Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the PKK, has urged his followers to discontinue their fight for an independent Kurdish state, which could improve relations with Turkey and assist in countering ISIS. The U.S. supports this development while the SDF remains cautious about disarmament, noting renewed threats from ISIS amid ongoing military tensions with Turkey. The UN report and General Abdi underscore the necessity of U.S. military presence in Syria to maintain stability.
In a notable development, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has called on his supporters to cease their long-standing struggle for an independent Kurdish state. This request could potentially reduce tensions with Turkey and help combat the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS). Washington views this move favorably, believing it may foster stability in the region.
The United States has had a complicated relationship with Turkey, mainly due to its support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting ISIS. The U.S. considers the SDF a reliable ally, while Turkey perceives it as being intertwined with the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara. Ocalan’s call for peace might address these tensions, allowing for a more unified front against ISIS.
The SDF expressed cautious optimism regarding Ocalan’s announcement, although its military leaders, like General Mazloum Abdi, affirmed that they would not disarm. Abdi stated, “Just to make it clear, this is only for the PKK. It is nothing related to us here in Syria.” He believes that positive outcomes from the PKK’s peace efforts with Turkey could influence the security landscape in Kurdish-populated regions.
Turkey’s military actions against the SDF have stirred conflict, showcasing the precarious balance needed to manage both relations with Turkey and the fight against ISIS. Past incidents, such as a Turkish airstrike near U.S. forces in Syria, have prompted U.S. officials to demand de-escalation to protect their interests. The SDF has warned that these military operations jeopardize the security of prisons housing thousands of captured ISIS fighters.
General Abdi highlighted the increasing threat of ISIS, taking advantage of the instability following the Syrian regime’s collapse. He pointed out that ISIS has demonstrated renewed capabilities and is actively engaging in operations beyond its strongholds, wielding weapons abandoned by the previous Syrian government. This resurgence emphasizes the importance of U.S. military support in maintaining regional stability.
A UN report corroborates these claims, indicating that ISIS maintains control over a significant number of fighters in both Syria and Iraq. It states that the group remains focused on regaining and holding territory amidst a chaotic environment. As a response, Abdi insisted that the continued U.S. military presence is crucial for preventing further destabilization in the region, asserting, “In the case of having a withdrawal, that will lead to chaos.”
The call for peace by Ocalan potentially reshapes the dynamics between the PKK, Turkey, and the fight against ISIS. While the U.S. views this as a hopeful development, the ongoing threats from ISIS emphasize the need for continued military presence to ensure security in the region. The intertwined fates of these groups highlight the complexity of regional politics and security challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
