The United States, Israel and Turkey all have deepened their involvement, seeking to protect their interests in the new Syria order. That has increased fears that American troops meant to fight Islamic State militants increasingly are being dragged into the war. The US says it seeks to prevent an IS resurgence as well as to counter Iranian influence in Syria. But they are competing for control of Deir el-Zour with Russian-backed Syrian troops that are reinforced by Iranian-supported militias. On Tuesday, Russia’s foreign minister accused the US of trying to create a quasi-state in eastern Syria.

Source: Egypt Independent February 14, 2018 07:41 UTC