Rethinking the U.S. Approach in Northern Syria: A Conversation with Aaron Stein

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Episode Guests
  • Micah Zenko
    Senior Fellow

Show Notes

Yesterday I spoke with Aaron Stein, resident senior fellow in the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council and author of the new Center for Preventive Action paper, “Reconciling U.S.-Turkish Interests in Northern Syria.” We discussed developments on the ground in northern Syria and the many complex and competing interests among the armed groups there. Stein also reviewed the strategic options for the United States going forward and made recommendations for the Donald J. Trump administration to strengthen the U.S.-Turkish relationship while pursuing the U.S. counterterrorism objectives in Syria. Though a young scholar himself, Stein also provides some great advice for professionals just entering the field.

Listen to our conversation, follow Stein on Twitter @aaronstein1, and be sure to check out his paper for a superb overview of U.S.-Turkish interests in Syria and smart U.S. policy options in the region.

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