Keep pulling the thread on Meghan Bodette.
An integration agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Damascus government was signed on January 29th.
Under the SDF-Damascus integration agreement, women are permitted to join internal security and police forces but are currently barred from integrating into the Syrian army.
The Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have agreed to dissolve their autonomous command structure and integrate their fighters into four new brigades being formed within the Syrian army.
ISIS has declared the new government of Syria as a target for its operations.
The new Syrian government faces a security threat from Iran and its regional proxy forces.
Elements within the armed forces of Syria's transitional government have engaged in sexual and gender-based violence against ethnic minority women in the past year.
The January 29th integration agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus made no mention of women or their status.
The Syrian government has rejected female candidates nominated by the Syrian Kurdish side for senior posts under the recent integration agreement.
The Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have approximately 2,000 to 2,500 fighters who are seeking to integrate into the new Syrian army.
The new Syrian government has offered female fighters from the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) positions in the internal security forces as an alternative to joining the army.
The Women's Protection Units (YPJ) played an integral role as allies of the United States in the military campaign against ISIS.
Women are permitted to serve in the armed forces of Syria's neighboring countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.