Anxiety, anger, and hope in Syria’s Damascus after SDF ceasefire

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ayman OghannaJanuary 23, 2026 at 12:17 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In Damascus, Syria, a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was announced on January 18, sparking jubilation among residents. The ceasefire was seen as a potential solution to one of the country's major divisions since President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in 2011. However, fighting resumed the next morning after the SDF leader accepted less favorable terms, including withdrawing from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, and integrating into state structures within four days. Residents express frustration towards the SDF, viewing it as an occupying force backed by foreign powers. The SDF's role in fighting ISIS has shifted to being seen as a parallel authority. As the deadline approaches, anger towards the SDF grows, with some residents calling for its removal from the country.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lebanon 30% Hasakah 40% Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) 40% United States 40% Deir Az Zor 50% Raqqa 50% Mazloum Abdi 50% Bashar al-Assad 60% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×880% Damascus ×685% Syria ×990%

Keywords

syria 100% ceasefire 90% syrian democratic forces 80% damascus 70% sdf integration 70% stability 60% unity 60% conflict 50% kurdish-led forces 50% political division 40%