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Turkey tests waters before next operation in Syria

Ankara will face numerous political and security risks if it moves too hastily in its pursuit of the YPG in Syria.
Turkish soldiers are seen at Manbij countryside, Syria December 28, 2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi - RC1E68749410

Almost everyone agrees that President Donald Trump’s decision to pull US forces out of Syria was an unexpected but warmly welcomed New Year’s gift to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This decision effectively pulls the carpet from under the People's Protection Units (YPG) and its political wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), in northern Syria, depriving them of the backing of a major power.

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