Four months have passed since the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces signed a revised integration and ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government, brokered by the United States, which ended weeks of violent clashes. For many Kurds in Syria and beyond, the deal amounted to capitulation. The Kurds' dreams for a decentralized state in which they would preserve their political and cultural autonomy have gone up in smoke.

There is mounting anger at the SDF and civilian leaders over their failure to secure a better deal, amid unproven claims that the SDF is taking its cues from Ankara. Over the past week, their anger has grown as government authorities in the city of al-Hasakeh replaced a Kurdish-language sign above the local court known as the Justice Palace. Protesters tore down at least three signs in the Arabic language before calm was restored. Language rights, alongside women’s rights, are among the multiple friction points bedeviling Kurdish efforts to integrate peacefully with Damascus. 

Leading the effort is the SDF commander-in-chief, Mazlum Kobane. In an exclusive hour-long interview with Al-Monitor that was conducted via WhatsApp, Kobane responded to the criticism and provided details on the progress achieved. He acknowledged that mistakes had been made in negotiations with Damascus and that the SDF could have shown more flexibility, especially with regard to the reintegration of Arab-majority areas.