Syrian President Assad Calls Kurdish Leader, Promises Rights Guarantee

In a notable diplomatic move, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has personally contacted Masoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Iraq. The phone call, confirmed by Barzani’s office, focused on the situation of Kurdish people in Syria. President Assad reportedly emphasized that the Kurdish community is an “original and essential component” of Syrian society. Furthermore, Assad conveyed a direct promise regarding Kurdish rights within Syria. He stated that his government “guarantees all the rights of the Kurdish people,” according to the readout from Barzani’s team. This high-level contact is significant. It marks a rare direct discussion between the Syrian head of state and a major Kurdish political figure from the neighboring region. The conversation underscores the ongoing importance of Kurdish issues in Syrian politics and regional relations. No further details about the call or specific policies were immediately released.