ai says this the u.s. has faced criticism for its inconsistent support for kurdish fighters, especially given the complex geopolitical dynamics involving turkey and other regional actors. key incidents include: 1. 2016-2017: the u.s. supported the syrian democratic forces (sdf), which included the kurdish ypg (people's protection units), in the battle against isis in raqqa. however, turkey vehemently opposed u.s. support for the ypg, citing its ties to the pkk (kurdistan workers' party) deemed a terrorist organization by turkey and the u.s. 2. october 2019: the most notable instance occurred when the u.s. announced a withdrawal of troops from northern syria, which led to turkey launching operation peace spring against the sdf in that region. this move was widely viewed as a betrayal of the kurdish forces whom the u.s. had relied upon to combat isis. 3. recurring airstrikes: over the years, turkey has conducted numerous airstrikes against kurdish positions in northern iraq and syria, sometimes during periods when the u.s. was present in the area. the u.s. has often balanced its support for the kurds with its relationship with turkey, a nato ally. 4. other instances of tension: beyond these significant events, there have been many instances where u.s. military support has been limited or where the u.s. has been perceived as not sufficiently defending kurdish fighters during turkish operations. in summary, while the number of distinct instances of perceived abandonment varies depending on interpretation, the most prominent ones revolve around the 2019 withdrawal and the broader context of u.s.-turkey relations affecting kurdish fighters. it highlights the ongoing and often tragic inconsistency in u.s. foreign policy regarding kurdish allies in the region.
Germany