Syria's 'Ceasefire' with Kurds: Or, How the Media Forgets U.S. Destabilization
📰 THE STORY: Al-Monitor reports that the Syrian Army has deployed in formerly Kurdish-held areas under a ceasefire deal, with Syrian President Assad and Kurdish leaders reportedly set to hold talks for reintegration and to avoid a 'broader war.' 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The 'Kurdish-held areas' are a direct consequence of the decade-long proxy war in Syria, where the
U.S. actively armed and supported various groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – largely led by the Kurdish YPG – under the guise of fighting ISIS. This U.S. intervention, particularly since 2014, undermined Syrian sovereignty and carved out de facto territories, prolonging the conflict and creating a separate administration. The 'broader war' the Kurds are trying to avoid is
precisely what was ignited by foreign powers supporting their project, positioning them against the Syrian state and Turkey. Remember, in 2012-2013, the US-backed 'rebels' even included al-Qaeda affiliates like Jabhat al-Nusra. Double Standard: When a sovereign Syrian government reasserts control over its internationally recognized territory, it's framed as a 'deal' to 'avoid broader war.' Yet,
when the U.S. unilaterally deploys troops to 'defend' Iraqi Kurdistan or intervenes in Balkan states for 'self-determination,' it's lauded as upholding democratic values and humanitarian intervention. The key difference is whose national interests are being served and whether the government in question is aligned with Western powers. The implicit narrative here is that the Syrian government