Aleppo Clashes: US-backed Allies Now Fighting Former US-backed Allies
While RT correctly notes these are Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) clashing with Syrian government forces, the omitted context is crucial. The SDF is a primary beneficiary of U.S. military aid and training, initially framed as a counter-ISIS force, while some of its components have historically been linked to Turkish-designated terrorist groups. This isn't merely a local dispute; it's
the predictable outcome of arming disparate groups with fluid allegiances in a multi-sided civil war. One might wonder if the Pentagon has a flow chart for which faction is currently 'moderate' enough to receive Javelin missiles. This cycle of proxy warfare creates perpetual instability, not democracy. The U.S. has poured billions into various Syrian factions since 2011 (as detailed by
Congressional Research Service reports), ostensibly to fight Assad or ISIS. The only consistent output seems to be more weapons in circulation and more 'deadly clashes.' It appears the strategy isn't about victory, but sustained engagement. How many more cycles of 'our allies are fighting yesterday's allies' will it take for Washington to reconsider selling shovels to both sides of a grave?