The Syrian Kurdish minority, backed by the US, is facing an uncertain future as a new power dynamics takes shape in Syria. The rebels who toppled President Bashar Assad’s government have made overtures to the Kurds, but their intentions remain unclear.
The Kurds, who have carved out a largely autonomous region in eastern Syria, are concerned about their place in the new government. Turkey, which has long been at odds with the Kurds, is supporting the Sunni Arab rebels and may pose a threat to Kurdish interests.
Kurdish fighters have battled various factions during the Syrian civil war, partnered with the US to defeat ISIS, and established a secure region in eastern Syria. However, their gains are now at risk due to Turkey’s growing influence in the region.
The US has around 900 troops stationed in eastern Syria, where they partner with Kurdish forces to prevent an ISIS resurgence. However, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about US involvement in Syria, which could impact the future of this mission.
Turkish-backed fighters have been battling the Kurds for years, and their continued influence in northern Syria could create a new front for the conflict. The Kurds’ struggle for autonomy is likely to be a contentious issue in the new government.
As the Syrian rebels advance on Damascus, it remains to be seen whether they will seek to incorporate Kurdish interests into the post-Assad political order. However, this would require accepting some degree of Kurdish autonomy, which could anger Turkey and complicate the situation.
The Trump administration’s stance on supporting the Kurds is unclear, with Army Gen. Erik Kurilla meeting with SDF forces in Syria as a sign of commitment. However, Trump has previously expressed skepticism about US involvement in Syria, which could impact the future of the Kurdish alliance.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/syria-war-assad-kurds-rebels-turkey-us-2b4af609c4dcf853ac6d7a22d3dccf5d