Turkish-US tensions stemming from Operation Olive Branch in Afrin have brought the deteriorating bilateral relations of the past two years to a new low. Whereas the major aim of the US interests in Syria continues to be preventing the return of the Islamic State, Turkey will continue to take action to take advantage of the post-Islamic State reality in order to achieve its goals vis-à-vis the Kurds. The conduct of all the parties involved in northern Syria will likely continue to be characterized by a sensitive and volatile reality...
In a swift military campaign, the Iraqi government regained control of Kirkuk from the Kurds. This move was made possible when Iran, led by Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, reached an agreement between the leaders of the PUK – the political enemies of Masoud Barazani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government – and the Iraqi government regarding withdrawal of the Peshmerga forces from Kirkuk. The loss of Kirkuk is a severe blow to the economy of the region and severely damages the ability of the Kurds to realize their...
After years of disagreement between Iran and Turkey, particularly regarding the war in Syria, there are many recent signs of an increase in cooperation between Tehran and Ankara. A range of developments on the ground, including the success of Iran and Russia in ensuring the continuation of the Assad regime; cooperation between the United States and the Kurds in the fight against the Islamic State; and concern about the consequences of Kurdish ambitions for independence, as well as Turkey’s decision to send armed forces to Syria...
