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Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
Keywords: Turkey Kurds, Turkey Syria, Mosul, Aleppo, Raqqa, Isis, Russia Syria,
This exceptional report by Chulov in the Guardian shows the changes in the war in Iraq and Syria in 2015-2016 since the downing of a Russian jet by Turkey in late 2015. It says that the Syrian government's future was uncertain in late 2015 with Turkish support for rebel forces in the north. During this period Russia curtailed trade and tourism relations with Turkey, and improved relations with the Kurds. Russia intervened in northern Syria directly to prevent a collapse of Syrian government forces in the north. Kurdish forces were already controlling large parts of the Syrian territory adjoining Turkey, and Turkey was concerned about the support to Kurds within Turkey from Kurds in Syria and a historical movement for Kurdish independence. In April 2016 Russia made a move to win Turkish support by saying it would support the territorial integrity of Syria, so that no support would be given to the Kurds. As the U.S. consistently supported the Kurds in the fight against ISIS, Turkey under prime minister Erdogan changed its policy of support for rebel forces in Syria to focus on what it perceived as the threat fom Kudish control of the region at its Syrian borders. Rebel forces were told to focus not on the Syrian government forces but on ISIS, leading to withdrawal of support in Aleppo.
What remains now of the war in Syria and Iraq is Iranian influence in Iraq, the Russian influence from support of the Syrian government in Damascus, and for the first time U.S. ground forces in the north with 900 troops supported by artillery on the side of the Kurds. The next stage in the war to take ISIS controlled Raqqa is being negotiated between Russia, Turkey and the U.S., according to this report.
Islamic State and the Syrian city of Raqqa- role of the 20,000 foreign fighters in the Syria-Iraq conflict
02/05/2015
Fighters come from Russia's province of Chechnya, Tunisia, other Arab countries, and Britain. In some Syrian cities such as Raqqa they are the dominant group with the war turning many Syrians into refugees in Turkey and Jordan.
Grouped Articles
In Islamic State Stronghold of Raqqa, Foreign Fighters Dominate
Wall Street Journal 02/05/2015
Splits in Islamic State Emerge as Its Ranks Expand
Wall Street Journal 03/10/2015
Islamic State’s Deep, Poisonous Roots
Wall Street Journal 01/02/2016
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish tanks capture key border stronghold from ISIS
Washington Post 08/24/2016
Islamic State and the crisis in Iraq and Syria in maps - BBC News
BBC News 12/07/2016
Tunisia's radicalized youth | Middle East | DW.COM | 21.12.2016
DW.COM 12/21/2016
The retaking of Mosul, Iraq, from Islamic State in December 2016
11/01/2016
Grouped Articles
Battle For Mosul Begins in Iraq Against Islamic State - SPIEGEL ONLINE
SPIEGEL ONLINE 10/22/2016
WorldLink: Fleeing Mosul | All media content | DW.COM | 04.11.2016
DW.COM 11/04/2016
Islamic State and the crisis in Iraq and Syria in maps - BBC News
BBC News 12/07/2016
Iraqi forces push into deadliest areas of Mosul as civilian exodus accelerates
The Guardian 03/06/2017
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Iraq Recaptures Al Nuri Mosque in Mosul, but Only Rubble Remains
The New York Times 06/29/2017
Aleppo, Syria in 2016
12/13/2016
Grouped Articles
Aleppo Cease-Fire Clears Way to Evacuate Rebel-Held Areas of Syrian City
WSJ 12/13/2016
New warnings to Putin, Assad as Aleppo evacuation stalls | News | DW.COM | 14.12.2016
DW.COM 12/14/2016
Russian Special Forces Seen as Key to Aleppo Victory
WSJ 12/16/2016
Russian ambassador to Ankara dies after gun attack | Breaking News | DW.COM | 19.12.2016
DW.COM 12/19/2016
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
The Russian view on Syria by Ruslan Pukhov
07/06/2012
Grouped Articles
New York Times 07/06/2012
Russia’s legislature authorizes Putin to use military force in Syria - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/30/2015
Russia Buildup Seen as Fanning Flames in Syria
New York Times 09/29/2015
Teaming up with Russia in Syria could be a dangerous false step for the U.S. - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/19/2015
For France, an Alliance Against ISIS May Be Easier Said Than Done
New York Times 11/18/2015
Putin Gambit Over Syria Proves to Be Dual-Edged Sword
New York Times 12/15/2015
Turkey's new role in the Syria-Iraq crisis in 2014-2016 as it faces a large influx of refugees
10/02/2014
Turkey's parliament authorizes the government in October 2014 to take all steps needed for national security as it faces Islamic State (ISIS) forces on its borders. Islamic State is trying to take a Kurdish town of Kobani near the Turkish border leading to 160,000 refugees fleeing the fighting.
