US-Backed Group Gives Syrian Regime Oil Fields: Mission Accomplished?
Bloomberg reports that Syria’s government and a US-backed Kurdish group have signed a deal to 'end fighting,' which, in practice, means the US-backed forces are ceding vital territories and oil fields. This comes after years of US maneuvering in the region, ostensibly to counter ISIS and support 'democratic' forces. One might recall similar 'strategic withdrawals' that paved the way for various
regional powers to consolidate control, often at the expense of local allies the US had previously championed and left stranded. This 'agreement' conveniently expands the Syrian regime’s control—a regime the US has been actively trying to isolate and destabilize for a decade. It raises questions about the long-term efficacy (or perhaps, true intention) of US 'support' when the end result looks
indistinguishable from a strategic divestment. How many times must US-backed partners be left with the short end of a deal before we question the 'backing' itself? It appears the 'fight' ends with the US-backed group handing over the very resources that defined their independence.