President Barzani: Syria’s New Authority Must Respect the Diversity of Its Communities
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani expressed hope that disputes between Kurds and Arabs in Syria will not lead to foreign intervention, warning at the same time that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq would pave the way for a resurgence of ISIS. He also welcomed the announcement by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to lay down arms.
In an exclusive interview with France 24 regarding the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2025, Barzani said:
“Without a doubt, the withdrawal of American and Coalition forces against ISIS will bring us back to the scenario of 2012, and ISIS will once again return to the forefront.”
He added: “ISIS poses a grave threat — something we have repeatedly stressed officially, and it remains a central part of our policy.”
On the situation in Syria, President Barzani referred to the March 2025 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government to integrate SDF units, which has not yet been implemented. He voiced concern over “the deterioration of conditions and the growing rifts between Kurds and Arabs, which could open the door to external interference.”
Barzani stressed: “Disputes must be resolved, but not through war, because war is not a solution. The new authority in Syria must consider the distinct identities of its diverse communities.”
Commenting on Turkey’s position, Barzani said: “Ankara supports the peace process and the March agreement between the SDF and Damascus. We also support this process and have made efforts to ensure its proper implementation.”
He further welcomed the PKK’s decision to abandon armed struggle, saying: “I believe this step will contribute to peace in the region and pave the way for the release of their imprisoned leader, “Abdullah Ocalan.”
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