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US-backed Syrian Kurdish unity talks to resume amid mounting distrust

Although talks are set to resume this week, the prospects of a Syrian Kurdish unity deal seem more elusive than ever, with plenty of sticking points threatening to sink the effort.
A Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) flag is pictured as Kurdish and Italian associations attend a rally against the visit of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on February 5, 2018 in Rome.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet Pope Francis on February 5, with a protest ban imposed in central Rome as feelings run high over Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militia inside Syria. Nevertheless a sit-in protest by 200 people, organised by a Kurdish association in Italy, was scheduled to take pla

Rival Syrian Kurdish parties are expected to resume US-backed “unity talks” this week, but prospects of a deal seem more elusive than ever despite initial progress, sources with knowledge of the negotiations say.

Mazlum Kobane, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who together with the State Department is moderating the talks, urged the sides to come together in a Jan. 31 tweet. Kobane said, “Our goal is the success of the dialogue. The agreements we reached are important and protect our people’s interests. It is everyone’s duty to prepare for the new stage of unity."

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