VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Turkish and Kurdish relations in Syria continue to experience ups and downs. The entry of The United States of America into the conflict between the two, made the situation more complicated. On one hand so far, the US military cooperated with Kurdish forces (YPG) fighting against ISIS militias in northern Syria. On the other hand, Turkey has insisted on destroying Kurdish forces which they accuse of being a terrorists group. A new, unpredictable development came when a few days ago, President of the United States of America, Donald Trump approved the Turkish military operation in Syria against Kurdish forces which had been the main US ally in fighting the ISIS group.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said that the USA just respected the wishes of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan to protect his people from terrorist attacks. Then, the US withdrew its troops from the Turkish - Syria border.This made the Kurds starting to feel that they have lost support from the United States and are betrayed. Citing Reuters reports, the withdrawal of the US troops from the region will make Kurdish-led forces in Syria, which have long been allied with Washington, vulnerable to attacks planned by the Turkish military labeling them terrorists. Observers argue that the rapid withdrawal of the US troops from Syria will only benefit Russia, Iran, and the Assad regime in Syria. This will increase the risk of ISIS and other terrorist groups regrouping.

What's interesting is the change in American attitudes that happened so quickly and quite confusing. Monday (7/10/2019), President Trump even chirped in his Twitter account threatening to "wipe out" the Turkish economy if deemed excessive acts. But in fact, American troops, The union which has defeated the 'Caliphate' in the ISIS region, no longer supports or engages in operations in the region. In essence, America no longer supports the Kurds. Predictably, as a continuation of the attitude of the United States, Turkey is getting ready to launch attacks on Kurdish militias. Previously, Ankara had twice carried out attacks, in 2016 and 2018. The target was the Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), the militia that became Kurdish backbone. The White House states that Turkey will assume all responsibility for ISIS militias captured by Kurdish forces for the past two years.

The question now is what is the attitude of the international community towards the actions that Turkey will launch against the Kurds (?) Will Kurds experience the most extreme population reductions? The Kurdish population in Syria concentrates in Hasakah province (the Syrian-Turkish border), Aleppo province in the Ain Arab region (including Kobani which they are currently defending against ISIS attacks). 120 thousand Kurds have been curbed off from Syriaso far. Which country will stand next to the Kurds who feel betrayed?