America's closest ally in Syria, the Kurdish minority, is facing challenges as the Sunni Arab rebels gain power and Turkey continues to oppose their presence. The Kurds have been instrumental in fighting against the Islamic State group and have carved out an autonomous region in Syria's east. However, the recent ascendance of the rebels and Turkey's support for them puts the Kurds' gains at risk and could prolong the conflict. The future of U.S. aid to the Kurds is also uncertain under President-elect Donald Trump, who has been skeptical of U.S. involvement in Syria.