Is the Scenario of 2014 Being Repeated?

The recent reports of an alleged agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to push SDF militia and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) southward toward Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor bring to mind the tragic events of 2014. During that year, Raqqa transformed from a symbol of freedom into a hub of terror and devastation.

In 2013, Raqqa became the first major city center to be liberated from the Assad regime, filling its residents with hope for a future of freedom and dignity. However, these aspirations quickly turned into nightmares when the city was handed over on a silver platter to the terrorist organization ISIS. The group entered the city and carried out heinous crimes, including murder, displacement, and public displays of brutality. Beyond this, ISIS turned Raqqa into the capital of its so-called caliphate, exporting a dark image of an ancient city whose history spans over 4,500 years.

The New Scenario: SDF and PKK

After the city’s destruction and the expulsion of ISIS in 2017, the SDF—viewed by many as an extension of the PKK—took control of Raqqa. For over seven years, these forces have been accused of implementing discriminatory policies, arbitrary arrests, heavy taxation, and stifling dissent. Despite this, the resilient people of Raqqa managed to revive their city, persevering through neglect and oppression.

Now, talk of relocating these forces to Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor as part of international political agreements raises concerns among the city’s residents about a possible repetition of the betrayal they experienced in the past. Many fear that the city may once again become a battleground for regional and international conflicts.

Geopolitical and Political Dimensions of the Agreement

From a geographical perspective, relocating these militias to Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor would place an additional burden on regions already scarred by war and displacement. Historically, these areas have been arenas of competition among major powers. Today, they face the risk of becoming pawns in a new game of international interests, with little regard for the lives of civilians.

Politically, the agreement between Turkey and the U.S. seems to serve their respective interests at the expense of the region’s stability. Turkey aims to push the SDF and PKK away from its southern border, while the U.S. views these militias as a bargaining chip to reshape the balance of power in Syria.

For the people of Raqqa, a repeat of the 2014 scenario is utterly unacceptable. They have already paid a steep price for wars and conflicts imposed from outside. Today, they aspire to live in freedom and dignity, free from racism and foreign interference. Raqqa’s residents want their city to become a haven of peace, not a new epicenter for others’ battles.

Damascus’s Responsibility

The central government in Damascus must recognize a clear truth: there will be no genuine legitimacy for the central authority as long as Raqqa remains outside its control and as long as it continues to offer Syrian cities as prizes for terrorist organizations or armed militias. Any step to return the city to the grip of destructive forces—whether terrorist groups or oppressive militias—will only ignite a new revolution that will not be confined to Raqqa alone.

Raqqa, which has borne immense suffering over the years, has become a symbol of the broader Syrian tragedy. The city still grapples with the aftermath of destruction and displacement, while more than 200,000 displaced residents await the chance to return to their homes and land with dignity and security. These displaced individuals will not remain silent if Damascus or any other authority attempts to turn their city into a battlefield once more or deliver it into the hands of new destructive forces, as happened in the past with ISIS.

A Path Forward for Raqqa and Syria

Any government seeking stability in Syria must recognize the importance of Raqqa as an integral part of the nation’s fabric. Returning Raqqa to central control cannot be achieved through oppression or agreements that disregard the rights of its residents. Stability will only be realized through justice, ensuring local governance that represents the people, and creating conditions for the long-awaited return of the displaced.

Raqqa’s story serves as a testament to Syria’s collective suffering and resilience. It is a reminder that the path to a stable and united Syria lies in prioritizing the rights and dignity of its people over the interests of external powers and agendas.