COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
Senator Graham: Secretary Carter, have you ever heard of the PYD?
Secretary Carter: I have, yes.
Senator Graham: Who are they?
Secretary Carter: They're a Kurdish group, one of several a number of...
Senator Graham: Have you heard of the YPG
Secretary Carter: I have heard of them, also.
Senator Graham: Who are they?
Secretary Carter: Another Kurdish group.
Senator Graham: Aren't they the military wing of the PYD?
Secretary Carter: They are, yes.
Senator Graham: Is that right, General Dunford?
General Dunford: That is correct.
Senator Graham: They're a leftist Syrian Kurdish political party founded in 2003. Reports indicate that they are aligned or at least have substantial ties to the PKK. Is that true?
Senator Graham: Is the PKK a terrorist organization, in the eyes of the Turkish government?
Secretary Carter: The PKK is a terrorist organization, not only in the eyes of the Turkish government, but in the eyes of the U.S. Government, as well, Senator.
Senator Graham: Is it a -- surprising to you that the Turks may be upset with us by arming the YPG in Syria, since they're so closely aligned with the PKK, a terrorist organization?
Secretary Carter: No, it's not at all, Senator.
Senator Graham: So, Turkey is okay with this?
Secretary Carter: They're not okay with that, but --
Senator Graham: I just got back from Turkey. They're not okay with this. They think this is the dumbest idea in the world. And I agree with them.
Senator Graham: How many of the Syrian Democratic Forces, or whatever we're talking about, are Kurds versus Arabs, General Dunford?
General Dunford: There's about 6,000 Arabs, Senator.
Senator Graham: Well, what percentage of the force is that?
General Dunford: That's about 20 percent.
Senator Graham: Okay. So, if you're wondering why Turkey's a little upset, we're arming people inside of Syria aligned with a terrorist group that's fighting the Turkish government. Turkey could do more, but I think this whole concept is, quite frankly, absurd.