Syrian Journalist to Welat TV: Nechirvan Barzani’s Visit to Damascus Opens New Avenues for Rapprochement and Cooperation
Welat TV – Erbil
Syrian writer and journalist Mohiuddin al-Lazqani said that Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Damascus carried important political messages at both the Syrian and regional levels, describing it as one of the most significant political developments of the current phase and saying it has strengthened prospects for the success of Syria’s transitional period and efforts to promote stability in Syria and the wider region.
In an exclusive interview with Welat TV during his participation in the “Interview of the Week” program on Thursday, August 6, 2026, al-Lazqani said that talks between Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed several key issues, foremost among them the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to promoting stability in Syria and supporting the success of the transitional phase, as well as the future relationship between the Syrian state, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Autonomous Administration. He noted that the integration process is moving forward despite some obstacles and argued that it represents the most realistic option for ensuring stability in the country.
Al-Lazqani also discussed political and security developments in Syria and the country’s relations with Iraq, Turkey, Russia, and Lebanon, as well as the domestic situation. He expressed optimism about Syria’s future, stressing the importance of building a state governed by the rule of law, establishing transitional justice, and launching political life in a manner that reflects Syrians’ aspirations after years of war and sacrifice.
Interview:
Welat TV: How do you assess Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Syria and his reception by President Ahmed al-Sharaa? What political messages did the visit convey?
Al-Lazqani: I believe President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Syria was one of the most successful visits of the recent period, as it carried both explicit and indirect political messages underscoring the commitment to Syria’s stability and the success of the transitional phase.
The talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed key issues, most notably the integration of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration into Syrian state institutions. This is a central issue for the stability of Syria and the region as a whole.
The Kurdistan Region also understands that stability in Syria has a positive impact on the security of the entire region. There is considerable appreciation among Syrians and the Syrian leadership for the role played by President Masoud Barzani, as well as President Nechirvan Barzani. The indicators appear positive, with serious intentions to address outstanding issues.
Welat TV: The Kurdistan Region flag was displayed inside the People’s Palace. Was this merely a protocol measure, or did it carry political messages?
Al-Lazqani: Protocols differ from one country to another, but the display of the Kurdistan Region flag inside the People’s Palace was welcomed, particularly as it was displayed alongside the Iraqi flag, reflecting mutual respect between the two sides.
I believe the Syrian leadership demonstrated respect for the will of the Kurdish people and had no reservations about displaying the Kurdistan Region flag. There is also an emerging trend toward improving relations between Damascus and Baghdad, while the Kurdistan Region is likewise seeking to develop its relations with Syria after years of estrangement.
Welat TV: At a time when the central Iraqi government supported the Assad regime, the Kurdistan Region stood alongside the Syrian people and hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees. How will this affect current relations, particularly in light of the decision to open a Syrian consulate in Erbil?
Al-Lazqani: Syrians will not forget the position taken by the Kurdistan Region and President Barzani toward Syrian refugees. The region hosted hundreds of thousands of them and provided for their basic needs, a position that is widely appreciated among Syrians. The warm reception given by President al-Sharaa to Nechirvan Barzani in Damascus reflects this appreciation.
The Region’s positions in support of the Syrian revolution and political stability continue to be respected. I believe the influence of the Kurdistan Region and President Barzani among Kurds in Syria could help facilitate the integration process and push it toward positive outcomes.
Welat TV: The region is witnessing accelerated diplomatic activity, beginning with Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Damascus, followed by Mazloum Abdi’s visit and then Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Turkey. How do you interpret these developments?
Al-Lazqani: It is noteworthy that following President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit and then Mazloum Abdi’s visit, some military formations witnessed changes in their structures and leadership positions. This is linked to the process of integrating the SDF into the Syrian army, as the military integration of SDF forces requires a new military structure that the two sides are working on effectively.
As for the Syrian foreign minister’s visit to Turkey, it comes within the same context, given that a number of factions previously operated with Turkish support and under Turkish supervision. Regional coordination is therefore natural. I believe Turkey does not oppose this process because Syria’s stability is in its interest, and it is not in Turkey’s interest for its borders to remain tense.
Welat TV: Do you believe the integration process between Damascus and the SDF has entered its final stages?
Al-Lazqani: Some steps are being implemented quickly, but there are also obstacles delaying certain issues. There are also elements within the SDF that do not want rapid integration or prefer to postpone it, as we saw in some of the incidents that took place in Qamishli. Nevertheless, I believe integration is inevitable because there are no realistic alternatives. Syria’s unity within a democratic, decentralized system represents the best option for all components if there is sufficient political will.
Welat TV: How do you assess Syria’s political, economic, and social situation following your recent visits?
Al-Lazqani: During my first visit, I noticed a sense of optimism and happiness among Syrians. During my second visit, however, dissatisfaction began to emerge because living conditions had not improved. By my third visit, protests had begun to appear in Damascus and other areas.
I believe Syria has entered a new phase in which the space for freedoms has expanded significantly, which will help foster genuine political life. However, the country still needs a political parties’ law and the launch of political activity after decades of stagnation and political desolation, alongside improving living conditions in a manner worthy of the sacrifices made by Syrians.
Welat TV: Are the military movements along the Syrian-Iraqi border precautionary measures, or do they reflect military preparations?
Al-Lazqani: I believe much of what has been reported about these movements lacks accuracy. There are media campaigns targeting Syria, while the movements themselves were limited and carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government. The Syrian government’s messages to Iran-aligned armed militias regarding the need to avoid threatening Syria’s security have also been clear and consistent.
Welat TV: Could Syria face pressure to become involved in a confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Al-Lazaqani: The crimes committed by Hezbollah in Syria are well known and cannot be forgotten. However, the Syrian army is still undergoing reconstruction and restructuring and, therefore, cannot become involved in an external war.
Despite Hezbollah’s attempts to establish closer ties with Damascus, I do not believe, in my assessment, that the Syrian leadership is moving toward opening a new chapter with the group or coordinating with it.
Welat TV: Damascus, meanwhile, has opened a new chapter with Russia. How do you view this?
Al-Lazqani: Syria is open to the Lebanese state, not to Hezbollah. As for Russia, it is impossible to ignore what it did during the years of war, but Russia remains present through its military bases, and ending that presence will take time.
A complete severing of relations would not serve either side. Therefore, relations may continue at a minimal level until they are reshaped in the future. At that point, Syrians could demand compensation for the damage inflicted upon them.
Welat TV: What common ground should unite Syrians in building a stable state?
Al-Lazqani: I believe Syrians have become increasingly convinced that their future lies in rallying around a project to build a state governed by the rule of law, implementing transitional justice, preserving a space for freedoms, and launching political life in a manner worthy of their sacrifices and responsive to their aspirations.
Welat TV: Are you optimistic about Syria’s future?
Al-Lazqani: Yes, I am very optimistic about Syria’s future. I have always believed in hope, and I believe the sacrifices of Syrians will not have been in vain. Syrians are capable of building a modern institutional state that respects its citizens, maintains balanced relations with its neighbors, and contributes to regional stability.