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Deciphering cryptic safe-zone deal between Turkey, US

Details are emerging of a safe-zone road map between the United States and Turkey in Syria.
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands during a bilateral meeting with Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - RC1DDD25D480

Critical military talks between Turkey and the United States appear to have delayed an imminent Turkish military operation against Syrian Kurdish groups east of the Euphrates. The talks, held in the first week of August, have produced major gains for Ankara: new measures to meet Turkey's security concerns; establishment of a joint mechanism with the United States on Turkish needs; and US assurance to form a “peace corridor.”

Washington is satisfied to have prevented a unilateral military move by Ankara and to know that, despite mishaps, Turkey is still determined to maintain its cooperation with the United States.

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