President Trump has announced that he is lifting all sanctions against Turkey for the time being, citing a “permanent” ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds and the withdrawal of Kurds from the Turkish-occupied safe zone.
Trump credited the US for getting the Kurds out of the safe zone, and for everything else, conspicuously not mentioning the Russian deal with Turkey which was reached only the day before, and came after pointed US warnings to the Kurds not to talk with Russia.
Trump appeared to be quite conscious that this was a factor, declaring “this was an outcome created by us, the United States, and nobody else.” That’s his position, but it’s unlikely many will see it that way.
Trump said this validated his troop withdrawal from Syria, while also insisting that US troops are going to remain in Syria to protect oil reserves that were taken by the US during the war.
Trump also shrugged off his own declaration of a permanent ceasefire, saying “permanent” doesn’t mean much in that region. He also threatened new sanctions against Turkey if “something happens that we are not happy with.”
So long as Trump personally gets credit for what happened, even as Russia and Syria get the Kurds out of the north, he seems content with the status quo. If his military control over Syria’s oil is threatened, or if Turkey does something he’s not happy with, like crediting Russia, he’s likely to fly off the hinges again.
Thanks to DJT for his work at securing a permanent ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds and the lifting of sanctions on Turkey.
In addition, he’s responsible for the returning home of the majority of US troops who had left Northern Syria and were rejected by Iraq. I don’t blame Iraq for refusing their entry .. That country suffered enough from the G. W. Bush Administration’s act of aggression in 2003 and the occupation that followed. Now, they can return home and we can thank DJT for the work he’s put into it.
We’ll see what happens when Israel has a government that tells Trump what to do again soon.
I don’t see how occupying Syria’s oil fields will be politically feasible long term. A state openly smuggling another’s oil vis a vis an illegal invasion and occupation…not an easily defensible position now that they’re come out and declared it.
It is still not clear what oil fields he is talking about. Anyone knows? The difficulty for US staying in Syria without local partner and without border control to Iraq — makes me wonder if such a schema is viable.
We know US has airfield and the local mercenary group called Revolutionary Commando Army, about 50-300 strong, patrolling external boundary of Rukban refugee camp that is actually run by ISIS. Since this is on Jordan border, there should be no problem for US getting oil out. But it all depends on how far the fields are.
And if the fields are not close by — who will secure them? SDF will not.
Today, SDF commander talked via video link to Russian Minister of Defence and General in charge of Syria operations. And committed himself to implementing Turkey-Russia agreement, offering full cooperation.
He thanked Russia for coming up with solution that protects Kurds, and received assurances that no Kurd civilians need to move out of security zone. I cannot see SDF guarding oil fields, or receiving revenue.
There have been several drone attacks on Iraqi troops on the border. It must be coming from Israel or US stationed in Jordan. But the target is Syria-Iraq border, that is now open. The attacks may be aiming at scaring those trying to use the crossings.
jordan is still an american protectorate, and the usa has been quietly expanding Jordanian bases and airfields.