President Obama plans to deploy a small number of special operations forces to Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Syria as part of its effort to fight the Islamic State, a U.S. official said Friday. The White House is expected to make an announcement Friday, which The New York Times reports will likely be framed as "an enhancement of current strategy," since Obama had long been opposed to putting boots on the ground. The troops, which Reuters reports are rumored to be "in the range of 20 to 30" in number, will be assisting and advising moderate rebels fighting the Islamic State.
The decision follows Russia's escalated military presence in Syria and Secretary of State John Kerry's meeting with Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, — who are using their interests in Syria to fight a proxy war — at peace talks in Vienna.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
-
Crossword: November 3, 2024The Week's daily crossword
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs saySpeed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign portSpeed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'Speed Read
