1. Kurdistan has been routed, that plan failed
That is a misconception. FYI:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/10/us-kurdish-independence/543540/
US has not supported Kurdistan movement because this move will lead to destabilization of a NATO member which is bad for American prestige and image. Unless Turkey quits NATO, Kurdistan card will not be played.
If US really desire, nothing can stop Kurdistan from happening.
Just look at the case of a referendum in Kurd-dominated regions of Iraq in 2017; theme was cessation from Iraq and almost every Kurd voted in support. However, US conveyed to Kurd leadership in clear terms that this is not acceptable to them.
I have closely monitored developments in Iraq, Libya and Syria and I am telling you that US could [easily] split Iraq during the period (2006 - 2008) when much of Iraq was in turmoil and Iraqi factions such as Shia, Sunni and Kurd were at each other throats. FYI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sectarian_violence_in_Iraq_(2006–08)
However, to my surprise, US did not go down that route.
2. 2013 report relevant to 2017 how? A lot has changed since then, mainly BRICS and Russian assertiveness in the Balkans.
I just pointed out why US did not topple Assad-led regime in Syria.
Russian
posturing in the Balkans has backfired to an extent. Vladimir Putin is desperate to uphold his strongman image abroad because he benefits from this in domestic politics.
1. Russian interventions in Georgia and Ukraine have forced Poland and Romania to reconsider their defense-related options:
https://www.ft.com/content/40037e72-cbe4-11e7-ab18-7a9fb7d6163e
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...le-defense-site-angering-russia-idUSKCN0Y30JX
Overview:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2862805.main_image.jpg?strip=all
2. US imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its intervention in Ukraine, and I have explained their impact on Russian economy to you in my earlier post.
3. Reports are surfacing that Trump administration is willing to provide anti-armor weapons to both Georgia and Ukraine in large numbers.
Imagine US arming Poland, Romania, Georgia and Ukraine to the teeth in the near future. Not good for Russia in the long-term, if you ask me.
Pivot to Balkans is the name of the game now.
Russian interventions in Georgia and Ukraine might impress you but they are not without a price; Putin is trying to ensure his relevancy in domestic politics.
Thanks in part to deal with the Americans on the matter of Syria, Putin can now market himself to domestic audience and sell them his propaganda victory. Elections are near, right?