Last night was ecstatic, seeing Mazloum Abdi of the Kurdish Democratic Forces and Syrian President Ahmad Shar’i sign an agreement on a central government with a unified army and control over resources of the country, with integration of KDF into the transition and recognition given for long debated Kurdish identity issues.
No wonder, Syria instantly exploded with celebrations immediately the pictures of the two signing the unexpected agreement were released last night—not only in Damascus but in all its cities and regions. It was a sigh of relief. A one, peaceful Syria is now assured and gone is the fear of disintegration and civil war. In the contemporary Arab world, this is unique.
America, if you had not pushed Abdi, it would not have happened. Your effort was the major force, being his strongest ally. Of course, the submission of the PKK to peace in neighbouring Turkey was another factor. Combined with the dexterity of Ahmad Shar’i, Syria has avoided the tormentous path of Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Sudan.
Your role in neighbouring Gaza will even be more appreciated. Continue to bring the two parties together towards a lasting peace, along with other regional players. In war, we all lose; in peace, we all gain.
Ensure that no civilians are killed anymore; humanitarian services are restored; all hostages and prisoners are released; and a new Gaza is reconstructed where the ruins of the present lie. Both Israel and Gaza can live in peace. It is possible.
In Yemen, you can still push the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Qataris and Iran to negotiate a lasting peace. Enough of the suffering in Yemen. Let the prosperity of business take over from the destruction of war.
Finally, Ukraine. A negotiated peace will have great impact on prices of gas, oil and food, not to mention saving the lives of millions of Ukrainians and Russians.
Despite the undiplomatic orientation of your current President, you cannot abdicate the responsibility—and the burden—which destiny has placed on your shoulders as a world leader. A new America that chooses business over war is timely.
* Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde writes from Bauchi, Nigeria
