Kurdish distrust towards Syria's new government remains profound due to historical affiliations with Al Qaeda and Turkish backing, which has previously sought to diminish Kurdish influence. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to integrate into a new national army under President Ahmed al-Shara, marking a significant step towards national unification. However, skepticism persists among Kurds and other minorities regarding the true intentions of the central government and its ability to protect their rights and interests. The deal was initially welcomed, but doubts arose over unresolved details about the SDF's future role and the potential cessation of Turkish attacks. While some view the integration as a historic opportunity for Kurdish recognition, others fear it may not halt Turkish aggression or ensure adequate protection for minority groups in Syria, leading to a complex and uncertain future for the region.

The Kurdish-led SDF in northeast Syria agreed to integrate into a new national army, a significant move for President Ahmed al-Shara's efforts to unify the country, but skepticism remains due to the government's historical ties to Al Qaeda and its backing by Turkey.

Interviews with northeastern residents reveal deep-seated distrust among Kurds and other minority groups, fearing the new government may not adequately protect or represent them, especially given the former rebels' affiliations and Turkey's history of undermining Kurdish power.

Despite an initial positive reception, concerns emerged over unresolved details, such as the SDF's role within the national military and the ongoing Turkish military threats, which have historically linked Syrian Kurdish forces to militants in Turkey.

The merger deal marks a potential historic opportunity for Kurdish political recognition, but it also raises questions about the cessation of Turkish attacks and the safety of minority groups, as recent violence against the Alawite minority has heightened fears.

US support has bolstered the SDF as a key force against the Islamic State, but American withdrawal from the region adds to the uncertainty regarding the future security landscape, leaving many residents wary of the central government's ability to maintain stability.

Not all groups view the agreement similarly; while some Arabs see it as a necessary check on Kurdish power, others doubt the government's capacity to manage security, particularly concerning prisons holding Islamic State fighters and their families.

The Turkish military initially sustained attacks even after the merger accord, leading to tragic incidents like the deadly strike in Kobani, which killed a family of farm laborers, further fueling distrust and tension in the region.