Prisoner exchange postponed as Damascus refuses to release YPJ fighters

In Syria, almost a month after the agreement to replace the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud in Aleppo, under the authority of Damascus, the transition is taking place. The transformation of these two neighbourhoods, where 500,000 mostly Kurdish inhabitants live, serves as a laboratory for the plan to integrate the north-east into the new Syrian state. On the spot, the Damascus authorities do not inspire confidence and the …

Prisoner exchange postponed as Damascus refuses to release YPJ fighters

On April 1, the Council of Sheikh Maqsoud (Şêxmeqsûd) and Ashrafiyah (Eşrefiyê) Neighborhoods and the Damascus Administration signed a 14-point agreement, including the promotion of coexistence, protection of residents, prevention of armed actions and regulation of internal security. An article of the agreement envisaged both sides in Aleppo Governorate emptying their prisons and exchanging all prisoners captured during the conflict. In accordan…