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In a tense diplomatic confrontation preceding Sunday’s ceasefire agreement, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack allegedly confronted Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi over attempts to involve Israel in Syria’s internal affairs, according to anonymous diplomatic sources who spoke with Middle East Eye.

The closed-door meeting, which occurred in Erbil on Saturday amid Syrian government advances into SDF-controlled territories, also featured veteran Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani. Sources indicate Barrack delivered sharp criticism regarding Abdi’s delayed implementation of a March 2025 integration agreement that envisioned SDF merging with the Syrian army by year’s end.

Barrack, a consistent advocate for a unified Syrian state, reportedly accused the SDF leadership of “stalling, failing to implement the agreement with the Syrian government, and relying on foreign powers.” The envoy issued a stark warning against involving Israel, stating such actions would “bring destruction” and potentially create friction between two crucial U.S. allies—Turkey and Israel.

These allegations emerge alongside acknowledgments from senior SDF officials, including Ilham Ahmed, who confirmed communications with Israeli representatives and expressed openness to support from any external party willing to protect Kurdish communities and their political achievements.

During the meeting, Barrack challenged Abdi’s apparent failure to recognize Syria’s transformed political landscape, noting: “You still want to deal with the situation as if Bashar al-Assad is ruling Syria… There is a fundamental change; Damascus is our partner today in the fight against terrorism.”

Contrasting this tone, Barzani reportedly described his recent meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa as positive while requesting assistance for Kurdish civilian protection, presenting documented evidence of threats facing Kurdish communities. The Kurdish leader offered to serve as “new guarantor” for any revised agreement and requested a follow-up meeting between Sharaa and Abdi.

The diplomatic efforts culminated in Sunday’s ceasefire announcement, with Syria’s military assuming nearly complete territorial control and dismantling the Kurdish-led forces that governed northeast Syria for over a decade. The agreement stipulates SDF withdrawal from Arab-majority Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces, including border crossings and energy fields, though specific implementation timelines remain unclear.

Barrack subsequently praised the agreement on social media, characterizing it as progress toward a “unified Syria” and noting President al-Sharaa’s recognition of Kurds as “an integral part of Syria.”

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has officially designated November 7 as the date for New Zealand’s next general election, setting the stage for a contentious battle over economic leadership and policy direction. The center-right leader will pursue a second term amidst persistent voter concerns about living costs and economic recovery.

The electoral contest presents a remarkable political coincidence, featuring two leaders named Christopher vying for premiership—repeating the 2023 electoral dynamic. Luxon’s National Party government faces formidable opposition from Chris Hipkins’ resurgent Labour Party, with analysts predicting an exceptionally close race.

New Zealand’s political structure features a unicameral parliamentary system where coalition-building proves essential. Both major parties typically require alliances with smaller political entities to secure governing majorities, granting minor parties disproportionate influence in determining the nation’s leadership.

Economic performance dominates the electoral discourse, with Luxon emphasizing his administration’s efforts to rebuild the pandemic-affected economy. Recent economic indicators show a 0.5% contraction over the past twelve months, while emigration to Australia has reached record levels during Luxon’s tenure. The Prime Minister attributes these challenges to what he characterizes as economic mismanagement by the previous Labour administration.

Opposition Leader Hipkins has dismissed Luxon’s economic narrative as ‘management-speak mumbo-jumbo,’ accusing the government of failing to deliver on key promises including housing affordability and healthcare accessibility. The debate extends to infrastructure investment and pension funding, with Luxon criticizing Labour’s debt accumulation approach while Hipkins condemns the government’s tax policies.

Luxon, a former Air New Zealand CEO and business executive, brings corporate leadership experience but faces criticism regarding his political novice status and perceived disconnection from ordinary citizens. Hipkins, who briefly served as prime minister following Jacinda Ardern’s resignation, emphasizes his humble background and governmental experience despite his party’s 2023 electoral setback.

The electoral outcome will likely hinge on negotiations with minor parties. Luxon’s current coalition includes the libertarian ACT and populist New Zealand First parties, while Hipkins would likely seek support from the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori. Historical patterns suggest single-term governments are uncommon in New Zealand politics, with the last occurrence dating to 1975.

In a significant geopolitical realignment, the United States has declared the original purpose of its security partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) largely fulfilled. US Ambassador Tom Barrack announced this strategic shift on Tuesday, coinciding with Damascus’s proclamation of a four-day ceasefire and a comprehensive compromise agreement.

The breakthrough arrangement mandates that Kurdish fighters integrate into the Syrian national army as individuals rather than as distinct Kurdish-led divisions. This structure addresses the SDF’s longstanding request for maintaining cultural autonomy while unifying Syria’s security apparatus. Concurrently, Damascus will assume control over critical infrastructure including border crossings, oil facilities, ISIS detention centers, and strategically vital dams in water-scarce eastern regions.

Ambassador Barrack articulated on social media platform X that ‘the original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force has largely expired,’ noting Damascus’s current willingness and capability to assume security responsibilities. His statement aligned temporally with Syria’s announcement granting the SDF 96 hours to formulate an integration plan for Hasakah province.

The agreement contains significant concessions from both parties. Syrian government forces have committed to abstain from entering Kurdish-majority villages or the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli, which serve as SDF headquarters. This development follows recent military advances by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces, which reclaimed territories including Raqqa and oil-rich Deir Ezzor from SDF control.

Barrack framed the diplomatic achievement as creating ‘a unique window for the Kurds’ offering full citizenship rights, constitutional protections for Kurdish language and culture, and participatory governance. These provisions, backed by US diplomacy, reportedly exceed the semi-autonomous status the SDF maintained during civil war instability.

The agreement follows President Sharaa’s January decree recognizing Kurds as ‘a basic and authentic part of the Syrian people’ while restoring citizenship to those deprived since the 1960s. Ambassador Barrack, who manages Syria policy for the Trump administration, has been mediating between the SDF, Damascus, and Ankara—Turkey being Sharaa’s key foreign supporter and traditional adversary of Kurdish forces.

This policy shift represents Washington’s most coherent Syria strategy to date, emphasizing extrication from long-term military presence, ensuring ISIS’s definitive defeat, and mediating ethnic reconciliation without endorsing separatism. The unitary state approach also reassures Damascus and Turkey about US commitments to Syria’s territorial integrity, countering regional alternatives including Israeli preferences for segmented governance structures.