Syrian Arab Republic - January 2026

On 16 January, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting citizenship to Syrian Kurds, recognizing Kurdish as a national language, and designating Nowruz an official holiday in Syria. The decree was issued as a gesture of appeasement following clashes between the transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in late 2025. For decades, Syrian Kurds have faced political marginalization and discrimination, making this the first formal recognition of their citizenship, cultural and linguistic rights in contemporary Syria. 

Sources: Syrian Arab News Agency, Enab Baladi

On 30 January, the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a ceasefire and integration agreement after weeks of fighting. The deal provides for the incorporation of SDF military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state, the deployment of government forces in Hasakah and Qamishli, and guarantees for Kurdish cultural, educational and civil rights. If implemented, it could support Syria's democratic transition by strengthening state institutions while protecting Kurdish minority rights.

Update: On 26 August, the integration process reached a significant milestone when SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of the SDF as an independent military force following its merger into the Syrian armed forces and state institutions. The move was presented as part of a broader effort to unify military command structures and restore state authority across the country, while reaffirming commitments to Kurdish cultural, linguistic and educational rights. 

Sources: Al Jazeera (1), Al Jazeera (2)