Tensions are rising in northeastern Syria as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) integrate into the national army. Recently, hundreds of oil tanker trucks were stranded in the region after protesters blocked a key highway near the town of Tal Tamr, demanding an end to rising fuel prices. This incident reflects growing unrest in the Kurdish-majority areas, where the central government is reasserting control following the integration of the SDF, a group that had previously held de facto autonomy in the region. The integration agreement, seen as a major win for interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has brought the SDF into Syria's national military structure. However, this move has sparked concern among Kurdish communities who had enjoyed a degree of self-rule during the SDF's control. Kurds, who make up about 10% of Syria’s population, were historically marginalized under the Assad regime. During the civil war, they established a semi-autonomous region in the northeast. Now, with the government reasserting authority, many fear the loss of the rights and freedoms they had previously enjoyed. Protests have also erupted over a government decision to make Kurdish an official language in schools, although the language will only be taught three times a week. This contrasts sharply with the Assad era, when Kurdish was banned in education, and the SDF's rule, when schools primarily used Kurdish. Tensions further escalated when a former SDF fighter, now in the Syrian army, was abducted and killed in Hassakeh. This incident, along with a prison riot in Kobani that resulted in nine deaths, has fueled anger and unrest in the region. The recent increase in fuel prices—gasoline by 30% and diesel by 40%—has further strained the situation. The government cited global fuel price increases and refinery repairs as reasons for the hike. However, residents in the northeast, where fuel was previously heavily subsidized under SDF rule, are feeling the impact acutely. Demonstrations have blocked the M4 highway, halting the transport of oil from key fields, with protesters demanding a reversal of the price increases. Meanwhile, the fate of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), an all-female fighting force under the SDF, remains a contentious issue. The YPJ played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State in the region. However, current military authorities in Damascus oppose women in combat roles. The YPJ has sought integration into the interior ministry’s security forces, but not within the special mission units. While the government has expressed openness to the YPJ remaining in their home regions, details are still being worked out. Despite these challenges, analysts note that the integration agreement has achieved a significant milestone in ending weeks of fighting between the SDF and the central government. While the process has involved compromises, with Damascus holding the upper hand, the overall dynamic remains positive. However, ongoing issues like fuel prices and the status of the YPJ continue to pose major obstacles to the integration process.