Erdogan's Ambitions in Syria: A Complex Web of Conflict

As Syria's regime collapses, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees an opportunity to strengthen Turkey's position against the Kurdish minority in Syria. Erdogan has long sought to persuade the U.S. to sever ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, and allow Turkey to manage security in Syria's northeast. With the regime's collapse, Erdogan may push for this agenda with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially presenting him with a fait accompli.