While Israeli-Syrian peace negotiations are in their infancy, Damascus has also been busy engaging with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), seeking to establish a new framework for the reintegration of autonomous north-eastern territories. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Syria has been split into a de facto three-administration state. Outside of the government in Damascus, the SDF is the most established political administration in Syria, overseeing roughly a quarter of Syrian territory, and, crucially, the major oil and gas reserves in the north-east region. The SDF, which is the military wing of the broader Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Daanes), was also one of the most critical forces in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), famously liberating key cities like Ar-Raqqah and Deir al-Zor from the terror group’s grip.
Although the SDF has frequently garnered headlines since its formation in 2015, in-depth research into the operations, motivations, and other intricacies of it and Daanes has been scarce. Given their critical influence in the Levant and unique system of egalitarian governance, analysing the organisations offers valuable insights into the social and political dynamics of north-eastern Syria. Amy Austin Holmes’s Statelet of Survivors: The Making of a Semi-Autonomous Region in Northeast Syria provides a thorough perspective of how the labyrinthine web of ethnic and religious groups and political actors in this corner of Syria work together under a cohesive umbrella that seemingly defies the challenges of living in a volatile environment. It is prudent to note that the book was published in March 2024, before the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) successful offensive against the Assad regime in December of the same year. Nonetheless, the book retains its relevance, as the relationship between the SDF-held territories and the Syrian state continues to be shaped by questions of political integration and the evolving identity and legitimacy of the SDF itself.
The book begins with a brief overview of the situation in Syria, in which the author contends that even though the international community overwhelmingly supports the SDF in its fight against ISIS and to liberate areas of Syria from brutal extremist rule, “the statelet they created is recognised by none of them”, limiting the SDF’s and Daanes’ ability to act as a stabilising caretaker authority because of a lack of aid and international support. Despite this, the book stops short of examining what kind of recognition is necessary, or why it remains elusive. This omission is notable, given the book’s admission that Daanes is not pursuing separatism, but seeks to remain within a unified Syria. This warrants further reflection on how the international community should classify Daanes and its desire for decentralised governance, especially vis-à-vis the government in Damascus.
Turning to the SDF’s evolution, Dr Holmes highlights its transition from the People’s Protection Units (YPG) to gain legitimacy as a multi-ethnic Syrian force, rather than a purely Kurdish movement. She also highlights how the SDF has embraced feminist ideologies and practices despite operating in a deeply patriarchal and conflict-ridden environment. A notable revelation in this section is the tension among Daanes’ diverse administrative zones as it struggles to reconcile differing cultural and historical norms such as polygamy, especially in Arab-majority cities like Ar-Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor. One significant weakness of the book in this area is the lack of elaboration on alleged collaborations between the SDF and the Assad regime, which skirts the issue with only a bland admission that “there are elements of truth to both (SDF working with or against the regime) interpretations”. A deeper dive into this is necessary as these perceptions have led to scepticism about Daanes among Syrians outside SDF-controlled areas, forming a major obstacle to reintegration in the country.
Despite these early gaps, the book quickens the pace further in, particularly when comparing the administrative differences in areas that have experienced both ISIS and SDF rule, particularly its immersive description of the haunting nature of life under the extremist group. Dr Holmes offers valuable insights into how ISIS manipulates religion, cultural norms, and fear to turn women against one another. This contrasts sharply with Daanes’ commitment to female empowerment, including the adoption of a myriad of policies and quotas to institutionalise the participation of women in governance.
Despite being published before Assad’s fall, Dr Holmes’ examination of tenets of Daanes’ rule, such as its commitment to economic self-sufficiency given the dictator’s wilful neglect of Syria’s strategically important north-eastern region, provides insight into the magnitude of the task facing President Ahmed Al-Shaara as he seeks to unite the country.
Overall, this book provides thoroughly detailed research and information into the workings, motivations, and policies of the SDF and Daanes. This forms a crucial microcosm for readers to understand the many challenges that lie ahead for Syria. As an added bonus, it fills a crucial gap in existing literature by its almost microscopic examination of the SDF, a pivotal force in the Syrian civil war and the battle against extremism, and one that will have a key influence in how the country’s future plays out.
Image Caption: Book cover –
About the Author
Damien Tan is a Research Assistant at the Middle East Institute, National University of Singapore, with experience in policy research in government and academia. His research focuses on international security and Middle East foreign policy. He is currently a final-year undergraduate student at the National University of Singapore.
