Key Takeaways:

• Syria's Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra rejected the Kurdish SDF's proposal for an independent military bloc.
• The SDF has maintained a semi-autonomous zone amid Syria's ongoing civil war.
• Abu Qasra criticized the SDF leadership for delaying integration talks with the Syrian state.
• The Minister aims to unify various factions into a single command structure before a deadline of March 1, 2025.
• Criticism arose over the appointment of foreign fighters within the new military framework.

Syria’s new Defence Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, firmly declined the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) request for a separate military bloc within the country’s integrated armed forces. Speaking from Damascus, Abu Qasra asserted that retaining a distinct military identity compromises the intended unification of Syria's various armed factions under one command structure. This statement reflects a significant stance in the complex dynamics of Syrian politics and security.

The SDF, having established a semi-autonomous region in the country's northeast after 14 years of conflict, has been engaged in dialogue with the new administration formed by former rebels who recently deposed President Bashar al-Assad. In conversations with the media, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi emphasized the group's desire for a decentralised governance approach, while maintaining that they are open to discussions of integration, asserting the need to exist as a military bloc rather than disbanding.

Abu Qasra articulated a need for structured integration, suggesting that the SDF should be incorporated into the Defence Ministry's hierarchy without retaining its military distinction. “For them to remain a military bloc within the Defence Ministry... is not right,” he stated, indicating a clear intent to streamline military operations under a unified command.

Abu Qasra's tenure since his appointment on December 21 has been marked by efforts to consolidate various anti-Assad factions into a coherent military force, though the SDF's integration remains a contentious issue. The United States continues to back the SDF as a key ally against the Islamic State, adding layers of complexity given Turkey's characterization of the group as a security threat linked to the PKK.

The Defence Minister emphasized the urgency of completing the integration process by March 1, when the transitional government's authority is scheduled to conclude, stressing, “We are in a race against time and every day makes a difference.” Additionally, Abu Qasra acknowledged the backlash over decisions made by the transitional administration, including the promotion of foreign fighters from nations like Egypt and Jordan within the military ranks.

For further details, refer to the reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters.