The Kurdish-Turkish Quandary

Abstract

While the manifestation of the PKK-Turkish rivalry in the trans-national Syrian conflict poses many questions, this thesis investigates an even more quizzical dimension of the Syrian proxy-warfare which is the PYD and YPG’s (both offshoots of the PKK) relations with the U.S.A and Russia. This thesis is distinctive in its approach towards Kurds as a minority group integrated into the fractions of various parties and extensions. It provides answers for questions regarding how alliances, resources, and actions are taking place in Syria’s proxy war. The evidence provided shows the compatibility of proxy warfare theory through the contribution of the various parties in the ongoing Syrian conflict. The exploration of this thesis also highlights possible options which might help the involved Kurdish groups to divert from proxy warfare to a certain extent. Thus, the results of this thesis will highlight prospects that have not been covered as yet regarding the Kurdish groups’ involvement in the Syrian proxy warfare such as the conversion of the Kurdish question and the impact of the recent elected U.S. President Biden on a potential course-correction in the Kurds’ trajectory.