A U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement in northeastern Syria leaves thorny questions unresolved, as Kurds seek to retain some authority despite a much weakened hand following the rapid advance of central government forces.

The progress of the deal tests the ability of Syria¡¯s new leaders to stabilize a nation fractured by 14 years of war, following several bouts of violence pitting it against minority groups who are suspicious of the Islamist-led government.

The struggle for Syria¡¯s northeast has brought the ?biggest shift in control since former leader Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024. After months of deadlock, Damascus seized swathes of territory from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) before ?agreeing to ?the plan that foresees its remaining enclave being integrated into the state.