Future of U.S. Troops in Syria: Navigating Pressure from Turkey and Israel

The fate of U.S. troops in Syria is under scrutiny as Turkey opposes U.S. support for the Kurdish-led SDF, labeling them insurgents. The Trump administration faces pressure to withdraw, although experts warn it could escalate security risks. Meanwhile, Israel supports U.S. backing of the SDF to combat IS, leading to a geopolitical tug-of-war affecting U.S. military strategy in the region.

The presence of American troops in Syria is increasingly scrutinized as Turkey and Israel pursue contrasting interests regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group. The Trump administration faces mounting pressure to reassess its military support, particularly given the contentious relationship with Turkey, which opposes U.S. backing of the SDF, labeling them as insurgents linked to Kurdish militants.

Analysts indicate that President Trump is confronted with a difficult decision, as his campaign promise emphasized withdrawing from international entanglements. Sinan Ciddi of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies notes that a hasty withdrawal could pose significant security risks in Syria, especially considering the presence of thousands of IS militants held by the SDF.

Turkey views the potential U.S. withdrawal favorably and aims to re-establish stronger ties with Washington. Bilgehan Alagoz from Marmara University suggests that a withdrawal could reset relations, with Turkey ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel amid negotiations. Currently, U.S. troops serve as a protective barrier for the SDF against Turkey’s military advances in the region.

Experts warn that the SDF must act swiftly to align itself strategically with the Syrian government to mitigate impending threats, particularly in light of Turkey’s military posturing. Aydin Selcen emphasizes that time is of the essence for the SDF to secure a more stable future and allay Turkish security concerns.

While Turkey demands the disbandment of the SDF, Israel supports continued U.S. backing of these forces to counter IS risks. Gallia Lindenstrauss highlights the vital role of the SDF in managing IS detainees and cautions against their resurgence. Thus, Israel’s diplomatic efforts aim to ensure that U.S. troops remain engaged in Syria.

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, recognize the strategic alliance with the Syrian Kurds and advocate for their preservation as reliable partners in maintaining regional security. Overall, the interplay of interests among the U.S., Turkey, and Israel will significantly shape the future of U.S. forces in Syria and the broader geopolitical landscape.

The future of U.S. military presence in Syria is highly contingent on the conflicting demands from Turkey and Israel regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. While Turkey pushes for a withdrawal to reassert control, Israel advocates for continued support to manage the threat posed by the Islamic State. The complexities of these relationships underscore a pivotal moment for U.S. policy in the region, with significant implications for both local and international security dynamics.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr