ERBIL — Former US Special Envoy to Syria James Jeffrey stated in an interview with Al-Jazeera News that the newly established Syria will have no place for groups like the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the Islamic State (IS), or Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
During the interview, Jeffrey emphasized that the US troop presence in Kobani is tactical and contingent upon the Syrian government’s ability to address the threat of IS. “If the US sees Damascus capable of handling IS effectively, it will withdraw its forces from the region,” Jeffrey said.
Commenting on Syria’s stability, Jeffrey reiterated that the new Syria must be free from destabilizing forces. “There is no room for the PKK, IS, or IRGC in a secure and peaceful Syria,” he added.
The US currently has around 900 troops stationed in northern and eastern Syria, primarily supporting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in counter-IS operations. The SDF, a key ally in the fight against IS, controls much of northeast Syria (Rojava) under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
The US presence in Kobani and other areas has played a pivotal role in preventing the resurgence of IS while also serving as a counterbalance to Iranian influence and Turkish-backed militias. However, Washington has faced pressure from regional powers and internal political debates about the long-term necessity of its involvement in Syria.
Jeffrey’s comments come amid a rapidly evolving political landscape in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The new government, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, has begun negotiations with international actors to secure recognition and aid while addressing internal divisions and armed groups operating in the region.
The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, remains a contentious issue in northern Syria. Turkey has repeatedly targeted PKK-affiliated groups, including elements within the SDF, citing national security concerns.
The US has maintained a careful balance in supporting the SDF while distancing itself from PKK activities. Jeffrey’s statement aligns with Washington’s stance of not allowing the PKK to gain a foothold in Syria’s political or security structures.
While IS has been territorially defeated, its sleeper cells continue to operate in Syria and Iraq, exploiting security gaps and the region’s complex terrain. Similarly, Iran’s IRGC-backed militias have expanded their influence across Syria, posing additional challenges to stability.
Jeffrey’s remarks underline the importance of a cohesive and inclusive political solution in Syria while maintaining international pressure to ensure that extremist and destabilizing forces do not find refuge in the post-Assad era. The US remains committed to supporting counterterrorism efforts and fostering a stable transition for Syria.