The Syrian government’s recent decree recognizing certain cultural rights for Kurds has been met with a mix of cautious optimism and firm reservations. While hailed as a historic first step, Kurdish political factions emphasize that the decree falls significantly short of their ultimate goals: comprehensive constitutional recognition, robust legal protections, and a degree of autonomy within northern Syria. The move, issued late Friday by Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, acknowledges Kurdish language and cultural identity, notably designating Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, as a national holiday. This article delves into the details of the decree, the reactions it has provoked, and the path forward for Kurdish rights in Syria.
Historic Recognition, Limited Scope
The decree represents the first official acknowledgement of Kurdish national rights since Syria gained independence in 1946. A key component is the restoration of citizenship to Kurds who were stripped of their nationality following the controversial 1962 census. This census, and subsequent policies like the Arab Belt project in 1963, systematically disenfranchised and displaced the Kurdish population. Approximately 120,000 Kurds lost their citizenship, and around 140,000 were forcibly displaced, replaced by Arab settlers.
The decree attempts to address the categorization of Kurds as ajanib (“foreigners”) – those unable to prove residency – and maktoumeen (“unregistered”) – those lacking identification. President al-Sharaa, in a televised address, sought to allay fears, stating, “Our Kurdish people, descendants of Saladin: beware of believing claims that we seek harm against our Kurdish brothers.” Celebrations were reported in Damascus and government-controlled Afrin, but were muted in areas with existing Kurdish administration.
DAANES and Political Parties Demand More
Despite the symbolic importance, the decree has been widely criticized as insufficient. The Kurdish-led Democratic Self-Administration of the Autonomous Region of North and East Syria (DAANES) issued a statement on Saturday asserting that any decree, regardless of intent, cannot guarantee rights without being enshrined in a comprehensive constitutional framework. They specifically called for an “inclusive national dialogue and a decentralised democratic constitution.”
Salih Muslim, a prominent figure within the Democratic Union Party (PYD), echoed this sentiment, stating that Kurds are seeking “constitutional rights,” not merely promises. He highlighted the need for these rights to be legally documented within the Syrian constitution, rather than relying on a potentially revocable decree. He pointed out the current approach – offering rights in exchange for disarmament – is inadequate.
A Foundation for Dialogue, But Reservations Remain
Not all reactions were purely critical. Shalal Gado, a leader within the Kurdish National Council (KNC), a rival to the PYD, welcomed the decree as “a positive and important step toward recognising the national and cultural rights of the country.” He suggested it could “serve as the foundation for a new dialogue” between the Kurdish community and the Syrian government.
However, Gado also voiced reservations, stressing that the provisions outlined in the decree must ultimately be codified as constitutional rights and backed by legal guarantees. He warned that “symbolic recognition cannot provide a lasting solution to the Kurdish issue in Syria” without this crucial step. The need for lasting legal protections is a central concern for many.
The Citizenship Question: A Complex Legacy
The issue of citizenship is particularly sensitive. While the decree aims to rectify past injustices, the situation remains complex. Thousands of Kurds were granted citizenship by the Assad government in 2011, those previously classified as ajanib. However, the maktoumeen – those without any identification – continue to face significant hurdles.
Abdulrahman Dawud, a 36-year-old Kurdish man affected by this policy, explained, “This issue can’t be solved in such a simple way. It is not just a matter of recognising Syrian citizenship. Any solution should be enshrined in the constitution… and should include compensation for all these years.” He also criticized the decree for not addressing the situation of stateless Kurds living abroad. The long-term impact on the Kurdish population requires a more holistic approach.
Context of Ongoing Conflict and Negotiations
The timing of the decree is significant, occurring amidst international efforts to de-escalate clashes in northern Syria between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army. These efforts also aim to revive negotiations surrounding the March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus, which focused on integrating the SDF into the Syrian state.
Recent violent clashes in Aleppo led to dozens of deaths and the displacement of nearly 120,000 people. Under international pressure, the SDF withdrew from Kurdish neighborhoods like Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Following calls for de-escalation, the SDF announced a withdrawal east of the Euphrates River. However, reports emerged of government attacks on withdrawing SDF fighters, leading to accusations of violating the agreement.
A Partial Step Towards Integration
Meghan Bodette, director of research at the Kurdish Peace Institute, views the decree as a partial fulfillment of Damascus’s obligations under the March agreement, specifically regarding the integration of the Kurdish autonomous administration and forces.
“If intended as a goodwill gesture to stop fighting in east Aleppo and return to the security integration framework both sides had agreed on before the new year, it could be positive,” Bodette stated. “That said, its revocable nature and shortcomings on critical issues like language rights mean it is not a solution to the Syrian Kurdish question in and of itself.”
Ultimately, the decree is a starting point, but a comprehensive and constitutionally guaranteed solution is essential to address the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Kurdish people in Syria and ensure a stable and inclusive future for the country. Further dialogue and concrete constitutional reforms are crucial to move beyond symbolic gestures and towards genuine and lasting recognition of Kurdish rights.