Reconciling the Syrian Proxy State
THE ACTORS: Regional Powers Consolidate The primary actors in this development are the Syrian internal security forces, the YPG (People's Protection Units), and, critically, Turkey. The Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad, seeks to re-establish control over its internationally recognized borders. The YPG, dominant within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has held significant sway in
northern Syria since 2012, largely due to U.S. military backing. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU since 1984 (U.S. Department of State, 1997). THE FUNDING: Backing Competing Interests The YPG's operations have historically been financially supported by the U.S. through various aid
packages and military assistance programs. While specific figures for direct YPG funding are often opaque, the U.S. has allocated billions to 'stabilization' efforts and partner forces in Syria since 2014 (CRS Report R43022, 2023). Conversely, the Syrian government's budget, though ravaged by conflict, continues to receive support, primarily from Russia and Iran, through credit lines, military
aid, and reconstruction contracts. For example, Russia signed a 49-year lease for the Tartus naval base in 2017, generating revenue and strategic leverage for Damascus. Turkey, meanwhile, invests heavily in its military operations in northern Syria, having spent significant sums on interventions like Operation Peace Spring in 2019, which saw the displacement of approximately 300,000 people (UN