Syria's Northeast: A Clash of Powers and Promises

In Syria's northeast, a power struggle is unfolding. Government troops are making significant strides, taking over key areas like Raqqa and Hasakah. These regions are the last strongholds of the U. S. -backed Kurdish-led administration. The Syrian government has recently gained control of the main oil and gas fields in Deir al-Zor. This is a big deal because these resources were a major source of income for the Kurdish-led forces. The Syrian President has made it clear that he doesn't want any militia controlling a large part of the country. Meanwhile, the U. S. is in a tricky situation. They need to support their Kurdish allies, who played a crucial role in defeating Islamic State. At the same time, they don't want to completely alienate the Syrian government. The U. S. has been urging both sides to cool down the tension. But the Syrian army is still advancing, moving into areas controlled by the U. S. -backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Government officials claim that Arab tribal fighters have been leading the charge, allowing them to take over a significant stretch of territory.The Syrian government says most of Deir al-Zor province is now under their control. This province is important because it produces most of the country's oil and wheat. The army is also pushing towards Raqqa, a city that the SDF captured from Islamic State in 2017. Residents report that the SDF has started pulling out some of their equipment. The Syrian Kurdish authorities are not admitting defeat. They say fighting is still ongoing near the dam area. They accuse the Syrian government of breaking an agreement and expanding its offensive. The Kurdish officials also claim that the government is trying to create divisions between Arabs and Kurds. The Kurdish-led administration is calling on residents, especially the youth, to prepare for resistance. They say they are facing a war for their survival. The Syrian government, on the other hand, is encouraging SDF fighters to switch sides. They claim that hundreds have already joined tribal forces fighting the SDF. The rapid advances by the Syrian government have been supported by thousands of tribal Arab fighters. These fighters have been resentful over issues like forced conscription and the marginalization of their oil-rich areas. The SDF denies favoring Kurds in governing bodies, stating that their leadership reflects the diversity of Syrian society.