THREAD 🧵Syria & Turkey
What is going on in Turkey/Syria & why are some Republicans and Democrats jointly upset about the decision to pull American troops out of Syria? This thread will help explain… (VERY simplified explanation).
1/ Who are the Kurds?
The Kurds are a minority ethnic group, mostly spread out over Turkey, Syria, Iraq & Iran. They’ve never achieved nation-state status and historically experience persecution wherever they go. No country has a Kurdish majority. bit.ly/2Mu3ISb
2/ During #ArabSpring, in an effort to destroy ISIS, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was created. It’s a military alliance backed by the US. The People’s Protection Units or YPG (a faction of a Kurdish militant group) was the most successful in fighting ISIS, so THEY took...
...the lead of the SDF (w/ blessing of Obama Admin). They’ve fought and trained alongside American troops as allies ever since. Read more --> politi.co/2oVmw3t
3/ In SDF’s fight against ISIS, the YPG reportedly lost about 11,000 fighters. BUT SDF pushed ISIS mostly out of Northern Syria and took control of roughly 1/4 of Syria. SDF is also in charge of guarding ISIS prisoners & sympathizers.
Graphic: ab.co/2VW77fF
4/ Turkey wants YPG out of border area and a safe zone for 3.5 Mil Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey after Syrian civil war. Turkey began this operation on Oct 9th, when @realDonaldTrump called for an immediate withdrawal of American troops from Syria. bit.ly/2P1WVRo
5/ It’s important to note — President Trump first ordered a withdrawal of American troops from Syria last December. But Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned in protest. Read his resignation letter here —> abcn.ws/2T0bVOj
6/ What’s happened since 10/9? Immediately, Turkish troops entered Kurdish held territories in Syria on ground & through airstrikes. SDF says Turkish troops are using white phosphorus on civilians. SDF shared video of kids with possible chemical burns bit.ly/2oIQKa5
7/ It’s also reported some ISIS fighters & sympathizers have escaped from Kurdish prisons/camps, as guards leave posts to fight. American troops were reportedly almost shelled by accident. Russian media posted vid of hastily abandoned American base bit.ly/2oYpuUS
8/ Immediately after Turkey invaded Syria, President Trump sent this letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying “Don't be a tough guy. Don't be a fool!"
Read more --> abcn.ws/2VMJyFQ
9/ Acting as a mediator, VP Mike Pence announced that a “ceasefire” or “pause” in fighting was agreed upon. But Turkey's agreement appears to have been breached within hours of Pence's announcement as eyewitnesses report violence is still ongoing. abcn.ws/2ptyYaT
10/ Now, thousands of Kurdish civilians are displaced, and there are concerns ISIS could re-emerge. Most Dems AND Repubs are vocally opposed to Trump's decision, incl. some of his most loyal supporters. Trump says he wants out of endless wars. abcn.ws/2J5OCA1
Does this help you better understand the Turkey/Syria crisis?
Big shoutout to @darksecretplace of @KFIAM640 for his reporting and helping me understand this issue! Give him a follow for more on this topic.
@darksecretplace @KFIAM640 NOTE** Tweet 5 should have no picture! Click the link to read Mattis' resignation letter.
Warning: disturbing content
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