Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government prepare to meet in Paris next week, aiming to agree on concrete steps toward integrating the Kurdish-run northeast with the central government in Damascus. However, despite the positive spin, there are few signs that either side is willing to compromise on key issues, raising questions as to whether the gathering will take place at all. 

In an interview with Saudi news channel al-Hadath, SDF commander-in-chief Mazlum Kobane struck a conciliatory tone, referring to Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as the country’s legitimate president. Kobane said he shared Sharaa’s view that Syria should remain united under one army and one flag. He also revealed that the SDF had formally asked Damascus to restore state institutions in the Arab-majority regions of Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, as well as in the Kurdish-majority Hasakah.

Kobane confirmed his intention to attend the Paris meeting, described current relations with Turkey as “positive” and said that Damascus had agreed to grant the Kurds certain “cultural rights.”

The comments generated a buzz across social media, with the SDF leader’s name trending on Turkish X, while some gloatingly called Kobane’s comments a capitulation. Kurdish nationalists slammed his comments as a betrayal.