Syria’s Changing Power Grid: What Turkey Wants

Source:Council on Foreign Relations Date:22Dec2018

Note what the YPG and the Assad regime do. All of their incentives point toward a deal that increases the chances of Assad reestablishing control over Syrian territory and provides the Kurds with a modicum of protection from the Turkish military and its militia allies. If this happens, the situation in northern Syrian could deteriorate markedly, especially if Erdogan gives the order to invade.

Also watch Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is now the undisputed broker of the future of Syria, but Moscow will have to handle the competing interests of Syria and Turkey. If Putin can manage this complicated situation without a major confrontation between the Turks and Kurds, and between the Turks and Syrians, he will solidify his role as a regional leader.