US pivots as Kurdish-led force dissolves into Syria's new government

The United States has shifted away from backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces after a rapid string of clashes and a Damascus offensive that eroded SDF power. A U.S.-mediated ceasefire led to the SDF signing a deal to dissolve its separate command and integrate fighters into the Syrian army, leaving a limited presence only in Hassakeh. The move marks a major realignment of U.S. policy toward Syria’s postwar governance and reflects deep disagreements over decentralization and minority protections, with Washington choosing not to intervene as the SDF hoped for continued U.S. backing if conflict with Damascus resumed.