As Cease-fire Ends In Syria, The Situation May Be Even More Volatile

The geopolitical landscape in Syria has shifted as Assad's forces advance into northwest Syria following the US troop withdrawal. Erdogan and Putin have agreed on joint patrols, giving Kurdish forces time to leave the border region. The Kurds, key allies in the fight against ISIS, face Turkish aggression. Russia is poised to mediate, while Turkey plans to repopulate the area with Syrian refugees. The US influence in the region has waned, leaving the fate of the Kurds and northwest Syria to Russia and Turkey.

What was the immediate consequence of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria?

• Kurdish forces gained more territory

• Increased U.S. influence in the region

• Syrian forces moved into northwest Syria

• Peaceful negotiations between all parties

What was the purpose of Erdogan's visit to Sochi?

• To negotiate with the Kurds

• To announce a new military campaign

• To meet with Syrian President Assad

• To discuss joint patrols with Russia

How did the Kurds respond to the Turkish aggression?

• They decided to abandon their territories

• They sought help from the U.S.

• They vowed to resist and not abandon their population centers

• They formed an alliance with Turkey

What role does Russia play in the current Syrian situation?

• Russia is withdrawing its support from Syria

• Russia is supporting the U.S. military efforts

• Russia is planning to invade Turkey

• Russia is mediating between Turkey and the Kurds

What is Turkey's plan for the northwest region of Syria?

• To leave it uninhabited

• To repopulate it with Syrian refugees

• To establish a Kurdish state

• To hand it over to the U.S.