The real question might be whether Turkey decides to intervene, since the insurgents appear to be sponsored by Iran. Are the insurgents elements of the PKK or allied?
Aha. That makes it very difficult for Russia to do much about it. Russia has always tried to maintain placid relations with both Turkey and Iran. Logistically, Syria is a tough problem for military support unless by way of Iran. Do you suppose this may be Turkey's way of dealing with the PKK problem, once and for all? I will confess that I am coming to this story late.
The Turkish backed rebels already took over control of some Kurdish territory during the initial moves and capture of Aleppo. The whole northeast of the country is governed by a Kurdish government and is basically its own country now. They had previously had an agreement with Assad and sort of acted like an autonomous zone within Assad's Syria, but unless they make a deal with Turkey and the rebels, they're next on the chopping block because PKK members are in their government. The rebels already expressed plans to take the city of Manbij from the Kurds, saying they'll be sweeping for PKK members.
The real question might be whether Turkey decides to intervene, since the insurgents appear to be sponsored by Iran. Are the insurgents elements of the PKK or allied?
The rebels are Turkish backed
Aha. That makes it very difficult for Russia to do much about it. Russia has always tried to maintain placid relations with both Turkey and Iran. Logistically, Syria is a tough problem for military support unless by way of Iran. Do you suppose this may be Turkey's way of dealing with the PKK problem, once and for all? I will confess that I am coming to this story late.
The Turkish backed rebels already took over control of some Kurdish territory during the initial moves and capture of Aleppo. The whole northeast of the country is governed by a Kurdish government and is basically its own country now. They had previously had an agreement with Assad and sort of acted like an autonomous zone within Assad's Syria, but unless they make a deal with Turkey and the rebels, they're next on the chopping block because PKK members are in their government. The rebels already expressed plans to take the city of Manbij from the Kurds, saying they'll be sweeping for PKK members.
Thanks for the rundown. Perhaps we underestimate the perfidy of Erdogan.