Peregraf
Two prominent United States senators, Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Chris Van Hollen (Democrat), have announced plans to introduce bipartisan sanctions legislation against Turkey if it refuses to accept a US-brokered ceasefire with Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Their joint statement on Tuesday underscored growing concerns about the escalating conflict in the region.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the US’ primary ally in combating the Islamic State (ISIS), have faced intensified attacks from Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) militants. These clashes, particularly in areas like Manbij and Tal Rifaat, have displaced thousands of civilians. Turkey views the SDF and its main fighting force, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as extensions of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist group. The SDF, however, insists on its independence from the PKK.
Recent violence in the region follows Turkey’s threats to target the symbolic Kurdish city of Kobani. The SDF has proposed establishing a demilitarized zone in Kobani under US supervision to address Turkey’s security concerns and promote long-term stability. SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi highlighted that the plan aims to balance regional security and Kurdish safety.
A temporary ceasefire, brokered by the US last week, has been extended, according to a State Department spokesperson. However, the senators expressed skepticism, stating that Turkey and its allied forces continue to mobilize for potential offensives. "The United States cannot sit idly by while our Kurdish allies, the tip of the spear against ISIS, are under attack," said Graham and Van Hollen.
The senators stressed the need for a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarized zone to prevent further instability. They also warned of the risks posed to ISIS detention facilities in northeast Syria amid Turkish aggression, echoing concerns previously raised by Senator Graham.
If Ankara fails to comply with the terms of the ceasefire and demilitarized zone, the senators pledged to introduce sanctions legislation akin to measures proposed in 2019. The legislation aims to pressure Turkey into halting military operations that jeopardize Kurdish forces and broader regional security.
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump weighed in, referring to Turkey's actions as a strategic maneuver while calling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "a very smart man." Trump's comments added ambiguity to Washington's stance, leaving the final outcome of the region’s stability uncertain.