa’s call to disband armed groups and integrate them into the army, declaring their readiness to fight anyone attempting to disarm them.
Pedersen also warned of the escalating tensions between the Kurds, represented by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Turks, who were key architects of Syria’s new landscape. Turkey insists on eliminating the SDF, viewing them as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara classifies as a national security threat. Meanwhile, the U.S. regards the SDF as a critical force preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
Additionally, Pedersen emphasised the need to rein in Israel’s aggressive and expansionist actions, which he described as a significant destabilising factor for the emerging Syrian order. He warned that failing to restore adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement would jeopardise the fragile situation in Syria.
Pedersen concluded by stressing that achieving political and security stability in Syria requires a concerted effort from the international community at the highest decision-making levels. Such efforts must prioritise the welfare of the Syrian people over the competing interests and agendas of global and regional powers. He criticised the current environment, where external actors are exploiting Syria’s vulnerability to further their own objectives, rather than contributing to its recovery.
