U.S. Troops in Syria Face Pressure Amid Conflicting Interests of Turkey and Israel
The U.S. military’s role in Syria is in jeopardy due to pressures from Turkey and Israel. President Trump confronts challenges regarding the Kurdish-led SDF while ensuring American interests. Analysts warn that withdrawing troops could jeopardize the fight against IS and destabilize the region further. Both Turkey and Israel have conflicting interests tied to the U.S. presence, complicating future actions in Syria.
The future of U.S. troops in Syria is uncertain due to conflicting pressures from Turkey and Israel regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). President Trump faces the challenge of maintaining support for the SDF while addressing Turkey’s objections to U.S. military involvement that aids groups it labels as insurgents. Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops back the SDF in their efforts against the Islamic State (IS), but this presence is increasingly questioned.
Analysts caution against a swift withdrawal from Syria, as it poses significant security risks. Sinan Ciddi from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasizes Trump’s dilemma of adhering to his campaign promises of prioritizing American interests while recognizing that diminishing troop numbers may lead to instability in the region. If U.S. forces exit, the ability to counter emerging threats from IS may be compromised.
Turkey welcomes the prospect of a U.S. withdrawal, seeing it as a chance to address their concerns regarding the SDF’s ties to Kurdish militants. Bilgehan Alagoz from Istanbul’s Marmara University believes that Trump’s exit could allow for improved U.S.-Turkey relations, suggesting a negotiation on the safe withdrawal of U.S. personnel with assurances from Turkey.
The withdrawal of U.S. forces would strip the SDF of its diplomatic support, with Aydin Selcen noting that the SDF must quickly align with the Syrian government for their protection. Without American backing, the SDF risks facing a direct Turkish military response, making timed diplomatic strategies vital for their survival and regional stability.
Israel supports keeping U.S. troops in Syria, viewing the SDF as a necessary counterbalance against IS resurgence. Gallia Lindenstrauss of the Institute for National Security Studies highlights the strategic importance of U.S. presence in protecting against the reemergence of Islamic State fighters currently detained by the SDF, which makes continued American support essential.
With ongoing diplomatic discussions, Israel is likely to advocate for sustained U.S. military presence in Syria. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, stress the SDF’s reliability in addressing regional security concerns, indicating potential pressure on the American administration to continue backing Kurdish forces in northeast Syria as stability in the region hangs in balance.
The future of U.S. troops in Syria is jeopardized by the contrasting demands of Turkey and Israel, with a potential withdrawal endangering the fight against IS. The SDF’s unique position is threatened without American diplomatic and military support, while both Turkey and Israel seek different outcomes from U.S. involvement. Balancing these pressures is crucial for the U.S. in maintaining regional stability and supporting allied forces on the ground.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