Grouped Articles
Turkey Votes to Allow Operations Against ISIS
New York Times 10/02/2014
Turkish Inaction on ISIS Advance Dismays the U.S.
New York Times 10/07/2014
Oil Gives Kurds a Path to Independence, and Conflict With Baghdad
New York Times 10/25/2014
Germany Pledges Aid to Countries Sheltering Refugees From Syria
Wall Street Journal 10/28/2014
Iraq faces new crisis as winter descends on millions uprooted by Islamic State - The Washington Post
Washington Post 12/27/2014
Outlook Darkens for Syria Refugees in Turkey
Wall Street Journal 12/28/2014
The consensus in the Obama administration to support Syria's democracy forces in summer 2011, and the U.S. president's failure to act
08/23/2011
Defense Secretary describes the plans supported by key members of the National Security team to support Syrian democracy forces in the summer of 2011- supported by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Clinton, General Dempsey of the Joint Chiefs, and CIA director Petraeus. The president failed to act because of approaching elections and the general hesitation to act that was displayed since the start of the democracy movement in Tunisia, and then through the movement's spread to Egypt, Libya, followed by Syria. The U.S. failed to grasp an opportunity for the Free World and create goodwill in the Arab world by standing up to its ideals of democracy and freedom.
Grouped Articles
Israel Says Syria Has Used Chemical Weapons
New York Times 04/23/2013
New York Times 04/22/2013
Pentagon Plans for the Worst in Syria
Wall Street Journal 05/07/2013
What if the U.S. doesn’t intervene in Syria? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/09/2013
Why did Mr. Obama overrule his advisers on Syria? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/09/2013
New York Times 05/05/2013
The Syria- Turkey border in 2016
04/16/2016
Grouped Articles
Syrian Rebel Offensive Against Islamic State Sparks Exodus
Wall Street Journal 04/16/2016
The New York Times 08/11/2016
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish tanks capture key border stronghold from ISIS
Washington Post 08/24/2016
Never Ending War: Why The Cease-Fire in Syria Won't Help - SPIEGEL ONLINE
SPIEGEL ONLINE 09/17/2016
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Turkish military expert: Putin uses Turkey to achieve his own ends | News | DW.COM | 09.03.2017
DW.COM 03/09/2017
Russia's role in the Syrian crisis in 2015-2017
11/18/2015
Grouped Articles
U.S. Eyes Russia-Iran Split in Bid to End Syria Conflict
Wall Street Journal 11/20/2015
Teaming up with Russia in Syria could be a dangerous false step for the U.S. - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/19/2015
For France, an Alliance Against ISIS May Be Easier Said Than Done
New York Times 11/18/2015
Putin Gambit Over Syria Proves to Be Dual-Edged Sword
New York Times 12/15/2015
Why Obama’s Middle East Policy Is Failing
Wall Street Journal 02/16/2016
Never Ending War: Why The Cease-Fire in Syria Won't Help - SPIEGEL ONLINE
SPIEGEL ONLINE 09/17/2016
The PKK and Kurdish peshmerga in the war in Syria and Iraq
07/25/2015
Grouped Articles
America’s Marxist Allies Against ISIS
Wall Street Journal 07/25/2015
Sinjar Victory Bolsters Kurds, but Could Further Alienate U.S. From Iraq
New York Times 11/13/2015
On the Front Line Against Islamic State
Wall Street Journal 12/05/2015
Stingy Baghdad Harms the ISIS Fight
Wall Street Journal 12/21/2015
Islamic State and the crisis in Iraq and Syria in maps - BBC News
BBC News 12/07/2016
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
The Islamic Front of rebel groups in Syria supported by Qatar and Turkey
11/23/2013
Grouped Articles
Some Islamist Groups Unify to Try to Topple Syrian Regime
Wall Street Journal 11/23/2013
Syrian War Increasingly Colors Turkish Politics
Wall Street Journal 10/28/2014
Gulf States and Qatar Gloss Over Differences, but Split Still Hampers Them
New York Times 12/20/2014
U.S. to Give Some Syria Rebels Ability to Call Airstrikes
Wall Street Journal 02/18/2015
Turkey Riles U.S. Ally in Fight Against Jihadists
Wall Street Journal 07/28/2015
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish tanks capture key border stronghold from ISIS
Washington Post 08/24/2016
Efforts to establish an autonomous Kurdish region in Syria, Iraq's Kurdish Autonomous region, and Turkey
05/21/2011
The developments in Kurdish parts of Syria as the Kurds in Iraq and Syria work to promote a similiar autonomous region for Kurds in Syria, based on the model set by the Autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq headquartered in Erbil.
