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SDC’s Ahmed: Washington Rejects Any Turkish Attack Inside Syrian Territory

Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SDC’s Ahmed: Washington Rejects Any Turkish Attack Inside Syrian Territory

Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Head of SDC Ilham Ahmed (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is once again threatening to launch a new cross-border military operation in Syria against the remaining areas of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

US armed forces, Russian forces and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are deployed side by side in the areas run by the SDF and YPG.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ilham Ahmed, the executive chief of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), discussed the anticipated Turkish operation, the positions of major countries and the Damascus government, and the Astana track meetings.

The SDC is the political wing of the SDF, which is backed by a US-led international coalition.

When asked about a potential Turkish military operation at a time the Syria talks, sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran, are taking place in the Kazakh capital, Ahmed ruled out Ankara getting the green light to attack SDF territory in Syria.

“All the meetings of the Astana process did not bring the desired results for Syrians,” said Ahmed.

“We do not hope that Turkey will be given the green light to carry out its aggressive campaign against the Syrians in the Autonomous Administration (Rojava) areas,” she added.

“Russia, more than anyone else, knows that Turkey is trying to obtain approval to carry out its operation,” explained Ahmed, adding that Moscow is well aware that areas occupied by Turkey in Syria are turning into hotbeds of terrorism that fuel the Syrian crisis and civil war.

Regarding foreign opposition to the expected Turkish military operation, Ahmed noted that US diplomats had relayed Washington’s rejection of any such action.

“They told us that they are against any further military operation of Turkey inside Syrian territory,” said Ahmed.

“We hope that there will be more deterrent stances from Washington to the Turkish actions that endanger the security and stability of the entire region,” she added.

As for Russia deploying forces, Ahmed said: “So far, Russian forces have not deployed more soldiers on the ground. They have control checkpoints on the border with Turkey, and they are running ground and air patrols inside Syrian territory.”

“While we are seeking full coordination with Russian forces to repel potential Turkish attacks, Moscow is required to take additional measures to protect the borders,” affirmed Ahmed.

“Turkey announced to the world that its map includes the entire border strip with a depth of 30 km, so it does not matter if it is currently promoting the names of some areas,” said Ahmed about Erdogan’s threat against Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the northern countryside of Aleppo governorate.

Ahmed moved on to explain that Turkey is adopting a nibble-by-piece policy, but the largest Syrian cities are included in its military map under the pretext of combating terrorism and preserving the territorial integrity of Syria.

“It is necessary for the world to realize that satisfying Turkey at the expense of the Syrian people will only have a temporary benefit for the countries concerned, and it will birth irreversible losses, damages and mistakes,” she added.

Ahmed also spoke about resentment among Syrians displaced by Turkey from their homes in Daraa, Ghouta, Damascus, Hama, Homs and Idlib and resettled them in Afrin.

“They are against Turkish policies and are now refusing to stay in homes that do not belong to them,” said Ahmed about the feelings of those uprooted by Turkey and forced to relocate to settlement projects set up by Ankara.

Speaking about several messages sent by the SDC to the Syrian regime, Ahmed said: “There is nothing new in the positions of the Damascus government.”

Ahmed pointed out that Damascus can show responsibility in deterring Turkish aggression and protecting the country’s borders.

“We hope that there will be an understanding about the border protection mechanism, especially that Russian and regime forces are present on contact points, along the borders in Kobani, Manbij, Al-Arima and Tal Rifaat in the Aleppo countryside,” added Ahmed.

“Certainly, our SDF forces have the necessary measures to confront the Turkish aggression and its occupation project, and our people are different from what they were in the past, so the battle will not go as they expect, and it will not resemble the previous battles,” warned Ahmed.

However, Ahmed noted that such a war will also cause great damage to the entire international community.

“We do not seek war; Rather, we seek to preserve the stability of our regions, which have turned into safe and secure areas for all Syrians.”

Ahmed pointed out that about 5 million Syrians live in Rojava areas.

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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stated that while the serious lifting of US sanctions on Syria could gradually yield positive results for the country’s economy, expectations must remain realistic, as rebuilding trust in the Syrian economy is essential.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shaar described the removal of sanctions as a necessary first step toward eliminating the obstacles that have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery. Although the immediate impact will likely be limited, he noted that in the medium term, improvements in trade activity and the resumption of some banking transactions could help create a more favorable environment for investment and production.

The breakthrough came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully facilitated a thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus, ultimately convincing the US president to lift sanctions on Syria. During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he would order the removal of all sanctions on Syria to “give it a chance to thrive”—a move seen as a major opportunity for the country to begin a new chapter.

Al-Shaar cautioned, however, that Syrians should not expect an immediate improvement in living standards. “We need to manage the post-sanctions phase with an open and pragmatic economic mindset,” he said, stressing that real progress will only come if sanctions relief is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms, increased transparency, and support for the business climate.

He added that Syrians will begin to feel the difference when the cost of living declines and job opportunities grow—an outcome that requires time, planning, and stability.

According to Al-Shaar, the first tangible benefits of lifting sanctions are likely to be seen in the banking and trade sectors, through facilitated financial transfers, improved access to essential goods, and lower transportation and import costs. “We may also see initial interest from investors who were previously deterred by legal restrictions,” he said. “But it’s important to emphasize that political openness alone isn’t enough—there must also be genuine economic openness from within.”

He also underscored the importance of regional support, saying that any positive role played by neighboring countries in encouraging the US to lift sanctions and normalize ties with Damascus “must be met with appreciation and cooperation.” Al-Shaar emphasized that robust intra-Arab economic relations should form a cornerstone of any reconstruction phase. “We need an economic approach that is open to the Arab world, and we could see strategic partnerships that reignite the national economy—especially through the financing of major infrastructure and development projects.”

When asked whether he expects a surge in Arab and foreign investment following the lifting of sanctions, Al-Shaar responded: “Yes, there is growing interest in investing in Syria, and several companies have already entered the market. But investors first and foremost seek legal certainty and political guarantees.” He explained that investment is not driven solely by the removal of sanctions, but by the presence of an encouraging institutional environment. “If we can enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure stability, we will gradually see greater capital inflows—especially in the service, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”

As for which countries may play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, Al-Shaar said: “Countries with long-term interests in regional stability will be at the forefront of the rebuilding process. But we must first rebuild our internal foundations and develop an economic model capable of attracting partners under balanced conditions—ones that protect economic sovereignty and promote inclusive development.”

The minister concluded by stressing that lifting sanctions, while significant, is not the end of the crisis. “Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase—one filled with challenges,” he said. “The greatest challenge isn’t securing funding, but managing resources wisely, upholding the principles of productivity, justice, and transparency. We need a proactive—not reactive—economy. We must restore the value of work and implement policies that put people at the center of development. Only then can we say we are beginning to emerge from the bottleneck.”

Last Wednesday, Riyadh hosted a landmark meeting between the Crown Prince, Trump, and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—marking the first meeting between a Syrian and a US president since Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.

Most US sanctions on Syria were imposed after the outbreak of the country’s conflict in 2011. These targeted deposed President Bashar Al-Assad, members of his family, and various political and economic figures. In 2020, additional sanctions came into effect under the Caesar Act, targeting Assad’s inner circle and imposing severe penalties on any entity or company dealing with the Syrian regime. The Act also sanctioned Syria’s construction, oil, and gas sectors and prohibited US funding for reconstruction—while exempting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.