YPG

Some in Damascus think female protection units are better suited for police force work, but this would be a huge waste of their valuable military skills

Damascus needs to incorporate the YPG into its new national army, but Ankara is keen to disband the US-backed group. Cue the diplomacy.

Buoyed by a string of recent successes, the Turkish president wants to capitalise on a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to finally put to rest a longstanding battle with the PKK

As tensions boil over after a YPG-linked terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey ramps up attacks on the PKK. The US has stood by its YPG allies, coming close to direct confrontation with its NATO ally.