Syria's Kurdish-led SDF to Merge into National Army After Major Setbacks

• The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key anti-ISIS force, will merge into the Syrian army following recent defeats.
• The merger agreement, signed by SDF chief Mazloum Abdi and interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, outlines individual integration rather than as a cohesive unit.
• This development marks a significant blow to Kurdish ambitions for an autonomous region (Rojava) in northeast Syria.
• The SDF, which previously controlled a quarter of Syria, now primarily holds Hassakeh province.
• The deal includes making Kurdish an official language and a national holiday, alongside government control of prisons holding ISIS members.

Why It Matters: Syria's Kurdish-led SDF will integrate into the national army, ending their autonomy aspirations.