Syria Sdf Agreement

26.7.2023

On October 13, 2019, the United States announced that it had reached a deal with Turkey to end its military operation in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia that had been a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, would withdraw from a designated safe… Zobrazit článek

On October 13, 2019, the United States announced that it had reached a deal with Turkey to end its military operation in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia that had been a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, would withdraw from a designated safe zone along the Turkish border. The announcement was met with criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, who accused President Trump of abandoning the Kurds and allowing Turkey to take over the region.

The SDF agreement was negotiated between U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following Turkey`s invasion of northeastern Syria on October 9, 2019. The invasion was aimed at pushing back Kurdish fighters from the border area, who Turkey considers to be terrorists linked to the Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK).

Under the terms of the agreement, the SDF would withdraw from a 20-mile (32-kilometer) wide safe zone along the Turkish border, and Turkish troops would suspend their offensive operations. Once the safe zone was established, Turkey would lift its sanctions on Syria and the U.S. would lift its sanctions on Turkey. The agreement also called for the release of Turkish prisoners held by the SDF.

Critics of the agreement argued that it gave Turkey a green light to invade Syria and attack the Kurds, who had been a key ally in the fight against ISIS. They also raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the Turkish offensive, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and caused widespread destruction.

The SDF agreement was seen as a blow to U.S. credibility in the region and raised questions about the future of U.S. involvement in Syria. Some analysts argued that it could lead to a resurgence of ISIS, which had been largely defeated in Syria by the SDF and other U.S.-backed forces.

In conclusion, the SDF agreement marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Syria and raised concerns about the future of the region. As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve, it will be important for the U.S. and its allies to carefully consider the implications of their actions and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.