Retired General Jack Keane, Fox News senior strategic analyst, recently discussed Turkey's actions against U.S.-backed Kurds in Syria on "Life, Liberty & Levin." He suggested that President-elect Trump could be instrumental in stopping Turkey's reported destruction of this community.
Keane highlighted the problematic nature of Turkish President Erdoğan's actions in northern Syria, including his support for a radical leader and attacks on the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurds. He contrasted the anticipated inaction of the Biden administration with Trump's potential influence, referencing a past instance where Trump reportedly halted similar actions by Erdoğan through a phone call.
A masked Islamic State terrorist holding the ISIS flag in 2015. (History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Keane speculated that one of Trump's first calls upon taking office might be to Erdoğan. He emphasized the Syrian Kurds' motivation to suppress the resurgence of ISIS, suggesting limited U.S. involvement is needed to protect its interests and prevent ISIS from regaining strength. While global attention is focused on the Assad regime's collapse, Erdoğan has mobilized forces to target Kurdish fighters who aided the U.S. in defeating ISIS.
President Trump meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Concerns are rising about the precarious situation of the Syrian Kurds. Professor Efrat Aviv, a Turkey expert at Bar-Ilan University, warned of potential ethnic cleansing if Turkey's aggression in Syria goes unchecked. Meanwhile, Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a role in Assad's downfall, stated that the Kurds are part of the nation and have suffered injustices, suggesting their situation might improve with the regime's fall. Al-Sharaa is allied with Turkey, and the U.S. has reportedly had direct contact with HTS despite its terrorist designation.
U.S. forces provide military training to members of the YPG/SDF in Syria, Aug. 18, 2023. (Hedil Amir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Mazloum Abdi, leader of the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), called for Kurdish unity in northeast Syria to address the current challenges. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his willingness to reintroduce sanctions against Turkey if they attack the Kurdish forces who helped defeat ISIS. The Dutch Parliament also urged their government to advocate for an end to Turkish attacks on the Kurds.
President Biden and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan talk during the G-7 summit on June 14, 2024, in Fasano, Italy. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) issued a plea to the global community for support in protecting Kobani from ongoing attacks by pro-Turkey forces. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Turkey's stance against Kurdish organizations PKK and YPG, claiming they pose a threat from Iraq and Syria. He emphasized Turkey's aim to differentiate Syrian Kurds from these organizations and support their legitimate representation in Damascus. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated the dissolution of the PKK/YPG is a top priority.
Displaced Kurds leave the refugee camp in the north of Aleppo, fleeing to Afrin, on Dec. 4, 2024. (Ugur Yildirim/DIA Images/Abaca/Sipa USA(Sipa via AP Images)
Incoming Rep. Abraham Hamadeh (R-Ariz.) commented on the need for alliances based on mutual respect and shared goals, highlighting Turkey's hosting of Hamas as potentially undermining its relationship with the U.S. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on potential U.S. sanctions against Turkey, referring to previous statements emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Turkish cooperation in the fight against ISIS.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan on Dec. 13, 2024, in Ankara. (Getty Images)
