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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/20/world/middleeast/syria-us-withdrawal-iran.html
American Withdrawal from Syria Shakes Up the Middle East
(New York Times) David M. Halbfinger - The American decision to withdraw its 2,000 troops from Syria clears the way for Iran to expand its influence across the region. A pullout would free Tehran to treat the Iraqi border as fully porous, easing the movement of fighters and weapons. "This leaves us alone in the arena with the Russians," said IDF Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Michael Herzog, a fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The Kurdish forces who fought alongside the U.S. in Syria feel betrayed and are threatening to free 3,200 Islamic State prisoners if the U.S. abandons them. A Western official said, "The best result of terrible options is probably for the Syrian regime to take custody of these people. If they are released it's a real disaster and major threat to Europe." Analysts said it is likely that the Kurds will seek an agreement with Syrian President Assad that grants them limited autonomy in eastern Syria in exchange for their loyalty.