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A few days ago the US shot down a Syrian air force plane that had been bombing a village held by the Syrian Democratic Forces south-west of Raqqa. This highlights the growing conflict between the Assad regime and the SDF. Assad regime forces have recently been attacking the SDF in an effort to prevent them liberating Raqqa from ISIS. The regime wants to eventually regain control of the whole country. Having recaptured eastern Aleppo, it wants to expand its territory further. But the growing strength of the SDF makes it an obstacle. If the SDF succeeds in liberating Raqqa, it will become even stronger, and more of an obstacle to Assad's plans. Russia has shifted from a superficially friendly attitude towards the SDF to open hostility. Meanwhile, Turkey is continuing to attack SDF-controlled areas in northern Syria. Turkey seems to have abandoned the idea of overthrowing Assad. It is focused on waging war against the Kurdish people and suppressing democratic forces, both in Turkey and in Syria. This creates the basis for collaboration with Assad. Kurdish newsagency ANF reports that Turkey and the Assad regime are preparing for a joint attack on SDF-controlled areas in northern Syria: https://anfenglish.com/rojava/turkey-and-syria-prepare-for-an-embargo-and-attack-on-rojava-20600 Turkey's relations with Russia and Iran have improved. Chris Slee _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
