How will US troop withdrawal from northern Syria affect Iraq?

The US troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria could lead to catastrophic consequences for Syrian Kurds while strengthening the Islamic State and destabilizing Iraq.
Kurds protest the Turkish offensive against Syria during a demonstration in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq October 10, 2019. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed - RC194B74F820
Kurds protest the Turkish offensive against Syria during a demonstration in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, Oct. 10, 2019. - REUTERS/Ako Rasheed
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Dana Taib Menmy
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SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq — Following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President  Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Oct. 6, Trump decided to withdraw US forces in Rojava (northeastern Syria), paving the way for Turkey to start its military operation to invade what has been a relatively stable region.     

Erdogan announced Oct. 9 the start of Turkey's military operation “Peace Spring.” Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a general mobilization call the same day for defending their territory against the Turkish invasion.

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