Syrian Kurdish Autonomy: A Decisive Strategy for Bashar al-Assad

Abstract

Abstract : During four and a half years of war inside of Syria, President Bashar al-Assad s military and economic conditions have deteriorated. Forces loyal to President Assad are in decline, sanctions and drought have crippled the Syrian economy and the regime is diplomatically isolated. As Bashar al-Assad s situation has worsened he has turned to direct support from Russia and has benefitted from an increase in Iranian military advisors to his ground forces. The results of these interventions are positive, but the final resolution to the conflict is distant. In the north of Syria are the Kurds, an ethic group who has carved out an enclave of security and self-reliance built on democratic principles. The Kurds exist in a pseudo-autonomous status that is not legally recognized by the Government of Syria. The author asserts that President Assad should actively engage with Syria s Kurdish population in order to make permanent territorial autonomy of their homeland in exchange for their allegiance in the fight against the regime s enemies. The Kurds have proven highly effective in the fight against extremists across Syria and Iraq. Bashar al-Assad should recognize this and unlock the gains that could be achieved through properly negotiated Kurdish territorial autonomy.