Grouped Articles
Arabs Ask U.S. to Lead on Syria
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
Turkey's Spymaster Plots Own Course on Syria
Wall Street Journal 10/10/2013
In Southern Turkey, Renewed Fears of Sectarian Strife
Wall Street Journal 11/07/2013
In Iraq, growing gap sets Kurdistan apart - The Washington Post
Washington Post 03/10/2012
Kurdish Oil Gambit Hits Troubled Waters
Wall Street Journal 07/22/2014
Iraq Crisis: Effort to Aid Kurdish Forces Puts Iran, U.S. on Same Side
Wall Street Journal 08/14/2014
The evolution of the war in Syria in different phases after the Arab Spring- 2011-2017
11/18/2015
Liz Sly of the Washington Post provides an excellent account of the different phases of the war in Syria from its beginning in the Arab Spring in 2011 as a democracy protest movement, to rebels fighting the Assad regime, the entry of Russia and Iran into the conflict, to current situation with the Islamic State and other rebel groups in control of different areas in Syria. The war ends up turning half of the Syrian population of 22 million into refugees or displaced status, with millions in refugee camps in Turkey, and hundreds of thousands moving towards Germany for asylum. As the conflict evolves it becomes more complicated than when pro-democracy rebels were fighting the government in Damascus- as Russia intervenes in the conflict and the U.S. stays on the sidelines, the Kurds defending their areas with Turkey worried about Kurdish autonomy, and the Shia-Sunni sectarian aspect dividing the Shia Iran supported government in Iraq and Sunnis in Iraq, and France under Hollande switching earlier policy to conduct an air campaign after terrorist attacks in 2015.
Grouped Articles
The long war against Islamist extremism has become more complicated than ever - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/18/2015
Teaming up with Russia in Syria could be a dangerous false step for the U.S. - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/19/2015
NATO faces new Mideast crisis after downing of Russian jet by Turkey - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/24/2015
Moscow promises retribution after Turkey downs military jet - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/25/2015
Range of Frustrations Reached Boil as Turkey Shot Down Russian Jet
New York Times 11/25/2015
On the Front Line Against Islamic State
Wall Street Journal 12/05/2015
The democracy movements in Libya and Syria and Turkey's position
04/08/2011
The Turkish position of the Erdogan government has not supported the democracy movement, as it did in Egypt. Questions raised about the Turkish policy and its influence in NATO.
Grouped Articles
What if the U.S. doesn’t intervene in Syria? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/09/2013
Arabs Ask U.S. to Lead on Syria
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
Turkey’s Erdogan to air policy differences with Obama - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/13/2013
Turkey's Spymaster Plots Own Course on Syria
Wall Street Journal 10/10/2013
Syrian War Increasingly Colors Turkish Politics
Wall Street Journal 10/28/2014
Turkey Riles U.S. Ally in Fight Against Jihadists
Wall Street Journal 07/28/2015
Iraq's Kurdistan region and the invasion by ISIS in August 2014, the Kurdish U.S. backed response in 2015
08/14/2014
Iran and the U.S. aid the Peshmerga forces to push the ISIS Islamic state militants out of Kurdistan. Maliki steps down as prime minister and a new prime minister who would appeal to both Shia and Sunnis takes over. The failure of Maliki to bring national reconciliation and build a strong national military comprised of Shia and Sunni with the help of the U.S. leads to the collapse of Mosul. The situation with a badly trained and poorly organized Iraqi military and poorly equiped Peshmerga leads to the general collapse as Sunni ISIS militants in Syria push into Iraq in 2014. U.S. airstrikes help prevent the fall of Erbil, capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. France moves to aid Kurdistan as the EU fails to come up with a response. By 2015 the situation changed, with U.S. led airstrikes the Kurds had taken Sinjar from ISIS. an agreement.
