Damascus Withdraws from Paris Talks with Kurdish Delegation

In a surprising diplomatic move, the Syrian government has officially withdrawn from the scheduled peace talks in Paris with the Kurdish delegation. The discussions, initially set to address long-standing disputes over autonomy and regional governance in northern Syria, were seen as a rare opportunity for dialogue. However, Damascus announced its decision to pull out just days before the meeting, blaming what it called "fundamental disagreements" and a lack of trust in the negotiation process.

According to Syrian officials, the talks were expected to focus on issues including Kurdish self-governance, the integration of Kurdish-led administrations into Syria’s national framework, and security arrangements in territories liberated from ISIS. Yet, government representatives claimed that Kurdish leaders had made "unrealistic demands" and were allegedly engaging in parallel talks with foreign actors, which Damascus views as a direct threat to its sovereignty.

Kurdish representatives, on the other hand, expressed disappointment, saying they were prepared to engage in constructive dialogue and hoped to reach a mutual understanding. They accused Damascus of avoiding meaningful discussion and prioritizing political control over national reconciliation.

Observers say this breakdown comes at a critical time for Syria, as the country continues to navigate complex alliances with Russia, Iran, and Turkey. The Kurdish question remains one of the most contentious issues in the region, particularly with U.S. forces still present in parts of northeastern Syria, supporting Kurdish-led militias.

The Paris talks were seen by many international analysts as a chance to build a roadmap for shared governance and end years of mistrust. By walking away, Damascus risks further alienating the Kurdish population and potentially escalating tensions with Western powers who have supported Kurdish autonomy efforts.

For now, the cancellation leaves a vacuum in the peace process, with no clear plan for renewed discussions. The decision may also have broader implications for Syria’s post-war political settlement, as unresolved disputes over Kurdish autonomy could destabilize efforts to achieve long-term peace.