Ejder Memis

Where do you get the idea that SDF is against self rule? Local self rule is essentially at the core of their ideology. Not sure I understand the jihadi part.

1- OP describes delegation as "jihadists whose fellows invaded Afrin". Who exactly? 2- Kurdish officials in Syria have abandoned Rojava & W. Kurdistan & 'federation' for a 'North Syria administration'. Self-rule & name sought from Damascus is less than the federation in KRI.

1. I don't know much abt this delegation but read that they are FSA representatives. Only place FSA really exist anymore is in Turkish controlled areas and is now full of jihadis like Ahrar al sham & similar groups. 2. Not sure what you think they have abandoned. Even in recent

interviews they are clear abt wanting some form of autonomy. Name change etc are political maneuvering for negotiations, they have poor cards in their hands. Bashur had a decade of no-fly zone & then US backing post 2003. Rojava is surrounded by enemies & no real allies.

Difference between federation and autonomous region is not merely semantics. Federations are enshrined in constitution whereas autonomous regions are established and can be abolished by central government. SDC made a massive concession to Damascus even before talks began.

In the End of Iraq, Peter Galbraith said that post-2003 Kurds continued to ask for autonomy whereas they should have demanded federation which they eventually got. IIRC, he said Kurdish leaders did not know the difference between autonomy and federation.

Within days of Trump decision to withdraw, "North Syria Federation" became "North Syria Autonomous Administration". This huge concession to Damascus went without notice and criticism by nearly all observers.

I think you're taking the semantics too seriously. At that time US went from "we'll stay for a long time" to "we'll leave in 30 days" while Turkey was days from attacking. Moves were made to ensure a quick deal with Damascus due to urgency.

not jihadists, but official Turkish army...