10 May 2018
Afrin is set to become a crucial test case for Turkey’s role in the future of Syria
- Afrin is being transformed through integration with neighbouring Turkish municipalities and the resettlement of large numbers of people
- Turkey has already taken similar steps to consolidate its influence in other areas of Syria, with mixed results
- The more complex situation in Afrin, where attempts at governance will be strongly contested, is likely to define Turkey’s role in the country
Afrin has been under Turkish control since March 18, when the Turkish Armed Forces supported Syrian rebels groups in capturing the region from the People’s Protection Units (YPG). The predominantly-Kurdish YPG had overseen the development of an increasingly autonomous political system since the withdrawal of Assad regime forces from Afrin in July 2012. Turkey regards the YPG as a security threat…
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