Barzani’s remarks highlight just how delicate this juncture is. Some see his words as a gesture of goodwill, but others say he should have gauged Syrian-Kurdish sentiments first. [Getty]
Masoud Barzani, leader of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, stirred controversy after praising recent comments by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on the future of Syria’s Kurds. Al-Sharaa—also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—had attempted to reassure Kurds that they would be integral to a new, post-Assad Syria.
However, many Kurdish observers claimed that Barzani’s statement might be interpreted as overstepping Syrian Kurds, warning that such praise could undermine the efforts of Kurdish entities carving out their own political path.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Barzani said, “We welcome this vision for the Kurds and the future of Syria, and we hope that this will be the beginning of correcting the course of history and the wrong treatment of the Kurdish people in Syria.”Â
This followed al-Sharaa’s claim that Kurds are “part of the homeland” and would face “no injustice,” with all communities poised to “take their rights” in a future Syria.
Critics argue that Kurdish governance structures in northeastern Syria—the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—have fought hard for autonomy and direct negotiation channels. Barzani’s endorsement, they say, risks overshadowing local leadership.Â
Hoshyar Abdullah, a former Kurdish lawmaker in the Iraqi parliament, has written on his official Facebook page Barzani “does not treat the AANES or [SDF commander] Mazloum Kobani as he does al-Jolani,” implying that praising an HTS-aligned vision could marginalise the SDF, the core force that has defended Kurdish interests on the ground.
Calls for Kurdish unity
The Kurdish National Council (ENKS), considered close to the KDP, met in Qamishli following the dramatic collapse of Assad’s regime. The Islamist-rooted HTS and other rebel factions have since taken power in Damascus. Against this backdrop, ENKS stressed that Kurdish unity is more urgent than ever.Â
They urged engagement with Damascus’s new authorities and the pursuit of constitutional recognition for Kurdish rights within a decentralised Syrian state.
Fethullah Husseini, an AANES representative in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, told The New Arab, “When we go to Damascus, we want to be partners in political decision-making. We are not thinking of dividing Syria. Barzani’s statement is his own vision, and we are not here to interfere in their internal affairs.”
His comments highlight the Syrian Kurds’ desire to speak for themselves, rather than be represented by external leaders.
HTS, once designated a “terrorist organisation” by the US and EU, now wields authority after toppling Assad’s decades-long rule. Al-Sharaa has tried to reassure minorities, allowing the SDF to hold Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Aleppo and pledging the return of Kurdish refugees from Afrin. Yet scepticism runs deep. Observers note that HTS’s Islamist roots and uncertain ties do not guarantee genuine pluralism.
Speaking to journalists in Damascus, al-Sharaa pledged to disband all Syrian factions, insisting “no weapons will exist outside the authority of the Syrian state.” However, Husseini dismissed this as hollow without broader settlements.
 “HTS does not rule all of Syria,” he said. “They have established an autocratic and sectarian government in Damascus. Syria needs political and international settlements, and without that, those statements hold no value.”
The SDF, which led the fight against the Islamic State group, is treading carefully. Its commander, Mazloum Abdi, recently said the SDF was preparing to send a delegation to Damascus. Yet neither the SDF nor the AANES appears willing to relinquish their hard-earned territorial and administrative gains without firm assurances on Kurdish rights and political inclusion.
Turkish opposition to Kurdish autonomy looms large. Ankara regards the SDF and its YPG component as offshoots of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Although Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said Ankara’s issue is with “terrorists” and not “our Kurdish brothers,” few Kurds trust Turkish intentions. Turkey’s hostility could complicate efforts to secure Kurdish rights under the new Syrian order.
Debating Barzani’s intent: overreach or goodwill?
Amid these shifts, calls for Kurdish unity grow louder. ENKS officials urge forming a unified Kurdish front to engage meaningfully with Damascus. The Kurdish National Unity Parties (PYNK), linked to the Democratic Union Party (PYD), have expressed readiness to resume stalled talks with ENKS. Both sides recognise that Kurds must present a common stance as they navigate uncharted territory.
Yet Barzani’s remarks highlight just how delicate this juncture is. Some see his words as a gesture of goodwill, but others say he should have gauged Syrian-Kurdish sentiments first. Abdullah warned that attempts to create “fake representatives” for Syrian Kurds would betray the sacrifices made during years of conflict.
Massoud Abdul Khaliq, head of the Standard Kurd Media and Research Institute, found Barzani’s message sincere but poorly timed. “It would have been better for Barzani to praise both Sharaa and Kobani’s statements, as both were logical,” he told TNA. “Also, he should have waited to see how the Syrian Kurds reacted before issuing his message. Overstepping the Kurdish leaders in Rojava is not good.”
Abdul Khaliq also criticised the ENKS for unilateral steps, like engaging Damascus without AANES coordination, saying such moves could harm Kurdish interests. He stressed that Turkey’s fierce opposition to Kurdish aspirations means Kurds must avoid offering Ankara any pretext to interfere. The PKK in Qandil, he argued, should refrain from direct involvement to prevent accusations that all Kurds are PKK extensions.
As Syria enters an uncertain era, the Kurds face the challenge of balancing external alliances and recognition with protecting their self-determination. Whether Barzani’s comments prove to be a minor misstep or signal deeper divisions within Kurdish politics remains unclear. For now, the message from Syria’s Kurds is that they intend to define their future on their own terms, despite the complex tapestry of regional interests and rivalries.
