US Ambassador to Turkey and Syria Special Envoy Tom Barrack: SDG and YPG Are the Same, No Right to Independent State

Kokcha News Agency reports that Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria, publicly clarified Washington’s stance on the Syrian Kurdish issue. In an interview with CNN Türk, Barrack asserted that the SDG (Syrian Democratic Forces) is the same as the YPG and that both are connected to the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey.

He emphasized, “We have no obligation to establish an independent Kurdish state; there will be no independent SDG state. We are not dictating anything to anyone. The YPG is a derivative of the PKK, and the PKK has begun to lay down its arms.”

Barrack also pointed out that the U.S. is not responsible for creating a new state for the Kurds but sees its duty as facilitating a reasonable transition process in the new Syrian regime. He explained that the Syrian government insists that a federal system is not viable, arguing that different ethnic groups, such as Dürzî, Alevî, and Kurdish communities, cannot each have separate armed forces but must unify under a single structure.

He mentioned, “They have been in power for seven months, trying to unify these interests, but it is very complex for the SDG, and we are aware of that.”

Regarding a previous agreement in March, Barrack said, “The deal reached was based on principles but ultimately failed because everyone rushed to an agreement without clarifying details. Details are crucial. Now, it’s time to clarify those details, bring everyone together, and move forward.”

Finally, Barrack noted that the SDG believes the U.S. owes them, but Washington insists, “We have a duty to act reasonably. If they do not act reasonably, alternatives will be considered.”