Grouped Articles
Iraq Crisis: Effort to Aid Kurdish Forces Puts Iran, U.S. on Same Side
Wall Street Journal 08/14/2014
With Maliki Out of the Picture, U.S. Prepares to Boost Iraq Aid
Wall Street Journal 08/16/2014
How to Save Iraq and Honor American Sacrifice
Wall Street Journal 08/15/2014
U.S. Widens Air Campaign in Northern Iraq
Wall Street Journal 08/18/2014
Islamic State Fills Coffers From Illicit Economy in Syria, Iraq
Wall Street Journal 08/28/2014
How Kurds Came to Play Key Role in U.S. Plans to Combat Islamic State
Wall Street Journal 09/09/2014
The situation in Aleppo, Syria, in October 2016 and the West's response
10/12/2016
Grouped Articles
Jeremy Corbyn calls for protests outside US embassy over Syria, claiming too much focus is on Russia
The Telegraph 10/12/2016
EU to Warn Russia of Further Sanctions Over Aleppo Attacks
WSJ 10/20/2016
‘I Dream in Fruit’: What Hunger Looks Like in Syria
10/28/2016
New warnings to Putin, Assad as Aleppo evacuation stalls | News | DW.COM | 14.12.2016
DW.COM 12/14/2016
Russian Special Forces Seen as Key to Aleppo Victory
WSJ 12/16/2016
Russian ambassador to Ankara dies after gun attack | Breaking News | DW.COM | 19.12.2016
DW.COM 12/19/2016
Syria's second largest city of Aleppo destroyed by war by 2014
04/25/2014
Grouped Articles
Syria Civil War Forces Brutal Split in Aleppo
Wall Street Journal 04/25/2014
Want to Defeat ISIS? Help the Syrian Opposition
Wall Street Journal 08/14/2014
The New York Times 08/11/2016
Washington Post 09/26/2016
DW.COM 10/07/2016
Jeremy Corbyn calls for protests outside US embassy over Syria, claiming too much focus is on Russia
The Telegraph 10/12/2016
U.S. president Obama and handling of Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq- policy failures and corrective course
09/28/2014
Grouped Articles
Obama Acknowledges U.S. Erred in Assessing ISIS
New York Times 09/28/2014
Iraq and U.S. Find Some Potential Sunni Allies Have Already Been Lost
New York Times 11/15/2014
Months of Airstrikes Fail to Slow Islamic State in Syria
Wall Street Journal 01/15/2015
Coalition Has Reclaimed Territory from Islamic State, Kerry Says
Wall Street Journal 01/23/2015
New York Times 02/07/2015
Obama’s Dual View of War Power Seeks Limits and Leeway
New York Times 02/11/2015
UN Security Council Resolution in Dec. 2015 for initiating the peace process for Syria
12/18/2015
Grouped Articles
After Years of War in Syria, U.N. Passes Resolution on Talks
New York Times 12/18/2015
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Russia's support for the Assad regime in Syria
01/05/2009
Russia's support for the Assad regime comes from a sense of keeping its superpower status and opposition to unilateral interventions by the U.S., Britain and France. Russian arms sales are an insignifcant factor. Russians see the secular regime of Assad preferable to an expansion for Islamist related democratic parties in the Middle East, especially considering the problems in the Chechnya region of Russia. The Russian government has failed to grasp the needs of the younger generation in the Middle East to have a voice in their government especially after years of neglect and military regimes.
