Baghdad Initiates Mediation Between Damascus and SDF to Discuss Oil Revenues and Military Integration
The Iraqi government has entered into mediation efforts between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aiming to bridge differences over sensitive issues, primarily the distribution of oil revenues and the potential integration of SDF fighters into the Syrian army, according to sources from the Iraqi National Security Council advising France’s “Monte Carlo” radio.
The mediation efforts are being led by the Iraqi National Security Council and the Iraqi Intelligence Service. Initial meetings took place in Sulaymaniyah city mid-last week between representatives from Baghdad and SDF leadership, followed by joint meetings with officials from the Ministry of Defense and intelligence services of the Syrian Interim Government.
The mediation focuses on two main tracks:
The first addresses the integration of SDF fighters into the Syrian Interim Government’s army, drawing on Iraq’s prior experience integrating Kurdish forces.
The second concerns the management and distribution of oil revenues in northeastern Syria.
This Iraqi initiative coincides with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s efforts to apply his recent agreement with the Kurdistan Region over control of oil revenues as a potential model for Syria. It also reflects Baghdad’s attempt to reclaim its regional role following the postponement of the third Baghdad Conference.
The Iraqi National Security Council views Syria’s stability as a critical factor for Iraqi security. The government believes that the success of the mediation could pave the way for ending the US military presence in both Syria and Iraq.
In a related development, Syrian Interim Government Prime Minister Ahmad Al-Shara received Iraqi Intelligence Chief Hamid Al-Shatri in Damascus in late August. Al-Shatri conveyed a message from Prime Minister Al-Sudani regarding the development of bilateral relations and enhanced security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
