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Russia is using Erdogan’s threats to blackmail Kurds

The strategic town of Ain Issa that controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and well-known as the political capital of the Kurdish autonomous administration, has recently become the centre of tensions. Aiming to take advantage of the US presidential transitional period, Turkey has increased its attacks in the area of Ain Issa since November perhaps to repeat the previous scenario of occupation of the mainly Kurdish region of Afrin in 2018. On the other hand, Russia as the main guarantor of the cease-fire agreement between Ankara and Moscow as a part of the Sochi deal in 2019, now is trying to exert pressure on Kurds to hand Ain Issa over Assad's regime.
Recently, after several meetings at the Russian military base in Ain Issa between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Russian officials, they have been reached a deal to set up three joint observation points with the Syrian army presence as well to monitor the previous cease-fire. Despite the deal should have to prevent any Turkish attacks on Kurds, Russia continues the plan of blackmailing Kurds by using the Turkish threats. Russian officials have warned the SDF that the serious danger of Erdogan's threats with the so-called Syrian National Army's jihadists. To avoid Afrin's scenario, Moscow has suggested SDF pull out from the area of Ain Issa and to hand it over to the Syrian regime.
Arguably, Russia was not satisfied with that deal due to the rejection from the SDF to withdraw from Ain Issa, and even they refused the Russian offer that been mentioned to be similar to Qamishly and Hsakah’s model. Qamishly's model leaves the security square control and the airport to the Syrian government, while the city remained under the control of the Kurdish forces. There is no doubt that Russia is trying to take control of the area of Ain Issa, Kobane, and Raqqa and to ensure the Syrian regime's gains by repeatedly using Turkey's threat. Moreover, Putin will never allow the Turkish army to invade that area and taking control of further territory.
Erdogan might fail to take advance in his plan in Ain Issa. however, Turkey's phobia towards the 'Kurdish state' and Erdogan Ottoman's ambition is serving Putin's strategic plan in favour of the Syrian regime. For Erdogan, if the Kurdish-controlled areas could hand over to the Syrian government still considered a success. The Russian overtime game, ultimately, seems will end without any success and they both, Moscow and Ankara, expect a tough relationship with the new elected US President Joe Biden in terms of their strategy in Syrian. Whereas, Kurds are more optimistic, and they believe that things will make difference with Biden's administration.
Zara Saleh
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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