Grouped Articles
Why did Mr. Obama overrule his advisers on Syria? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/09/2013
A Veteran Saudi Power Player Works To Build Support to Topple Assad
Wall Street Journal 08/25/2013
For France, U.S. delay on Syria fuels doubts - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/07/2013
With the World Watching, Syria Amassed Nerve Gas
New York Times 09/07/2013
What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria
New York Times 09/11/2013
Obama Is Lost in the Mideast Bazaar
Wall Street Journal 09/12/2013
The Kurdistan regional government in Iraq and its need for financing in 2015-2016 with the refugee crisis and conflict in Syria and Iraq
12/21/2015
Grouped Articles
Stingy Baghdad Harms the ISIS Fight
Wall Street Journal 12/21/2015
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
The war in Syria in 2015
08/15/2015
Grouped Articles
Truce in Three Syrian Towns Breaks Down as Fighting Resumes
Wall Street Journal 08/15/2015
The New York Times 08/11/2016
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar's support for the democracy movement in Syria
05/21/2011
Grouped Articles
Arabs Ask U.S. to Lead on Syria
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
Turkey’s Erdogan to air policy differences with Obama - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/13/2013
In Surprise, Emir of Qatar Plans to Abdicate, Handing Power to Son
New York Times 06/24/2013
Qatar's Emir Hands Power to Son
Wall Street Journal 06/26/2013
A Veteran Saudi Power Player Works To Build Support to Topple Assad
Wall Street Journal 08/25/2013
U.S., Allies Prepare to Act as Syria Intelligence Mounts
Wall Street Journal 08/27/2013
Turkey's border region with Syria and the trucking trade between Turkey and Iraq
06/24/2014
Grouped Articles
After Opening Way to Rebels, Turkey Is Paying Heavy Price
New York Times 06/24/2014
Turkey Riles U.S. Ally in Fight Against Jihadists
Wall Street Journal 07/28/2015
Syrian Rebel Offensive Against Islamic State Sparks Exodus
Wall Street Journal 04/16/2016
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish tanks capture key border stronghold from ISIS
Washington Post 08/24/2016
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Turkish military expert: Putin uses Turkey to achieve his own ends | News | DW.COM | 09.03.2017
DW.COM 03/09/2017
The escalation of the Syrian conflict with the Assad regime's shelling of Turkey's border town of Akcakale
10/04/2012
Turkey responds on October 4, 2012 with an artillery attack on a Assad regime forward base with help from the Free Syria Army in locating the base which was moved.
Grouped Articles
Arabs Ask U.S. to Lead on Syria
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
Turkey’s Erdogan to air policy differences with Obama - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/13/2013
Turkey's Spymaster Plots Own Course on Syria
Wall Street Journal 10/10/2013
In Southern Turkey, Renewed Fears of Sectarian Strife
Wall Street Journal 11/07/2013
Want to Defeat ISIS? Help the Syrian Opposition
Wall Street Journal 08/14/2014
Syrian War Increasingly Colors Turkish Politics
Wall Street Journal 10/28/2014
Turkey's airspace and Russian planes over Syria in 2015
11/24/2015
Grouped Articles
NATO faces new Mideast crisis after downing of Russian jet by Turkey - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/24/2015
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Military Jet
Wall Street Journal 11/24/2015
Wall Street Journal 11/24/2015
Moscow promises retribution after Turkey downs military jet - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/25/2015
Syria’s Turkmen rebels, the group at the center of the Russia-Turkey clash - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/25/2015
Range of Frustrations Reached Boil as Turkey Shot Down Russian Jet
New York Times 11/25/2015
The situation in Syria in 2017- negotiations between the U.S. supporting Kurdish forces in the north, Russia, and Turkey
03/09/2017
By 2016 Turkey sets aside its goal of supporting rebel forces in Syria to focus on what it perceives as a threat from Kurdish forces on its border with Syria. Russia supports Turkey against the Kurds, as the U.S. sends ground forces in small numbers to support the Kurds in the north, and negotiations take place between the three countries.
Grouped Articles
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/2017
Turkish military expert: Putin uses Turkey to achieve his own ends | News | DW.COM | 09.03.2017
DW.COM 03/09/2017
Turkey’s Wars: Quelling Kurdish Uprisings, and Suffering From Terror Attacks
The New York Times 03/31/2017
Turkey’s Wars: Quelling Kurdish Uprisings, and Suffering From Terror Attacks
The New York Times 03/31/2017
U.S. Is Caught Between Ally Turkey and Kurdish Partner in Syria
WSJ 05/04/2017
U.S. Says It Shot Down Syrian Aircraft
WSJ 06/19/2017
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