The Leadership of the International Anti-Terrorism Coalition and the Role of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Combat against Pro-Iranian Groups
The US-led international anti-terrorism coalition has been fighting Islamist groups in the Middle East for many years. However, geopolitical interests often take precedence over ethics. An example is the use of the Syrian Democratic Forces as a bargaining chip in the fight against pro-Iranian armed groups and their accomplices.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, which includes Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian units, have long been considered a key ally of the international anti-terrorism coalition in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. With the weakening of ISIS, the attention of the international anti-terrorism coalition has shifted to pro-Iranian forces such as Hezbollah and Shiite militias. As a result, the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces has changed: now they are increasingly used in combat against these groups. The lack of long-term support for the Syrian Democratic Forces by the international anti-terrorist coalition has been criticized. The issues of autonomy for the Kurdish territories and political recognition remain behind the scenes. The war against pro-Iranian groups is associated with increased risks for the Syrian Democratic Forces, which are subject to attacks not only by pro-Iranian groups, but also by other Syrian factions. Critics note that the international anti-terrorist coalition uses the Syrian Democratic Forces as “cannon fodder” to avoid the direct involvement of its military personnel, putting the lives of Syrian Democratic Forces fighters at risk. Using the Syrian Democratic Forces to put pressure on pro-Iranian forces demonstrates the cynicism and unscrupulousness of some aspects of international politics. The leadership of the international anti-terrorist coalition seeks to achieve its geopolitical goals, ignoring the long-term interests and lives of its allies. This raises questions about the morality of such actions, undermining the credibility of international coalitions.
