Status update on Syria and SDF integration with Noah Bonsey

Noah Bonsey, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group focusing on Syria, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss developments in Syria with a focus on integration efforts regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF.Following a Syrian Army offensive that reclaimed most of the formerly SDF-held territory in northeast Syria, Damascus and the SDF signed a peace agreement in late January to combine forces under the Syria state structure after 14 years of war.This podcast is a status update on how integration efforts are going in the context of escalated regional instability from the US-Israel war on Iran and amid the continued economic hardships faced by Syrian citizens.The talk covers how Damascus-SDF negotiations impact the PKK peace process in Turkey, as well as the current challenges, opportunities and risks faced by the transitional government of Syrian Pres. Ahmed al-Sharaa.Note: This episode was recorded May 25, 2026.Referenced in this talk:Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this formPKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s May 24 public statement (DEM Party)‘The country is on fire’: Riot police storm CHP headquarters and Bilgi University (Turkey recap) An Opportunity for Calm in North-eastern Syria (Crisis Group)Comprehensive Overview of IDPs and IDP Returns 21-5-2026 (UNHCR)First Turkey-Iraq transit convoy crosses through Syria (SANA)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe