In Syria's Northeast, a Microcosm of the Civil War

In the northeastern corner of Syria, persistent skirmishes between Kurdish militias and forces loyal to the government in Damascus provide a clear example of how shifting alliances and competing interests in isolated pockets can shape the Syrian Civil War. Despite the Syrian Army High Command's repeated attempts to arrange a cease-fire, battles continue to rage between forces loyal to the Syrian government and Kurdish militias in al-Hasaka province in the northeastern corner of Syria. The fighting -- the most intense between the two factions since battles in April in Qamishli -- puts Damascus in a difficult position. It must ensure the defense of its key remaining positions in al-Hasaka while avoiding a wider conflict with the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), given its deep commitment to the battle with rebel forces in Aleppo....