He has no wish to antagonize Ankara, and may even help by trying to "box in" the PYD.

CNN: Kurds' ambitions add explosive element to Syria equation

Although the deal calls for power-sharing, the PYD calls the shots.

ECONOMIST: Turkey��s Kurds

In early July, Mr Barzani himself brokered a deal whereby the PYD agreed to share power with a coalition of smaller Syrian Kurdish parties, the Kurdish National Council.

ECONOMIST: The Kurds

Cagaptay, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Barzani has tried to bring the PYD and Kurdish National Council together, but evidence suggests little co-operation and plenty of rivalry.

CNN: Kurds' ambitions add explosive element to Syria equation

Turkey is also leaning on the Iraqi Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, who has brokered a deal between the PYD and its rivals, united under the banner of the Kurdish National Council.

ECONOMIST: Turkey��s Kurds

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davotoglu recently called on Barzani in Irbil, and they "emphasized that any attempt to exploit the power vacuum by any violent group or organization (in Syria) will be considered as a common threat, " a not-so-veiled warning to the PYD.

CNN: Kurds' ambitions add explosive element to Syria equation