Erdogan tests Trump with attack on Syrian Kurds
US-Turkey relations sink further following airstrikes; Russia’s expanding military presence in Syria.
![MIDEAST-CRISIS/TURKEY-IRAQ A helicopter carrying U.S. military officials arrive at the headquarters of the Kurdish fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) that was hit by Turkish airstrikes in Mount Karachok near Malikiya, Syria April 25, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said - RTS13T7T](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/04/RTS13T7T.jpg/RTS13T7T.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=9PRVWBqK)
Will US rethink plans for Raqqa?
In May 2016, we asked how long the United States and Turkey could keep up appearances of alliance and partnership in Syria, given differences over US backing for the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).