International powers to set ‘minimum behavior standards’ for Syria, says James Jeffrey

James Jeffrey, a retired US diplomat, has outlined his vision for the future of Syria following the agreement signed between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In an article penned for Al Majalla, the former US Ambassador to Türkiye and former Special Representative for Syria Engagement argued that Syrian unity must be established in a manner that prevents the country from sliding back into a new civil war.

According to Jeffrey, this objective is achievable only if Damascus reaches out to the country’s diverse ethnic and religious minorities and avoids violent government repression.

Jeffrey further noted that the central government must implement forms of local and regional self-governance, including cultural and political rights, the election of local officials, and democratic oversight of policing and public finance.

“While this type of roadmap is not particularly common in the Middle East, it is enshrined in the Iraqi constitution and has worked significantly well since 2006 in areas where Kurds do not live (the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq operates under different provisions of that constitution and is not particularly applicable to Syria),” Jeffrey wrote.

Pointing out that the “international community” can facilitate this process, Jeffrey argued that the administration in Damascus is likely to cooperate if the US can bring together regional and international powers to link economic aid and diplomatic support to the “resolution of local governance and human rights issues.”

Jeffrey wrote that progress toward the “full integration” of the Kurds is not only the most critical project within Syria but also stands out as one of the most important regional priorities in the Middle East, alongside negotiations with Iran and the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

The retired diplomat summarized the necessary strategy for US-led international powers as “conditional support, collective pressure,” emphasizing that the US has learned it cannot impose solutions on the internal dynamics of sovereign states.

On the other hand, Jeffrey indicated that both the US and its international partners can speak with one voice on “unacceptable matters.” He noted, “This begins with a firm rejection of renewed clashes between the central government and local militias—such as the bloody conflicts that occurred last summer in Suwayda, a province with a Druze majority.”

Jeffrey pointed out that the “international community” could push for a reduction of the central government’s security presence in minority regions and the establishment of locally controlled police forces. In return, he advised that Kurds, Druze, and other minority groups should commit to decommissioning heavy and crew-served weaponry and allow central government forces freedom of movement in these areas following local coordination.

Jeffrey continued:

“Beyond this, the international community can offer recommendations on internal relations, but no external actor should insist on the implementation of a game plan that supports its own specific ideas. The international community must insist on minimum standards of behavior, particularly regarding the unjust use of force against minorities and citizens. Compliance with these standards should be linked to foreign aid and collectively enforced by all international supporters.”

According to Jeffrey, the other form of assistance the US can provide to Syria involves the foreign powers currently maintaining troops and influence in the country: Iran, Russia, Israel, and Türkiye.

Jeffrey believes that following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Iranian influence is now negligible. He argued that preventing Iran’s return to Syria in any capacity must be a top priority for both Syria and the region.

Noting that the new Syrian administration already lacks such a desire, Jeffrey reminded that Israel and Türkiye are also opposed to an Iranian return to Syria.

Underlining that the Russian military presence is not a priority for the US, and that Israel and Türkiye view the Russian presence as a counterbalancing element against one another, the diplomat stated that the primary issue to monitor is the relationship between Israel and Türkiye.

Regarding Türkiye, Jeffrey wrote the following:

“Ankara’s strong position in Damascus implies a specific responsibility for what happens next. The most pressing issue is Kurdish integration, which could potentially fail. If this fails and Damascus resumes its attacks on the SDF—encouraged by certain circles in Ankara—Türkiye will be blamed. This blame would damage Türkiye’s relations with Washington and its NATO and trade partners in Europe, all of whom favor the SDF for its central role in defeating ISIS. Furthermore, a powerful and militarily successful Türkiye stands alongside an equally victorious Israel in Syria, and there is a risk that other bilateral frictions, such as Gaza, could spill over into Syria.”