The Israeli press is reporting that President Donald Trump wants US troops to pull out of Syria. The 2,000 US troops in north-eastern Syria offer security assistance to the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, mainly against ISIS and Islamic terrorists. Recently, the US forces have also been building a new base in Kobani.
President Donald Trump already intended to pull out US troops from Syria in his previous administration, but this new change was indefinitely postponed. Now, President Trump has halted aid to the Kurds as part of his suspension of all foreign aid. Some of this aid used to go to pay the salaries of Kurdish prison guards who are guarding up to 10,000 ISIS prisoners and their families in detention cenrtres in north-eastern Syria. Some of these prison guards are not showing up for work as a result.
Talks between SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa have collapsed after both sides refused to concede. The SDF is asking for up to 50% share of oil revenues and an autonomous government with the SDF forces remaining a distinct unit inside the Syrian Army. On the other hand, Ahmed al-Sharaa wants further integration of Kurds into the Syrian state and less autonomy for them, as he is demanding their full and regular integration with the army, local autonomous governance, and recognising Kurdish rights with the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Turkish military vehicles were seen entering the area of Thisreen Dam where Kurdish forces are fighting the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. Germany and the EU are also backing Turkey with its offensive against the SDF, as they “acknowledged” Turkey’s security concerns.
Once again, the Kurds seem to have been abandoned by the West, with only France remaining as their last major advocate.
Newsroom
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