Two Foreign Powers Could Shape the Outcome of the Aleppo Crisis
The crisis in Syria’s city of Aleppo could potentially be mediated or influenced by two key external actors — the United States and Turkiye — both of which hold significant leverage over parties involved in the conflict.
Turkiye is a central player as it views the Syrian Democratic Forces as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, an organisation Ankara has fought for decades. Earlier this year, the PKK’s leader announced a ceasefire and the group’s dissolution, a move that may affect regional dynamics.
The United States has said it is closely monitoring the situation, but its relatively muted response has drawn attention given its long-standing partnership with the SDF. Some Syrian Kurds fear that Washington may eventually distance itself from its Kurdish-led allies despite years of joint fighting against ISIL.
At the same time, the US has become a close partner of Damascus in countering ISIL. With two reliable partners now involved in that effort, Washington’s reliance on the SDF could diminish, potentially altering the group’s influence and standing in future negotiations.
