"Putin combs victory after Turkey's offensive"

The ground shakes underfoot at the border. In fact, it is literally shaking off the Turkish artillery field, which continues to bombard Kurdish forces across the border.

But the ground also shakes figuratively. In the course of a few hours, the Americans withdrew their troops from northern Syria, while television images show Syrian regime soldiers are on their way there with waving flags, as in a triumphal train.

The tone was completely different from the Kurdish commander-in-chief announcing the new alliance with Assad and Russia, following Trump's sudden decision to abandon the Kurds.

A "pact with the devil" under gunfire. Of course, it was not verbatim what the commander said, but the spirit of the message. Syrian Kurdish forces saw no other possibility after Trump's suddenly abandoned the Kurds.

But even if Assad and Russia can save the Kurds from being crushed by Turkey's military force, it comes at a very high price. The Kurdish dream of an independent autonomy in northern Syria is in effect over.

The Syrian regime now takes chest tones against Turkey and says it intends to confront the Turkish offensive. An intense race is underway as to who is able to reach first to strategically important cities such as Kobani and Manbij.

The risk of a major war is creeping closer. But it remains to be seen if there will be a confrontation between Turkey and Syrian government forces.

Turkish President Erdogan said today that he welcomes the Assad troops' advance in northern Syria and does not expect any problems as Russian President Putin has a "positive attitude".

A cynical, but unfortunately reasonable, conclusion is that Russian President Putin is rubbing his hands with delight. Putin has kept a relatively low profile during the Turkish offensive, but it is clear that Turkey's attack has favored Russia's interests.

In the superpower game of Syria, the Russian victory is now a fact. The last American soldiers leave Syria, frightened by advances from NATO-allied Turkey.

The losers are, of course, the civilian population, as in all wars. Tens of thousands are fleeing the fighting, even more are hiding in basements for fear of bombs.

Accusations of torture, executions and other abuses are directed against militia allied to the Turkish military. At the same time, the Syrian regime's soldiers are advancing, known for their merciless brutality. As if it were not miserable enough to warn that IS could be strengthened in the wake of the chaos that is now prevailing in northern Syria.