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The Historic Agreement... Washington and Its Role as an Effective Mediator Between Damascus and Northeast Syria
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The successful American mediation represents a real investment in Syria's future and a contribution to a model that protects the country from the return of the central authoritarianism it suffered fro

Details of the agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control large areas in northeastern Syria, and the political administration in Damascus last Monday remain unclear, while new data has emerged about the role played by the friendly American forces.
American officers stated that the military practiced important diplomatic activity, away from the spotlight, and contributed to bringing together Kurdish factions and the Syrian interim caretaker government.
They also reported that American forces present in Syria to fight the return of "ISIS" mediated talks between the government and Kurdish fighters supported by the United States, according to what was reported by the Wall Street Journal.
American officers urged another group they cooperate with in southeastern Syria, near the Al-Tanf military base, the Free Syrian Army, to sign a truce with Damascus.
The officers explained that these initiatives aim to enhance stability in the country and prevent a return to civil war that could hinder efforts to contain ISIS, which is notably active in sparsely populated desert areas, and also aim to give Washington a seat at the table while Syria designs its future.
American military officials revealed that the possibility of American forces leaving Syria helped pressure the SDF to complete the agreement, with one of them saying: "I believe the threat of our departure made the matter more urgent."
A senior American military official disclosed that "multiple rounds of talks were held, and the US military played the role of mediator to help the SDF conduct these discussions."
He continued: "We exchanged views until we finally reached a consensus that satisfies everyone."
The process culminated in reaching the agreement suddenly, as the US-led coalition transported SDF commander Mazloum Abdi via helicopter to an airport near Damascus, where he signed the document with the interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara.
It is noted that the agreement signed last Monday evening between Al-Shara and Abdi ended a three-month confrontation between the two parties, while opening the way for government control over large areas of land that were under the administration of Kurdish factions.
These developments highlight the importance of the American role in building trust bridges between various Syrian components, and pave the way for a federal model that could form a sustainable solution to governance challenges in Syria, especially after decades of centralized rule that concentrated power and resources in the hands of a limited group.
The American mediation gains special importance as it supports a decentralized vision that gives regions broad administrative powers while maintaining the unity of Syrian territories, a model that spares the country the problems that resulted from the absolute control of the previous regime over the state and people's capabilities.
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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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