Middle East expert analyzes Syria after IS

WASHINGTON, United States (Kurdistan24) – During an Atlantic Council forum last week, a US Middle East specialist discussed the current war with the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and the challenges of moving forward afterward.

Aaron Stein, a Resident Senior Fellow at the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, talked about the current operations in Syria to retake Raqqa and other cities from IS.

He also addressed the process of moving populations back to the liberated areas in Syria. Stein explained that the US and Kurdish forces will have to figure out how to allocate who administers the liberated territories.

“Once you move past [liberation], and you’re able to move [IS] out of these cities, it’s how you actually govern these areas,” he said.

Regarding the future role of the US in Syria, Stein stated that there was no plan for a greater US presence in the country.

“This campaign from the outset is trying to use elements of US warfare that have been largely successful in previous conflicts,” he stated.

“[These elements include] a small number of special operations forces that are able to really work with local militias or local groups on the ground to call in airstrikes,” Stein added.

The Middle East expert also addressed the inclusion of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in the next round of Geneva talks. He explained that those involved in the peace talks have to “figure out a way to bring [YPG] in the process.”

“They should be involved in the Geneva process as a third-party because the YPG is a unique force inside the Syrian conflict…basically dedicated to fighting [IS],” Stein explained.

Editing by Ava Homa

(Kurdistan24 team in Washington conducted the interview)