Uncertain Future for US Troops in Syria Amid Turkish and Israeli Pressures
American troops in Syria face uncertainty amidst clashing pressures from Turkey and Israel concerning the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Islamic State. President Trump’s inclination to withdraw troops complicates existing dynamics, risking destabilization and loss of support for the SDF. While Turkey seeks withdrawal to address its security concerns, Israel advocates for continued US presence to combat IS threats, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape in Syria.
The future of American troops in Syria is uncertain as Turkey and Israel exert conflicting pressures regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) role against the Islamic State (IS). The 2,000 US forces in Syria support the SDF in its fight against IS, but their presence is now being reconsidered under President Trump’s administration as he faces pressure to fulfill his promise to reduce foreign entanglements, which may conflict with security implications in Syria.
Sinan Ciddi, a Turkey analyst from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlights the dilemma for Trump, suggesting a hasty withdrawal could amplify security threats in the region. With thousands of IS militants incarcerated by the SDF, a rapid formation of a new balance in the area is critical for maintaining stability.
Turkey perceives the current US support for the SDF as harmful, accusing them of links to Kurdish insurgents. Bilgehan Alagoz from Marmara University believes that Trump’s withdrawal could help reset relations between the two allies, with Turkey potentially offering guarantees for the safety of remaining US troops during a withdrawal process.
Currently, US troops are crucial in protecting the SDF from potential Turkish incursions, but experts like Aydin Selcen caution that if the US withdraws, the SDF may lose crucial diplomatic support. Selcen advises the SDF to unify with Damascus quickly to respond to Turkish security concerns and ensure their survival in the conflict.
Turkish President Erdogan has urged the SDF to disband or face military action from Turkey, while Israel supports US backing for the SDF. Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute for National Security Studies indicates that maintaining a small number of US troops is vital to prevent IS’s resurgence, thereby emphasizing the continuing necessity of American military presence in Syria to aid the SDF.
The US military’s role in Syria faces significant challenges as both Turkey and Israel apply pressure regarding the Kurdish-led coalition’s future. While a withdrawal might ease US-Turkey tensions, it could jeopardize the stability of the region and enable IS resurgence. Strategic negotiations are essential to ensure that both Israeli interests in combating IS and Turkish concerns about Kurdish insurgents are addressed while safeguarding the Kurdish forces, indicating a complex path ahead for US involvement in Syria.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr