In a high-stakes closed-door meeting that unfolded in Erbil, Iraq, US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, sharply criticized the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, for attempting to involve Israel in Syria’s internal affairs. The heated exchange took place just before the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government on January 21, 2026. The meeting, which also included Massoud Barzani, a veteran Kurdish leader, occurred amidst Syria’s escalating internal conflict and heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
The exchange revealed underlying rifts between the US and the SDF, which has been a pivotal ally in the fight against ISIS in Syria. Barrack’s accusations centered around Abdi’s alleged attempts to drag Israel into the Syrian conflict, a move that he warned could strain US relations with key regional players, including Turkey and Israel. Barrack also expressed frustration with the SDF’s continued negotiations with the Syrian government, despite the shifting political landscape.
Tensions and Allegations: Barrack’s Criticism of Abdi
According to diplomatic sources who were present at the meeting, Barrack’s comments to Mazloum Abdi were blunt and direct. He accused the SDF leader of stalling on the implementation of a March 2025 integration deal with the Syrian government, which was intended to see the SDF merge with Syrian forces by the end of 2025. Barrack criticized Abdi for relying on foreign powers and failing to comply with the terms of the agreement, which had been a key component of US strategy in Syria.
The US envoy’s most pointed remarks were directed at Abdi’s alleged efforts to draw Israel into Syria’s internal matters. Barrack reportedly told Abdi, “You are trying to drag Israel into the conflict, and this will not happen.” He warned that such a move would not only jeopardize US interests but also risk further destabilizing the region, potentially creating friction between two of Washington’s most important allies in the Middle East—Israel and Turkey.
While the SDF has openly acknowledged its contacts with Israeli officials, particularly regarding support for Kurdish communities in Syria, Barrack’s statements underscored the US’s desire to prevent further internationalization of the Syrian conflict. The US has long supported a unified Syria, and any move to involve Israel in the internal dynamics of Syria could complicate Washington’s delicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
The SDF and Israel: A Strategic Relationship
Over the years, the SDF has built a strategic relationship with Israel, with some senior figures within the Kurdish-led group expressing openness to external support from any party that could help protect Kurdish political gains. Ilham Ahmed, a senior SDF official, confirmed the existence of contacts with Israeli officials, stating, “There are certain figures from the side of the Israeli state engaged in communications with our side… and if this conversation leads to support, we would be open to support from any source.”
However, Barrack’s criticism suggests that such alliances, particularly with Israel, may not align with US interests in the region. The SDF’s willingness to engage with Israel and other external powers has drawn attention from various quarters, with some regional actors viewing this as a challenge to Syria’s sovereignty. Barrack’s remarks in the meeting signal that the US may be pushing for the SDF to focus on negotiating a peaceful solution with Damascus, rather than relying on foreign interventions.
The Shifting Syrian Political Landscape
Barrack’s frustration with the SDF was compounded by what he described as the group’s continued failure to recognize the evolving political realities in Syria. He told Abdi, “You still want to deal with the situation as if Bashar al-Assad is ruling Syria,” pointing to the need for the SDF to adapt to the changing dynamics of Syrian politics. Barrack argued that the collapse of the previous regime and the emergence of new political actors in Syria required a shift in the SDF’s approach.
In particular, Barrack emphasized that the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, is now seen as a crucial partner in the global fight against terrorism. He urged Abdi to embrace this reality, stating, “There is a fundamental change; Damascus is our partner today in the fight against terrorism.” This call for a more pragmatic approach to Syria’s government is in line with the US’s broader policy of supporting a unified Syrian state, where the fight against ISIS remains a top priority.
Massoud Barzani’s Role and the Ceasefire Agreement
While Barrack’s comments were critical of the SDF’s leadership, Massoud Barzani, who was also present at the meeting, took a more diplomatic approach. Barzani, who has long been a prominent Kurdish figure in the Middle East, expressed his desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He praised his recent meeting with Syrian government representatives, describing it as a positive step forward. Barzani also appealed for international assistance to protect Kurdish civilians, presenting evidence of ongoing threats faced by Kurdish communities in the region.
At the same time, Barzani called for a follow-up meeting between Abdi and Syrian officials to review the terms of the March 2025 integration agreement. He suggested that he could serve as a guarantor of any new deal, signaling his willingness to facilitate dialogue between the SDF and Damascus. Barzani’s tone, while conciliatory, reflected the complexity of the situation in Syria, where Kurdish leaders must balance their ambitions for autonomy with the realities of political alliances and security concerns.
The Ceasefire Agreement and Its Implications
On January 21, 2026, the Syrian government announced that a ceasefire had been reached with the SDF. This agreement, which includes the withdrawal of SDF forces from key provinces such as Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, marks a significant shift in Syria’s political and military landscape. The deal also stipulates that the SDF will cede control of important border crossings and oil and gas fields to the Syrian government, further consolidating Damascus’s control over the country.
The ceasefire agreement, while a positive step towards reducing bloodshed, leaves many questions unanswered. There is no clear timeline for when the various aspects of the agreement will be implemented, and the future of the SDF remains uncertain. However, Barrack has expressed optimism that the ceasefire will lead to renewed dialogue and cooperation, with the ultimate goal of integrating the SDF into a unified Syrian state.
Navigating the Complexities of the Syrian Conflict
The meeting between Tom Barrack and Mazloum Abdi highlighted the tensions within the Kurdish leadership and the US’s evolving approach to Syria. Barrack’s criticism of Abdi’s foreign alliances and his call for the SDF to recognize the changing political landscape reflect the broader challenges facing the US in the region. The ceasefire agreement, though a step towards peace, underscores the complexities of the Syrian conflict and the delicate balance that must be struck between competing political forces.
For the SDF, the path forward will require difficult compromises. While external support, including from Israel, may be tempting, the US is urging the Kurdish forces to focus on negotiating a long-term solution with the Syrian government. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what role the US and its allies will play in shaping Syria’s future.
