The Take What Aleppo’s fighting reveals about Syria’s fragile peace
Jan 12, 2026
In this discussion, Bernard Smith, a senior correspondent for Al Jazeera English, shares firsthand insights from Aleppo amidst a fragile ceasefire. He highlights the on-and-off nature of clashes between Syrian and Kurdish forces and the significant human toll, with many civilians displaced. Bernard outlines the challenges of integrating the SDF into national forces and the impact of sectarian mistrust. He also examines Kurdish aspirations for autonomy and the delicate path toward reconciliation as Aleppo’s residents strive to rebuild their lives.
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U.S. Mediation Secured The Ceasefire
- The United States played a key mediation role to secure the ceasefire between Damascus and the SDF in Aleppo.
- Bernard Smith reports U.S. pressure persuaded Kurdish fighters to pull out to avoid wider escalation.
Weapons Left Behind In Hasty Pullout
- Syrian forces found mortars, kamikaze drones, and large amounts of ammunition left behind after SDF fighters pulled out.
- Bernard Smith observed searches lasting about 24 hours before residents were allowed to return.
Division Within The SDF Hindered Integration
- Integration of the SDF into Syria's military was always hard because Kurdish ranks are divided and foreign fighters resist Damascus.
- Smith links stalled talks to internal SDF splits and fears after sectarian violence in Sawayda.