The Syrian government is tightening its control over the northeast following the disbanding of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces at the end of August, ending more than a decade of de facto Kurdish autonomy in the region. In Kurdish-majority cities such as Qamishli and Hasakah, there is cautious hope that integration into a new Syria could bring greater political participation and recognition of Kurdish rights. But the transition comes after years of conflict in which thousands of Kurds died fighting the Assad government, ISIL and former rebel groups now part of Syria's new authorities. Thousands of displaced people are also preparing to return to Ras al-Ayn after years away. But with infrastructure destroyed and the economy struggling, rebuilding the northeast will require major investment.
Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Qamishli and Hasakah.
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