Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi shared his vision for the future of Syria and Kurdish-Turkish relations in a groundbreaking interview with Saudi television broadcaster al-Arabiya on 18 January. Speaking face-to-face with journalist Rim Bougamra in North and East Syria, Abdi addressed the need for a federal, inclusive Syria after the potential fall of the Assad regime, while also offering Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan an opportunity to end decades of conflict.
Abdi reiterated the SDF’s commitment to building a decentralised, federal Syria that guarantees the rights of all ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Arabs and Syriacs. “Our aim is not separation”, he said, “but a constitution that protects the Kurds and ensures equality for all communities in Syria”.
He dismissed claims of hidden alliances with Iran and denied allegations of having received arms shipments, including 1,500 drones, from Iran as baseless propaganda. “We have no such dealings. What we achieve, we achieve through our own production and by our own efforts,” Abdi clarified.
Abdi also spoke about the enduring threat of ISIS, countering narratives that suggest the group has been entirely defeated. “The danger of ISIS still exists, contrary to what some are trying to promote,” he warned, calling for continued international cooperation to address the threat.
In one of the most striking moments of the interview, journalist Rim Bougamra presented Abdi with a series of photographs, asking for his comments. Reflecting on his recent meeting with President Masoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Abdi explained why he wore formal attire for the occasion. “This isn’t the first time I’ve worn formal dress,” he remarked. “It was a political meeting, and out of respect for President Masoud Barzani’s character, it was conducted in formal, political dress.”
Bougamra then showed a photo of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, prompting Abdi to deliver a candid appeal:
“The time has come for President Erdoğan to abandon the policy of violence and force, and to act as a strong leader. The time has come for him to choose reason and peace. Right now, the Kurdish side - in general, not just in our region but overall, including Kurdish leader Öcalan, has extended a hand of peace to him. He must seize this opportunity because it represents a historic chance for him, otherwise he will regret it.”
Abdi stressed that reconciliation efforts must be based on mutual respect and concrete guarantees. “We will not surrender our weapons or dismantle our forces without guarantees,” he said, highlighting the need for negotiations to achieve peace.
He addressed accusations that the SDF’s alliance with the United States is driven solely by oil interests, dismissing the claim as unfounded. “If only that were true,” he said with irony, adding that the partnership is based on strategic interests and trust built through experience. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by shifting US policies, referring to perceived abandonment during Turkey’s invasion of 2019.
The commander called on international actors to take decisive steps to support a peaceful resolution in Syria and to hold Turkey accountable for its aggression against Kurdish regions.
Abdi’s statements call for a path forward rooted in dialogue, inclusivity and decentralisation, while Syria remains in turmoil. His message to Erdoğan highlights a rare window of opportunity for reconciliation, while his vision for Syria offers hope for a democratic, pluralistic future.
