Reuters: U.S. general told Syria's YPG: 'You have got to change your brand'
ASPEN, Colo. (Reuters) - One of America's most senior generals said on Friday he instructed the Kurdish YPG militia to change its "brand" a day or so before it unveiled an alliance with Syrian Arabs in 2015 under the name Syrian Democratic Forces.
The recounting by U.S. Army General Raymond Thomas, the head of Special Operations Command, offered a glimpse into the mechanics that preceded a major rampup in U.S. support to the Kurdish fighters despite fierce opposition from NATO ally Turkey.
Turkey views the YPG as an extension of PKK militants waging an insurgency on Turkish soil, and has sharply criticized U.S. support to the group, which has increased over time.
Thomas said he made the Turkish concerns known to the YPG back in 2015.
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WNU Editor: I am always saying that optics is everything in wars and in politics. But in this case, I do not thing the Turks are convinced.
More News On The US Telling The Kurdish YPG That It Is Vital for Them To Change Their 'Name' To Appease Turkey
US suggested YPG change its name to shift optics on terror links -- TRT
US General says he told YPG to change their ‘brand’ to appease Turkey -- RUDAW
YPG changes its name to SDF on senior US General’s request -- Daily Sabah
US urged PKK/PYD to change name for legitimacy -- Anadolu Agency
4 comments:
So they changed their brand, but so did Al Qaeda in Syria which after many name changes is now called Hayat Tahrir al Sham, but ideologically, it's still Al Qaeda.
It is not the Turks that are to be convinced.
Still Kurdish fighter...SKF (new brand)
The branding or change would be to convince the American people.
They get a rap for being socialist. Some American like it and some don't.
Then there are there image /policy things.
Socialist or not socialist, they treat their women better than the Turks or Arabs.
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