Syrian Civil War & American Troops: Arab Tribes Are the Key to Understanding Conflict

Tel Tamer, Syria — An uneasy calm prevails over northeastern Syria, as a coronavirus spike and fears of renewed fighting hang over people’s heads. Tensions between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S. government, have added to the troubles. Most people I spoke with here in November and December asked me what I thought would happen, as if being an American gave me special insight into how the next few months in Washington would affect the situation here. Most people here are tired of war — that much is obvious wherever you go.

Northeastern Syria has …