After Assad's fall, Syria's Kurds are left in limbo, feeling abandoned by the U.S.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria's Kurds find themselves in a precarious situation after being displaced once again amid renewed conflict. Despite their crucial role in defeating ISIS alongside U.S. forces, many Kurds feel abandoned by the United States, which stepped back as Turkish-backed forces advanced. A ceasefire has halted fighting, but its terms remain unimplemented, leaving the Kurdish region's future uncertain.
- ▪Bashar al-Assad was toppled in late 2024 by Turkish-backed opposition fighters, leading to renewed instability in Syria.
- ▪Syrian Kurds, who played a key role in defeating ISIS with U.S. support, feel betrayed after the U.S. withdrew support and allowed advances into Kurdish-held areas.
- ▪A ceasefire agreement allowing the Syrian government to take control of Kurdish-held borders, security, and oil fields has not been fully implemented.
- ▪Displaced families in Qamishli are living in former schools with inadequate heating and no means to cook food or boil water.
- ▪The U.S. did not respond to NPR's request for comment on accusations of abandoning the Kurdish allies.
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Middle East After Assad's fall, Syria's Kurds are left in limbo, feeling abandoned by the U.S. May 2, 20265:02 AM ET By Jane Arraf , Sangar Khaleel Children play outside a vacant school that is now being used to house displaced people in Qamishli, Syria. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR QAMISHLI, Syria — The children running through the courtyard of a school in this northeastern city are a blur of motion. But they're not students at recess — they are members of displaced families living here since public schools were turned into shelters in January. Instead of a school bus, there is an ancient red Nissan pickup truck with black flames painted along the sides. It's a U.S.
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