Trump Signals US Withdrawal from Syrian Conflict Ahead of Presidency
The US has backed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, in its fight against ISIS
WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump has distanced the United States from Syria’s ongoing civil war, suggesting that his administration would cease involvement in the conflict and may halt support for Kurdish-led forces. In a Saturday morning post on social media, Trump described Syria as “a mess” and declared, “THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” His comments reflect his “America First” approach, which emphasizes disengagement from foreign conflicts.
Trump’s remarks came as the Syrian conflict entered a new phase, with opposition groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), advancing from their stronghold in Idlib and capturing key government-held cities. The rapid shift in the battle lines has raised questions about the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Trump speculated that this could lead to a major change in Syria’s power structure, but he focused primarily on the international dynamics surrounding Russia and the United States.
The US has backed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, in its fight against ISIS. However, Trump’s post made no mention of the Kurdish forces, which control significant areas in Syria, including oil-rich regions. The US currently has fewer than 1,000 troops stationed in Syria at various bases, primarily in northeastern territories. Despite Trump’s rhetoric, US airstrikes continue, with recent attacks against weapons systems in the region on December 3. However, the Pentagon clarified that these were defensive actions, not part of a broader involvement in the conflict.
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Trump’s stance contrasts with that of former President Barack Obama, who, during his tenure, called for Assad to step down and threatened military action over the use of chemical weapons. Trump also criticized Obama’s handling of Syria, particularly his decision not to enforce the “red line” on chemical weapons.
As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, he has made clear his intention to withdraw from foreign entanglements and prioritize domestic interests. Experts suggest that US policy may shift to align more closely with Turkey, which views Kurdish forces as a terrorist threat. This alignment could signal a further reduction in support for the Kurdish-led SDF, as Turkey has long pressed for US disengagement from Syria.
With Syria’s future uncertain, Trump’s approach represents a significant shift in US foreign policy, aiming to avoid further military engagement in the region.
