Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has appointed Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi as a presidential advisor. This appointment follows the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) earlier this week. Abdi previously headed the SDF, an organization formed with US support to combat ISIS. The SDF controlled significant territory in northeast Syria, including vital oil fields. This region was established as an autonomous area by Abdi and the SDF. However, the SDF's influence waned after al-Sharaa, a former Al-Qaeda leader, assumed power in Damascus with US, Turkish, and Israeli assistance. Al-Sharaa's forces defeated the SDF in early 2026, leading to the end of Kurdish autonomy. Abdi announced the SDF's integration into the Syrian state as part of a deal to preserve Kurdish rights. He views a recent decree recognizing Kurdish national rights and language as a victory. Abdi's past affiliation with the PKK, a group considered terrorist by Turkey, is noteworthy. Turkey aims to leverage Kurdish populations in Syria and Iraq for regional influence.