The relationship between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has entered a critical phase following years of military clashes and political tensions in northern and eastern Syria. Recent agreements, facilitated by regional and international pressures, have brought the issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity to the forefront as a major concern for the future, especially amid rapid field transformations and a relative decline in the SDF's margin of maneuverability.

The announcement to implement the agreements on the ground coincides with supportive Turkish stances towards a 'one state, one army' approach and Syrian official statements indicating a gradual integration of civil and military institutions in the northeast. While Damascus claims that the agreements aim to resolve the longstanding division, fundamental questions remain regarding what has been concretely implemented, what is pending execution, and the limits of this process given the existing regional and international interferences.

In this context, Al Jazeera poses several critical questions and provides answers to help readers understand the current dynamics in northeastern Syria, the background of the agreement between Damascus and the SDF, what has been achieved on the ground thus far, and who holds the decision-making keys in this evolving situation.