Syria's government is trying to forcefully absorb a Syrian Kurdish paramilitary group that once controlled much of the country's northeast. The fight ultimately comes down to a clash about Syria's future governance.

In the space of two days, the Syrian military, aided by tribal militia, has driven Kurdish forces from wide swathes of northern Syria that they have held for more than a decade.

The rapid turn of events has brought almost all of Syria back under the authority of the central Damascus-based state following years of civil war that fractured the country, and puts a spotlight on shifting U.S. policy. The Reuters Gulf Currents newsletter brings you the latest on geopolitics, energy and finance in the region. Sign up here.

Syrian government forces have seized swathes of territory from Kurdish forces in the north of the country, effectively dismantling more than a decade of self-rule by the Kurds. The head of the Kurdish Institute of Paris tells RFI that the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces,

Syria's offensive against the SDF has predictably empowered ISIS, as previously warned months ago would happen if Damascus resorted to force to disband these Kurdish-led forces.

The US has decisively changed course after a decade of proxy backing - and the PKK must adapt to this new reality

Syria conflict escalates as Turkey warns Damascus may use force against Kurdish SDF fighters after deadly clashes near Aleppo reportedly killed 23.