The Intelligence from The Economist The enemy of their enemy: the Kurds ally with Syria
Oct 14, 2019
In this discussion, Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, sheds light on the Kurds' desperate shift towards Syria for protection against Turkish aggression after the U.S. withdrawal. Namini Vijadasa dives into the dark side of microfinance in Sri Lanka, illustrating how well-intentioned initiatives have backfired, trapping women in debt cycles due to poor education and predatory practices. The conversation highlights the complexities of these global issues, revealing the precarious balance of power and the human cost behind financial schemes.
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Kurdish Alliance Shift
- The Kurds, former US allies, face threats from Turkey after the US troop withdrawal.
- They formed a deal with Syrian and Russian forces for protection.
Turkey's Swift Advance
- Turkey's military advances in northern Syria have been swifter than anticipated, capturing key towns and cutting off Kurdish supply lines.
- Thousands have fled, and the potential for Turkey's expanded campaign raises concerns.
Diminished US Leverage
- America's withdrawal from Syria and the Kurds' subsequent alliance with Assad has diminished US leverage in the region.
- This raises questions about the reliability of US alliances elsewhere in the Middle East.