Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa has achieved notable progress in his bid to reunify the country, having regained control of substantial territories in the northeast that were previously held by a Kurdish-led militia alliance for over a decade. The government's next steps will be crucial in asserting its authority over the entire nation.

The recent government offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has resulted in the most significant shift in control within Syria since the Islamist-led rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, marking the end of the 13-year civil war. Prior to this month's military push, the Kurds controlled nearly a third of Syria's territory, having received American support for their role in defeating the Islamic State (IS) alongside a US-led coalition. The Kurds had established a self-governing enclave with its own institutions, with the SDF serving as its military wing.

The government's military campaign was launched amidst stalled discussions between President al-Sharaa's administration and the SDF regarding the integration of SDF forces into Syria's institutions. Although an agreement was signed last March, the year-end deadline for implementation passed with little progress, as the SDF remained hesitant to relinquish its autonomy. According to analysts, the militia alliance appears to have miscalculated in its negotiations with the government, seemingly believing it would maintain the support of its long-time ally.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has provided strong backing to President al-Sharaa, who has advocated for a unified Syria under Damascus' control. Last year, Trump hosted al-Sharaa at the White House and lifted the severe sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad era. When al-Sharaa's forces initiated their military campaign, there was no apparent objection from the US.

Following significant territorial losses, the SDF agreed to a 14-point deal on Sunday, which reversed most of the concessions it had secured from the government in previous negotiations. Notably, SDF members are expected to integrate into the Syrian army and interior ministry as individual personnel, rather than as separate units, as they had previously demanded. Additionally, control of oil and gas fields, crucial for Syria's economic recovery, will be transferred to the government, while SDF-operated prisons and camps holding thousands of IS detainees and family members will also come under Damascus' control.

In a bid to extend an olive branch to the Kurdish community, Sharaa recently issued a decree that acknowledged Kurdish as a national language, granted Syrian nationality to stateless Kurds, and recognized Nowruz, the Persian new year, as a national holiday. This move came after decades of repression under the Assad regime, which had denied Kurds their basic rights.

Despite the decree, violence resumed, with government forces reclaiming primarily Arab areas where locals harbored grievances against the SDF. As troops advanced towards Kurdish-majority areas, the likelihood of violent clashes increased, reportedly drawing ire from Washington. In a sudden move, Sharaa's government declared a ceasefire on Tuesday, giving the SDF a four-day ultimatum to submit a plan for integrating areas under its control into the state, thereby halting the army's advance and temporarily easing tensions.

Since assuming power following the downfall of the Assad regime, Sharaa has consistently pledged to safeguard the rights of minority groups in Syria. However, the country has witnessed repeated outbreaks of sectarian violence, including last year's incidents involving government forces in the Alawite-dominated Mediterranean coast and the predominantly Druze province of Suweida. Kurds are now worried that they may face similar treatment, despite Sharaa's renewed assurances.

The recent developments have dealt a significant blow to Kurdish aspirations for autonomy, with many perceiving the US position as a betrayal. According to Tom Barrack, the US special envoy, the primary objective of the US-SDF partnership, which was to combat IS in Syria, has largely been achieved, and the best opportunity for Kurds now lies in transitioning under Sharaa's government, which Western nations view as the most viable means of ensuring Syria's stability.

The recent shifts in power are likely to bolster Sharaa's position but may also revive demands for decentralization, as critics argue that key positions have been reserved for his allies. Furthermore, these developments may indicate Sharaa's future plans for other regions, including those controlled by the Druze, who are seeking autonomy.