Today, Explained A new war in Syria
Oct 15, 2019
Alex Ward, a national security reporter at Vox and host of the Worldly Podcast, dives into the complex chaos of northern Syria. He discusses the recent U.S. troop withdrawal and Turkey's military aggression against the Kurds, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis. Ward outlines the fraught history of U.S.-Turkey relations and how past events have led to their current tensions. He also explores the potential resurgence of ISIS and the shifting alliances in the region, emphasizing the intricate web of U.S. foreign policy and its consequences.
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Nightmare Scenario in Syria
- Trump's troop withdrawal from Northern Syria led to a Turkish invasion.
- Turkish-backed troops attacked Kurds, displacing over 100,000 people and causing numerous casualties.
Unexpected Alliance
- Kurdish forces, previously backed by the US, formed an alliance with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
- This alliance aims to counter Turkey's offensive in Northern Syria.
ISIS Resurgence
- Turkey's invasion of Northern Syria created a vacuum.
- This allowed ISIS detainees to riot and potentially escape, posing a renewed threat.