President-elect Trump recently described the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria as an 'unfriendly takeover' orchestrated by Turkey. Assad fled to Russia after the al Qaeda-derived organization, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took over western Syria, including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Damascus.
The future of Syria remains uncertain as the HTS, backed by the Turkey-supported Syrian National Army (SNA), now holds power. The fall of Assad marks the end of a 14-year civil war but poses a threat to the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), viewed as adversaries by Turkey.
Concerns arise over the fate of the Kurds under a potential HTS regime, with experts warning of Turkey's increased influence in Syria. The U.S. brokered a cease-fire between the SDF and SNA in Manbij, but negotiations collapsed, raising fears of renewed combat operations.
The SDF expressed disappointment over Turkey's refusal to accept key cease-fire terms, leading to escalating tensions. The SDF's position has weakened post-Assad's fall, with U.S. troops being the only obstacle to further losses against SNA forces.
Amidst these challenges, the SDF must remain flexible and rely on U.S. diplomacy with Turkey to navigate the complex dynamics in northern Syria.
