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Why is Jim Matthews on trial for terrorism?
Breaking its alliance with the YPG is proving tricky for Britain. But presenting them as a terrorist faction is an easy way out, writes STEVE SWEENEY

THE case of Jim Matthews should concern us all. The former People’s Protection Units (YPG) fighter faces a court hearing on March 1st, where he could be jailed for up to 10 years for terrorism offences.

This is a watershed moment in British foreign policy. The trial is not just about Matthews. It is a marker for British government policy in a post-Isis Syria and paves the way for it to officially list the YPG as a terrorist organisation. 

Matthews is the first British YPG volunteer to be charged with terror offences in what is a major shift in the government’s treatment of those who fought with coalition forces against jihadists in Syria.  

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