Trump Wants U.S. Troops to Guard Syria’s Oil. The Kurds May Not Welcome Them.
After capitulating to U.S. demands for years, Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed has some conditions of her own.
The Syrian Kurds lost 11,000 fighters in the U.S.-led campaign to defeat the Islamic State. They agreed not to negotiate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. And in the weeks leading up to Turkey’s Oct. 9 invasion of northern Syria, they dismantled their defenses along the Turkish border.
Lara Seligman was a staff writer at Foreign Policy from 2018-2020. Twitter: @laraseligman
Read More
How Turkey and Russia Carved Up Northern Syria
The pact cements Ankara’s annexation of a significant chunk of formerly Kurdish-held land.
More from Foreign Policy
Arab Countries Have Israel’s Back—for Their Own Sake
Last weekend’s security cooperation in the Middle East doesn’t indicate a new future for the region.
Forget About Chips—China Is Coming for Ships
Beijing’s grab for hegemony in a critical sector follows a familiar playbook.
‘The Regime’ Misunderstands Autocracy
HBO’s new miniseries displays an undeniably American nonchalance toward power.
Washington’s Failed Africa Policy Needs a Reset
Instead of trying to put out security fires, U.S. policy should focus on governance and growth.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.