Biden’s Silence Raises Eyebrows as Turkey Threatens US-Allied Kurds
As the nearly 14-year-long civil war in Syria appears to be drawing to a close, a new conflict threatens to destabilize the region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hinted at the initiation of a new military operation in northern Syria, specifically targeting the Syrian Kurds, a long-standing US ally in the region. As these tensions escalate, President Joe Biden’s silence on the issue is becoming increasingly conspicuous.
Since taking office, the Biden administration’s foreign policy approach has been noticeably different from its predecessor. However, this marked silence on an issue of such geopolitical importance is raising questions. The Syrian Kurds have been instrumental in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and if Turkey proceeds with its threats, the stability of the region could be severely compromised.
Historical Context: The Syrian Kurds and Turkey
Historically, the relationship between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds has been fraught with tension and conflict. The Kurds, an ethnic minority spread across Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, have long been seeking autonomy. In Turkey, this aspiration has been met with brutal crackdowns, leading to a decades-long insurgency led by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). 
In Syria, the Kurds have carved out a semi-autonomous region in the north, known as Rojava. This move has been a thorn in Turkey’s side, as it fears the Kurdish autonomy in Syria will fuel separatist sentiments among its own Kurdish population. In 2019, Turkey launched a military offensive against the Syrian Kurds, driving them from border areas. This move was widely condemned by the international community, including the US.
The Role of the US: An Ally in Limbo
The United States has had a complicated relationship with the Kurds. The Kurdish forces, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG), have been a crucial ally for the US in the fight against ISIS. However, the US has been walking a tightrope, trying to balance its alliance with the Kurds and maintaining its relationship with Turkey, a NATO ally.
The silence from the Biden administration is worrying for the Syrian Kurds. The Trump administration had initially greenlit Turkey’s 2019 offensive, leaving the Kurds feeling betrayed. There were subsequent efforts to patch up the relationship, but the damage was done. With the new threats from Turkey, the Kurds are once again left in a state of uncertainty about the US’s stance.
Implications for Regional Stability
If Turkey follows through with its threats, the implications for regional stability could be severe. The Kurds have been holding thousands of ISIS prisoners in northern Syria. A Turkish offensive could lead to a destabilization of the region, potentially allowing for a resurgence of ISIS. Furthermore, another conflict in Syria could trigger a new wave of refugees, adding to the already significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
President Biden’s continued silence, thus, not only puts the US’s relationship with the Syrian Kurds at risk but also the broader stability of the Middle East. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of not just the Kurds but also the role the United States intends to play in the region.
