Future of US Troops in Syria: Pressures from Turkey and Israel
The US military presence in Syria is under scrutiny as Turkey and Israel exert pressure on the Trump administration regarding support for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The potential withdrawal of American troops could affect the fight against the Islamic State and alter geopolitical dynamics, highlighting a critical junction in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
The future of American military forces in Syria is currently under scrutiny as Turkey and Israel exert competing influences on the Trump administration regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The presence of approximately 2,000 US troops, who support the SDF against the Islamic State (IS) group, faces increasing challenges amidst these geopolitical pressures.
Experts suggest that President Trump is caught in a dilemma, having pledged to prioritize American interests over foreign involvement. Sinan Ciddi, a Turkey analyst, notes that withdrawing troops quickly in Syria could pose significant security risks, given the ongoing threats from IS militants detained by the SDF.
Turkey welcomes the prospect of a US military withdrawal, opposing US support for the SDF which it regards as linked to Kurdish insurgents. Bilgehan Alagoz, an international relations expert, argues that a US exit could lead to better relations between Turkey and the United States, as Ankara promises to ensure the safety of American soldiers during a withdrawal.
The US military presence has currently hindered Turkey’s military actions against the SDF along the Syrian border. Aydin Selcen, a former Turkish diplomat, emphasizes that if the US withdraws, it would eliminate the diplomatic support that protects the SDF, urging the group to align more closely with the Syrian government to address Turkish security concerns.
As Turkey escalates military actions against Kurdish forces, the Israeli government has expressed support for US backing of the SDF, highlighting the threat posed by IS. Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute for National Security Studies notes the importance of retaining a small US military contingent to prevent the resurgence of IS, given that the SDF manages prisons containing thousands of IS fighters.
Israel’s diplomatic stance is expected to emphasize the necessity of supporting the SDF, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reinforcing the Kurds’ role as allies against IS. Analysts anticipate that Israeli leaders will advocate for continued US military support for the SDF to maintain regional stability and security.
In summary, the United States’ military presence in Syria is precarious, influenced by conflicting interests from Turkey and Israel. The potential withdrawal of US troops could significantly alter the dynamics for the Kurdish-led SDF while exacerbating regional security challenges. As the situation evolves, diplomatic negotiations between the US, Turkey, and Israel will be crucial to shaping future engagements in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
