The Damascus Tango: How the US-backed 'terrorists' become an Assad asset
THE CLAIM: Daily Sabah reports that Syrian internal security units have begun entering Hassakeh, a city largely under the control of the US-backed YPG (People's Protection Units), as part of an 'ongoing deal.' The Turkish outlet, which frequently labels the YPG a 'terrorist group,' interprets this as a significant shift orchestrated by Damascus. THE EVIDENCE: The YPG, the primary component of the
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has held significant sway over northern and eastern Syria for years, largely due to US military and financial backing. This support began under the Obama administration, significantly ramping up in 2014-2015, ostensibly to combat ISIS. However, it placed the US in the unusual position of supporting a group considered an offshoot of the PKK – designated a terrorist
organization by Turkey and the US itself (Council on Foreign Relations, 2019 report). While often portrayed as an independent actor, the YPG's survival has always been contingent on great power backing. This isn't the first time they've sought deals with Damascus; in late 2019, when Turkey launched 'Operation Peace Spring,' the YPG, abandoned by the US, quickly brokered an agreement allowing
Syrian army forces to deploy to the border to deter the Turkish offensive. THE CONTRADICTIONS: The 'terrorist group' label from Turkey, and reiterated by Daily Sabah, stands in stark contrast to the US policy of arming and training the YPG. This exposes a profound double standard: a group can be simultaneously a US ally against ISIS and a 'terrorist' threat to a NATO partner. The current reported