On Feb. 4, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched the third phase of the operation to liberate Raqqa, which had begun on Nov. 4, 2016. Named Operation Euphrates Shield, this operation's second phase began on Dec. 10, 2016, and many settlements have been liberated. The goal of the third phase of the operation is to capture Raqqa's city center.

The SDF commanders in the region who spoke to Al-Monitor say liberating Raqqa will be easier than militarily seizing Manbij. The operation has been going on for four months and is expected to continue until the summer.

SDF officials have been talking to Kurdish and Arab politicians and opinion leaders to discuss the future of Raqqa. The diplomatic side of this operation is the most crucial.

Before touching upon these issues, one should understand the importance of Raqqa. Geographically, Raqqa is in the middle of Syria and is of strategic importance. It has been under Islamic State (IS) occupation over the past three years and has been the main source of revenue for the organization. It is the organizational and supply center of IS both in Syria and Iraq. The liberation of Raqqa will be a deadly blow against IS and mark the turning point in the marginalization of gangs benefiting from the war.