As Syria undergoes another significant political shift following the collapse of the Baath regime on 8 December 2024, new power struggles and regional manoeuvres have emerged. In an exclusive interview with journalist Cahit Mervan, Salih Muslim, a member of the Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), provided insight into these developments, particularly Turkey’s role in obstructing dialogue between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). He also addressed Ankara’s military offensives around key locations such as the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam and Qara Qozak and questioned whether Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (Julani), could provide a viable governance model for Syria’s future.
Muslim said that while there are efforts to establish a sustainable negotiation process between the interim Damascus government and the AANES, Turkey is actively working to undermine any progress.
“They [Turkey] are persistently blocking a solution that could promote peace in Syria.”
According to Muslim, Ankara views with deep concern any advance towards Kurdish autonomy or recognition of Kurdish rights, fearing that it could inspire Kurdish communities within Turkey’s borders.
He claimed that Turkey’s attitude remains rooted in what he called a “Kurdish-phobia”, which has led to repeated hostilities despite years of conflict. “We never wanted enmity with Turkey,” Muslim insisted, “but they continue to attack us and we are forced to defend ourselves.”
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Turkey’s recent military operations have focused on the areas around the Tishreen Dam and Qara Qozak. The Tishreen Dam is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects regions in northeastern Syria and, according to Muslim, control of it is strategically vital.
He noted that local communities, including Kurds, Arabs and other ethnic groups, have united to defend key access points. “A historic resistance is unfolding around Tishreen,” he said.
“Civilians are standing guard to protect the dam from potential destruction, which would be catastrophic for everyone in the region.”
Muslim stressed that these offensives have further strained humanitarian conditions and urged international actors to take decisive action. “Targeting a dam is not just a military operation – it threatens civilian lives and resources,” he said.
Turning to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which has taken steps to form a new government in Damascus, Muslim expressed scepticism about the group’s claim to represent all Syrians. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was recently declared “President of Syria” by the group, prompting widespread criticism from various Syrian factions, including the AANES.
“HTS has changed its image, but its core beliefs and practices remain questionable,” Muslim argued. He pointed out that the group is made up of several factions, some of which adhere to rigid ideologies that are at odds with Syria’s multicultural and multi-religious composition.
“Even if Julani takes a more pragmatic line, he has 17 other groups around him whose interests may not be in line with the inclusive, democratic model we need in Syria.”
Muslim contrasted the vision of a “Hilafet [caliphate] style” rule in Syria with the more pluralistic approach he advocates. “Syria is a mosaic of peoples and faiths. We need a democratic model in which all communities – Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Alawite and others – participate fully.”
Although Muslim acknowledged that there are discreet discussions with international powers, including possible mediation by the United States, he stressed that a stable solution must come first and foremost from within Syria. “No external force can impose a sustainable solution. We have to have a sincere dialogue among Syrians,” he said.
Developments in Damascus and on the frontlines around the Tishreen Dam will continue to determine whether Syria moves towards a more inclusive model or risks further fragmentation. As tensions persist and the balance of power remains fragile, many Syrians are looking to renewed diplomatic efforts and local resilience for a chance at peace.
