A new statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a faction which is dominated by the Kurdish YPG, has affirmed that not only will they be participating in the invasion of the ISIS capital city of Raqqa, as previously announced by the US, but that they intend to be the “only force that will take part in the operation.”
Even more noteworthy, since the Turkish government has over the past two months repeatedly publicly warned the US that the Kurds mustn’t be allowed to participate in the Raqqa operation at all, the SDF’s statement offered its own warning to the US that Turkey can’t have any role.
Turkey’s military and its allied rebel factions have been invading northern Syria for some time now, mostly fighting ISIS as well, but Turkish warplanes have repeatedly attacked Kurdish YPG forces as well, mostly notably a few weeks ago when they launched strikes against YPG forces who were engaged in an offensive against ISIS at the time.
It is unsurprising, then, that neither side is comfortable working with the other in offensives, but still raises the possibility of the two getting into direct combat over who gets to attack Raqqa. This is particularly true since Turkey is still resenting their exclusion from Iraq’s invasion of Mosul.
Well, well. US promised Kurds their ethnically cleansed little state, and now, they are claiming it. It will not work. Turkey is still a bit laid back — waiting for US move. US proposal was rather silly, for Turkey to have a role “after” US and Kurds take Raqqa region. Let us remember what they are actually talking about — about Raqqa Governorate, not just a town. Kurds intend to remove a great number of non-Kurdish population from the area. In fact, other then Kurdish enclave, all other towns and townships have vast Arab majorities, with Kurds being a small minority. Kurds intend to change that — and US has acquiesced. Just as they did all along the way while fighting ISIS — and every time changed the population make-up. The glaring example is the town of Manbij. Biden dramatically told the word how Kurds need to withdraw from Manbij — they are still there.
Now, quite a drama will be played out for the town of Al-Bab. Already, an all female battalion is getting ready, so they can take “their land”. Never mind, that it is NOT THEIRS. This war has US really in all sorts of dirty pacts — from “moderate” head chopping “rebels” , to brave Kurds fighting ISIS — to steal land from its inhabitants. Before we jump to Raqqa, let us wait for the drama around Al-Bab. I would not be surprised the videos of brave female division against bad Turks. Of course, while these brave women fight, US would like to see the rest of Syrian women lose their freedom to the “moderate” jihadists, who would force them under veil. Ah, the women rights — selectively applied, selectively protected. What a mess!
The last word on Raqqa is definitely not said. We just need to wait for the developments. None of the actors will advertise in advance their moves.
No one is going to Raqqa. The Kurds don’t have the strength, and the Turks would have to go through 30,000 Kurds. ISIS is going to be there for a while.