US envoy says purpose of anti-Daesh alliance with Kurds ‘largely expired’

20.01.2026

By AFP

Source:https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630018/middle-east

- Tom Barrack says Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities

DAMASCUS: US envoy Tom Barrack said on Tuesday that the existence of a friendly government in Damascus meant the reason for Washington’s alliance with Syrian Kurds against the Daesh group had “largely expired.”

“The original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired, as Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities, including control of Daesh detention facilities and camps,” he said.

Syria on Tuesday announced a ceasefire with Kurdish forces and gave them four days to agree on integrating into the central state.

Barrack described the offer of integration into the central Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protections and political participation as the “greatest opportunity” the Kurds have.

Later, a White House official said the United States is monitoring with “grave concern” developments in Syria and urged all relevant parties to continue negotiating in “good faith.”

“We urge all parties to exercise ‌maximum restraint, avoid actions ‌that could further escalate tensions, and prioritize the protection of civilians across all minority groups,” ‌the ⁠White House ​official said.

Ambassador Tom Barrack

@USAMBTurkiye

The greatest opportunity for the Kurds in Syria right now lies in the post-Assad transition under the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This moment offers a pathway to full integration into a unified Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protections, and