Syrian Civil War & American Troops: Arab Tribes Are the Key to Understanding Conflict

Tel Tamer, Syria — An uneasy calm prevails over northeastern Syria, as a coronavirus spike and fears of renewed fighting hang over people’s heads. Tensions between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S. government, have added to the troubles. Most people I spoke with here in November and December asked me what I thought would happen, as if being an American gave me special insight into how the next few months in Washington would affect the situation here. Most people here are tired of war — that much is obvious wherever you go.

Northeastern Syria has always been a mosaic, with locals practicing the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Yazidism, while speaking Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish, and two dialects of Aramaic, Syriac and Assyrian. The SDF has largely preserved this diversity, though tensions between groups persist under the surface. Turkish-backed opposition forces, in contrast, have continued to push Islamic and Arab chauvinism against minorities that have fallen under their control. The geopolitical ramifications aside, renewed fighting has prompted a humanitarian disaster.

About the Author

Sam Sweeney

Sam Sweeney, a writer based in the Middle East, is the president of Mesopotamia Relief Foundation, which works in northeastern Syria.

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Tel Tamer, Syria — An uneasy calm prevails over northeastern Syria, as a coronavirus spike and fears of renewed fighting hang over people’s heads. Tensions between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S. government, have added to the troubles. Most people I spoke with here in November and December asked me what I thought would happen, as if being an American gave me special insight into how the next few months in Washington would affect the situation here. Most people here are tired of war — that much is obvious wherever you go.

Northeastern Syria has always been a mosaic, with locals practicing the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Yazidism, while speaking Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish, and two dialects of Aramaic, Syriac and Assyrian. The SDF has largely preserved this diversity, though tensions between groups persist under the surface. Turkish-backed opposition forces, in contrast, have continued to push Islamic and Arab chauvinism against minorities that have fallen under their control. The geopolitical ramifications aside, renewed fighting has prompted a humanitarian disaster.