FDD Morning Brief Al-Sharaa's Kurdish gambit | feat. Ahmad Sharawi
Jan 30, 2026
Ahmad Sharawi, Senior Research Analyst specializing in Syria and Kurdish affairs, breaks down shifting dynamics in Syria’s Kurdish areas. He discusses Kurdish-SDF losses and fragile ceasefires. He explains Shara’s motives around power and oil, Turkey’s deep influence in Damascus, and regional border and smuggling risks.
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Turkey Arrests Suspected Iranian Spies
- Jon Schanzer reports Turkey arrested six suspects spying for Iran, indicating Tehran scouted Turkish sites ahead of potential U.S. strikes.
- He frames the arrests as a surprising move by Ankara acting like a NATO ally despite prior ties to Hamas.
Saudi Visit Reflects Regional Rivalries
- Schanzer notes Saudi Defense Minister Khaled bin Salman's U.S. visit aims to dial down hostilities with Iran while Riyadh publicly resists U.S. strike support.
- He links shifting Saudi media tones to a rivalry with the UAE and changing regional alignments.
SDF Lost Leverage After Failed Integration
- Ahmad Sharawi argues Syria is fractured and the SDF lost its leverage after territorial losses and stalled integration deals.
- He warns ceasefires are fragile and doubts durable implementation of agreements with al-Sharaa's government.