In a significant statement, the chairman of the United States House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Brian Mast, has expressed support for the establishment of an independent Kurdish region within Syria. This proposal comes as recognition of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their pivotal role in combating the Islamic State (ISIS).

Speaking to Rudaw on Thursday, Mast, a Republican from Florida, emphasized the Kurds' contributions to the fight against ISIS, stating, “We want to make sure that the Kurds are enabled to do what they have done very, very well, which is stand up and fight. They have done an incredible job fighting ISIS, been an incredible partner on that front. And the biggest support that I want to see for Kurds is an independent Kurdistan stood up as part of the landmass that is Syria.”

The SDF, a Kurdish-led coalition, has been the primary ally of the U.S.-led global coalition against ISIS in Syria. They spearheaded the ground campaign that led to the territorial defeat of the extremist group. Despite this success, the Kurds continue to face significant challenges, including defending against Turkish-led military operations and negotiating their political future with the Syrian government in Damascus.

The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Syria, increasing troop numbers from 900 to approximately 2,000 after a coalition of rebels, led by the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted the Bashar al-Assad regime in parts of the country last December. Washington has described the troop surge as a temporary measure to prevent ISIS from regaining a foothold in the region.

Kurdish leaders have urged the U.S. to maintain its military presence in northeast Syria (Rojava), which is under SDF control. They argue that continued support is essential to sustain the fight against ISIS remnants, defend against Turkish incursions, and secure their political future in negotiations with Damascus.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump indicated that he would make a decision regarding the deployment of U.S. troops in Syria but did not provide a timeline. He has previously denied reports suggesting an immediate withdrawal of American forces from the region.

Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed the importance of the U.S.-Kurdish partnership last month, warning that withdrawing troops from Rojava would be a "mistake." He emphasized that the Kurds are critical to preventing the resurgence of ISIS and maintaining stability in the region.

The proposal for an independent Kurdish region within Syria is likely to face significant geopolitical challenges, including opposition from Turkey, which views Kurdish autonomy as a threat to its national security, and the Syrian government, which has consistently rejected any form of Kurdish self-rule. Nevertheless, Mast’s statement underscores the growing recognition of the Kurds' role in the fight against terrorism and their aspirations for greater autonomy.