The future of U.S. troops in Syria faces scrutiny due to conflicting pressures from Turkey, which opposes support for the Kurdish-led SDF, and Israel, which sees them as vital against IS. President Trump’s commitment to reducing foreign entanglements complicates the situation, as analysts warn that a withdrawal could lead to heightened security threats in the region. Amidst this, experts suggest the necessity for the SDF to align with the Syrian armed forces to secure their future.
The future of American military forces in Syria is uncertain as they face pressure from both Turkey and Israel regarding their collaboration with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State (IS) group. Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are part of the coalition supporting the SDF in combating IS militants, who remain a significant threat despite being detained in SDF-controlled facilities. President Donald Trump’s dilemma stems from his commitment to prioritize American interests over foreign engagements, yet an abrupt withdrawal could expose the region to increased security threats, as noted by analyst Sinan Ciddi, who cautioned against the potential risks of such a decision.
Turkey, a NATO ally of the U.S., views the SDF as an extension of Kurdish insurgents and has expressed strong opposition to Washington’s military assistance. Analysts like Bilgehan Alagoz suggest that a U.S. withdrawal might serve as an opportunity to reset ties between Turkey and the United States, potentially ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel during a withdrawal process. Furthermore, it has been observed that U.S. presence has thus far deterred Turkish military actions against the SDF, but this dynamic may soon change.
With the possibility of a U.S. pullout, experts warn the SDF must act quickly to secure their alliances and integrate with the Syrian armed forces, addressing Ankara’s concerns. Aydin Selcen, a former Turkish diplomat, emphasized that time is critical for SDF forces to achieve this strategic alignment. Turkish President Erdogan is leveraging the evolving geopolitical landscape, pushing for the SDF’s disbandment or facing military aggression.
Conversely, Israel views the continued support of the SDF as essential in countering IS threats in the region. Experts like Gallia Lindenstrauss highlight the risks associated with IS resurgence and the effectiveness of the small U.S. force in Syria. Israel has voiced its intention to maintain U.S. military presence in the area, underlining the role of Kurdish forces as crucial allies against IS. This sentiment was also echoed by Israeli officials during discussions with President Trump, reinforcing the importance of U.S. troops in safeguarding regional stability.
In summary, the status of U.S. troops in Syria hangs in the balance amid significant pressures from Turkey and Israel. While Turkey calls for a U.S. withdrawal to reestablish relations, Israel advocates for the continuation of support for the Kurdish-led forces to counteract the Islamic State. The situation emphasizes the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential ramifications for all parties involved, particularly the Kurdish forces under the SDF.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
