For Syria’s Government, Kurdish Deal Is a Big Win
As the government moves to assert control over areas under Kurdish rule, it will be the latest test of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s pledge to form an inclusive administration that empowers minorities.
As the government moves to assert control over areas under Kurdish rule, it will be the latest test of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s pledge to form an inclusive administration that empowers minorities.
The government’s move to assert control over areas under Kurdish rule is a major test for President Ahmed al-Sharaa as fresh clashes erupted.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s announcement on Friday came after days of fighting between the government and Kurdish forces. On Saturday, those forces began withdrawing from a flashpoint east of Aleppo.
The takeover ended one of the worst outbreaks of violence between the central government and the Kurdish-led forces since the end of the civil war just over a year ago.
Fighting in the city of Aleppo resumed as talks to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national military appear to have stalled.
The talks, in Paris, are the latest bid to reduce tensions between two longtime enemies. A deal would help both curry favor with the Trump administration.
The attacker likely had links to the Islamic State and was possibly targeting a Christian church in the center of Aleppo, according to a government spokesman.
After more than a decade of wars, from Syria to Gaza, the Middle East is exhausted by conflict. Is it ready to find another way?
Ansar al-Sunna, which experts say appears to be an ISIS splinter group, claimed responsibility for the explosion, which happened as worshipers were attending Friday Prayer.
Hacked communications and a social media analysis reveal how former regime leaders are trying to arm fighters and exert influence as far away as Washington.