The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) is following with deep concern the dangerous developments in the city of Kobani and several areas of northeastern Syria. These developments follow the killing of the fighter Sipan (Sami Sheikhmous Hisso) and the protests and other troubling events that followed. Several civilians and members of the security forces were injured….
Remarks by: DAVID L. PHILLIPS Academic Visitor, St. Anthony’s College, Oxford Univetsity The Kurdish Studies Conference, London School of Economics May 1, 2026 Rojava is more than a geographic reference. It is a way of life marked by grass-roots democracy, women’s rights, and environmental sustainability. As a concept, it is relevant beyond Syria’s borders. The world…
On the developments in Sweida Governorate and the risks facing the future of the country The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) is following with great concern the serious security developments in the governorate of Sweida and armed clashes and acts of violence against civilians, in an unprecedented escalation that threatens to slide the country into deeper…
May 28, 2025 BY ILHAM AHMED Syrians across the country celebrated the fall of the Assad regime in December as a moment of joy and freedom. Next, President Trump made the welcome decision to suspend economic sanctions against our country, a move that will help alleviate years of suffering. But for Syria’s many diverse peoples…
The Syrian Democratic Council expresses its deep appreciation for the decision of His Excellency the President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump, regarding the suspension of sanctions imposed on Syria, as this decision carries positive indicators that directly serve the interest of the Syrian people. The Council also highly appreciates the constructive…
12th May 2025 Today, the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) released a statement, announcing the results of the 12th Congress dissolution of the PKK, and the ongoing struggle for socialism in the process of Peace and Democratic Society. This statement comes as a result of its 12th Congress held from the 5th to 7th of May,…
By David L. Phillips NEW YORK, Mar 12 2025 (IPS) – Israel’s decision to suspend electricity supplies to Gaza has far-reaching consequences for daily life of Palestinians as well as Gaza’s reconstruction. Managing Gaza’s energy crisis will require the development of alternative supplies, which are found in off-shore natural gas fields that can be developed off the…
THE WASHINGTON TIMES — 1/27/2025 Dr. David L. Phillips The Syrian Democratic Council plays a pivotal role in Syria’s transition and future constitution. It rejects independence for Rojava, the Kurdish region in northeast Syria, in lieu of power-sharing between Damascus and Syria’s regions. The SDC does not seek a “zero-sum gain,” where its gains come at the expense of others. After 50 years of conflict and hardship, the SDC wants…
by David L. Phillips, opinion contributor – 12/26/24 11:00 AM ET The U.S. and Turkey risk a confrontation if Turkey or its jihadist proxies attack the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), America’s ally fighting ISIS. Defeating ISIS is still a work in progress; the Kurds are guarding thousands of ISIS prisoners in northeast Syria. If they redeploy to…
By David L. Phillips Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan and Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric who died last week, were political allies and business partners. They engineered an Islamist take-over of the civil service and police until a disagreement in 2013 dividing the spoils. When Gulen’s allies in the judiciary launched an investigation into Erdogan’s dealings,…
