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The American-Russian Competition to Win the Syrian Kurds

Since the emergence of the Kurdish issue in the wake of the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923, the Kurds have had no way but to seize historical opportunities to recover some of their usurped rights. These opportunities were exemplified when the countries that divided Kurdistan (historical homeland of Kurdish people) were exposed to external and internal crises and wars.
Especially, when all Kurds’ revolutions to obtain rights failed because of the brutal repression they were subjected to by the countries that annexed Kurdistan.
On this basis, the short-term Republic of Mahabad in Iranian Kurdistan was declared in 1946 by the support of the Soviet Union at the time. Likewise, the Federation of Kurdistan Region of Iraq was constitutionally established in the wake of the overthrow of the former Baathist
regime by the U.S in 2003. Similarly, the Kurds in Syria have played a prominent role in the Syrian crisis since 2011. They declared an autonomous administration for their regions with the participation of the rest of the components since 2014.
What distinguishes the current Kurdish model in Syria from previous models in Iranian Kurdistan of 1946 and Iraqi Kurdistan of 2003 is the direct involvement by both superpowers, viz., U.S and Russia. In the example of the Republic of Mahabad of 1946, Russia was the only
present, with an indirect American role. Likewise, in the example of the Iraqi Kurdistan
Federation of 2003, the U.S was the only actor. The American and Russian military presence in the Syrian Kurdistan puts the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into perplexity about the feasibility of relying on the most appropriate party to achieving Kurdish aspirations.
The reason behind the Kurdish bewilderment in Syria lies in conflicting visions and agendas between Washington and Moscow about the possible political settlement of the Syrian
dilemma. Besides, the role and position of the Kurds in the future of Syria. The Kurds in Syria had already tasted treachery from both countries. Firstly, from Russia when it allowed Turkey to invade and occupy Afrin at the beginning of 2018. Secondly, when the U.S granted a green
light to Turkey to foray and conquer large areas in the east of the Euphrates in 2019.At the end of August, a delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), a political wing
of (SDF), visited Moscow at the official invitation by the Russian Foreign Ministry. During the visit, (SDC) delegation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian People's Will Party, which leads the Moscow platform for the Syrian opposition with Russian blessing.
Russia aimed behind that move to shuffle again the cards of the game on the Syrian arena and rearranging them according to Russian standpoint. This was shortly followed by a visit by the Russian Foreign Minister to Damascus. During the visit, Sergey Lavrov, addressed the need
for the Syrian regime to accept more serious negotiations with (SDF) in order to co-opt the Kurds. Moreover, seeking to drive a wedge in the relationship between America and the Syrian Kurds.
Meanwhile, the U.S administration has been striving for nearly a year to reconcile political actions of the Syrian Kurds, represented by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Kurdish
National Council in Syria (KNC). In this context, both Washington and Moscow seek to negatively influence each other's agendas and plans regarding the Syrian Kurds. This, in turn, places the leadership of SDF in a cycle of uncertainty and apprehension. The reason is the lack
of confidence in both sides that have failed the Kurds in Syria and elsewhere more than once during the current century and the last century. However, the relationship between the Syrian Kurds and U.S since 2011 to the present is more solid and strategic than its counterpart with Russia. This linkage practically goes back to 2014, when Washington intervened strongly in favour of the People's Protection Units (YPG) against
ISIS in the Battle of Kobane. Since then, Washington has seen YPG, which form the backbone of SDF, as the most prominent righteous force in theory and practice to fight ISIS remnants.
The intensification of the U.S-Russian race to win the loyalty of the Kurds without pledges by both countries regarding the rights of the Kurds, makes the Kurdish choice harder and more intricate. First, the unofficial Russian pledges to push the Kurds forward to reconcile with al
Assad regime, without clear rights for the Kurds. Secondly, the informal and vague American promises that lead to keeping the situation as it is without any tangible changes that might positively affect the Kurdish issue in Syria in the future.
by : Jwan Dibo
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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