Introduction

The situation regarding the Kurds in Syria is complex, with the United States, Germany, and Turkey having different stances and intentions.

US Position

The United States has been a strong ally of the Syrian Kurds, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

The US has approximately 2000 troops advising and supporting the SDF in Syria.

Kurdish forces, under the SDF banner, played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS) alongside US forces.

The US aims to prevent ISIS from regaining a foothold in the region and views the Kurds as essential partners in this effort.

German Position

Germany has expressed concern for the security of Kurds in Syria

Germany views the Kurdish forces as crucial for regional stability and combating extremist groups. In the past, Germany has provided military support to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq to help fight against ISIS. This engagement extends to Syria, where Kurdish forces have been instrumental in battling extremist organizations.

Germany has 1.2-15 million Kurdish population, which influences domestic politics and foreign policy decisions besides participating in multinational efforts against extremist groups in the region, which often involve cooperation with Kurdish forces

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that “security for Kurds is essential for a free and secure future for Syria”.

However, Germany also called for disarming Kurdish forces and integrating them into the national security structure.

By advocating for disarmament, Germany aims to address Turkey’s security concerns and maintain good relations with this NATO ally.

The German government is concerned about the potential for further conflict.

Baerbock cautioned against the risks of further escalation with Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Disarmament is seen as a way to reduce tensions and prevent clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish groups.

Turkey’s Intent

Turkey’s stance towards Syrian Kurds is significantly different.

Turkey views the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the main component of the SDF, as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization.

Turkey’s primary goal is to marginalize Kurdish groups in Syria, particularly the YPG, and push them away from border areas.

President Erdogan has urged an end to foreign support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, comparing YPG fighters to ISIS.

Turkey has conducted multiple cross-border operations targeting the SDF in northern Syria.

Turkey aims to create a 30-kilometer buffer zone along its border with Syria to prevent the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region.

Conflicting Interests

The situation creates tension between NATO allies:

The US & Germany supports the SDF as a key ally against ISIS, while Turkey, also a NATO member, views the same group as a security threat.

This conflict of interests has been a primary source of contention between Ankara and Washington.

Conclusion

The future of Syrian Kurds remains uncertain, caught between US protection, German concern, and Turkish opposition. The outcome may depend on diplomatic efforts to balance these conflicting interests and the policies of the incoming US administration. Our prediction seeing the pattern of Erdogan for two decades internal and external to Turkey, he cannot be trusted.

Edrogan wants complete eradication of Kurds which if happens will become Genocide. Turkey needs to remember History still remembers Armenia genocide for which Turkey is wish washy in taking any stances for decades