, Columnists
Obama Administration Argues Over Support for Syrian Kurds
Fighters backed by U.S. are attacking Sunni rebels who are also getting American arms.
Kurdish YPG fighters have been America's most effective allies against the Islamic State.
Photographer: Ahmet Sik/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Syrian Kurds are now attacking U.S.-supported rebels, but U.S. officials disagree about whether the Kurds have switched sides -- and about whether the U.S. should continue increasing its arms support for them, as opposed to focusing support on Sunni Arab rebels.
Kurdish fighters have taken advantage of the Russian-backed Syrian regime offensives in the north of the country, seizing territory from U.S.-backed rebels who are on the defensive. But factions within the Obama administration disagree about whether the Kurds are simply being opportunistic, or have coordinated their attacks with Russia, Iran and the Syrian regime.