American troops in Syria face an uncertain future as Turkey and Israel exert opposing pressures on U.S. policy surrounding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Analysts express concerns over a potential withdrawal’s implications for regional security and U.S. relations with Turkey and Israel, emphasizing the need for the SDF to secure its position amid these developments.
The future of American military personnel stationed in Syria is uncertain amidst competing pressures from Turkey and Israel regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The U.S. maintains approximately 2,000 troops in Syria to support this coalition in its fight against the Islamic State (IS), which is complicated by Turkey’s condemnation of U.S. assistance to the SDF, whom they view as linked to Kurdish insurgents within Turkey.
Sinan Ciddi, an analyst from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes President Trump faces a dilemma between fulfilling his campaign pledge to reduce foreign military engagements and addressing the potential security threats posed by withdrawing troops. Ciddi warns that a hasty exit could exacerbate instability in the region.
A possible withdrawal could improve U.S.-Turkey relations, as it would align with Turkey’s demand for the disbandment of the SDF. Bilgehan Alagoz of Istanbul’s Marmara University suggests that this could lead to new negotiations where Turkey would ensure the safety of U.S. personnel during a managed withdrawal from Syria.
Currently, U.S. forces deter Turkish military incursions against the SDF, but Aydin Selcen, a former Turkish diplomat, indicates that the SDF must quickly align with the Syrian government to solidify its future. The SDF has a limited timeframe to secure its position before the potential withdrawal of U.S. troops removes their protective diplomatic backing.
Turkey’s President Erdogan is pressuring the SDF to disband, threatening military action if they do not comply. Meanwhile, Israel continues to advocate for U.S. support of the SDF, concerned about the resurgence of IS militants, many of whom are currently held by the SDF. Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute for National Security Studies highlights the importance of this support to prevent a resurgence of extremism.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar underscores the benefits of partnering with the Kurdish forces to Israeli security interests. Ciddi remarks on the increase in Israeli support for the SDF due to their reliability in countering significant security threats to Israel, indicating a complex dynamic at play between U.S., Turkish, and Israeli policies regarding the situation in Syria.
The future of U.S. troops in Syria hangs in the balance as President Erdoğan of Turkey and Israel vie for influence over the Kurdish-led SDF. Potential U.S. withdrawal poses risks, with the SDF needing to secure their future quickly amidst changing geopolitical dynamics. This situation reflects broader implications for U.S. relationships with NATO allies Turkey and Israel, as they navigate their respective security concerns in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
