Kurdish parties in Syria attempt to unite

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In northeastern Syria, the various Kurdish parties are trying to unite. Caught between the Syrian and Turkish armies, the various components are pushed by the Western forces to find a solution to put an end to years of intra-Kurdish conflicts.

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The fight against the Islamic State organization officially ended, the Kurdish parties must today find a new strategy to remain essential on the international scene. But their internal division complicates the task, the more so as each has its ally.

The PYD in power in the area is close to the regime of Bashar al-Assad, it is moreover seen by the Turkish neighbor as a branch of the PKK, in other words a terrorist organization.

The Kurdish National Council is precisely based and supported by Ankara. He was forced into exile by the PYD several years ago.

Despite everything, negotiations started 6 months ago, encouraged by the United States. In recent days, several members of different parties have claimed that meetings had also taken place with a French delegation.

For Westerners, the goal is to be able to keep an ally of choice without alienating certain actors in the conflict, Turkey for example. For the Kurds, the objective is notably to be able to be invited to the Geneva negotiations for the resolution of the Syrian conflict. The PYD controls 20% of Syria but their presence in Geneva is rejected by Turkey.

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• Syria
• Turkey
• Bashar al-Assad
• Kurds

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