Civilians arrive in Hasakah city after fleeing Turkish attacks in northeast Syria (Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty)

In an 8-minute Beginner’s Guide, I explain to UCB Radio why Turkey has launched a military offensive into mainly-Kurdish areas of northeast Syria.

The discussion described the situation in a fragmented Syria after 8 1/2 years of conflict, considers Turkish motives, and explains why Donald Trump approved of Ankara’s offensive. We also consider if Kurdish groups give up their hope of autonomy and give way to the Assad regime.

Syria Daily, Oct 12: 100,000 Flee Turkey’s Attacks in Northeast