One of the most important discussions these days in northern Syria is the start of another round of talks between the two Kurdish movements in Syria, known as the negotiations of the ruling Democratic Union Party or the PYD and the so-called Syria Kurdish Patriotic Council (ENKS) in the presence of America and France. On the other hand, a deadly bombing occurred in the Afrin, which was seized by Turkey in 2018.

Meanwhile, there have been tensions between the American and Russian forces in Syria's Kurdish-controlled areas in the north-east of war-torn Syria.

KurdPress interviewed American researcher Alexander McKeever who has focused on the history of and developments within northern Syria to investigate the events.

What follows is his full interview with KurdPress;

You know that recently, both the U.S and France tried to unite two main Syrian Kurdish parties. What is behind the efforts and who will unite the Kurds? will the attempt affect the situation of the Kurds?

The effort to reach an agreement between the PYD and the parties of the KNC is being led by several actors. Within Syria, the leadership of the PYD and the Autonomous Administration is pursuing these unity talks in order present their government as fully representative of Syria's Kurdish population. This would potentially allow them to gain more international recognition and legitimacy. Hypothetically, this could deter Turkish aggression against the Autonomous Administration, or at least create greater international backlash against moves like Turkey's Operation Olive Branch and Operation Peace Spring, though I think this is unlikely to have much of an impact on Ankara. KNC parties are interested in these talks because it would allow them a role within Rojava. Over the last few years, the these parties relationships with Turkey have become more difficult, as Turkey's Syria policies have increasingly alienated Kurdish populations. The US and France are interested in these talks because they would potentially empower the administration in Rojava, creating a more stable situation for these countries to maintain their military presence and influence.

There are reports that both the U.S and Russia try to deter each other in Northeastern Syria. How do you explain these events?

Over the passed half year there have been a number of small standoffs between the U.S. military and Russian Military Police active in Syria's northeast. With the U.S. withdrawal from portions of the border in October 2019, the SDF/Autonomous Administration invited Russia into the region to help deter further Turkish advancement. Soon after, the U.S. military began patrols along the border again, in northern Hasakah. These incidents between Russia and the U.S. have occurred in locations where the routes these forces patrol overlap. Overall, these incidents are a result of Trump's indecisiveness when it comes to Syria and the U.S.'s unclear policy in general.

How is situation in Afrin as we have witnessed blasts in this Kurdish area for some time? and who is behind these explosions which mostly target civilians?

The situation is not good for the natives of Afrin still living in the area. The Kurds that remain are frequently kidnapped by armed groups and held for random, as well arrested by the police and Turkish intelligence for allegation links to the SDF or Autonomous Administration. The homes of those that fled in 2018 are still occupied by militant groups and their families, as well as displaced peoples from other parts of Syria. Overall, the demographics of the region have changed as it has become increasing Arab and Turkmen populated. This has led to great pressure on Kurdish identity, including attacks on local shrines whether Sufi, Ezidi, or Alevi.

As for the recent bombing, similar events often occur across Turkish-controlled Syria, though this attack was particularly deadly. Some of these attacks have been claimed by groups suspected to be close the YPG, particularly the one known as 'Ghadab al-Zaytoun,' and it's certainly very possible that this attack that killed over 30 civilians was carried out by them or someone similar. However, the situation in these areas is very unclear and no one has claimed the attack, so it is hard to say for sure whether YPG-linked militants were behind it.

Reporter’s code: 50101