Uncertain Future of U.S. Troops in Syria Amid Competing Turkish and Israeli Pressures

The status of U.S. troops in Syria is under scrutiny as Turkey and Israel exert pressure over the Kurds’ role in combating IS. Trump’s administration struggles with conflicting military strategies, with Turkey opposing U.S. support for the SDF while Israel seeks continued backing. Experts warn that a withdrawal could destabilize the region and lead to a resurgence of IS.

The future of U.S. troops stationed in Syria is uncertain due to competing pressures from Turkey and Israel regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) role against the Islamic State (IS) group. President Trump’s administration faces the challenge of managing conflicting demands as the U.S. military presence, supporting a coalition of Arab and Kurdish forces, comes under scrutiny.

Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are supporting the SDF in its campaign against IS. Many IS militants are held in SDF prisons, creating a complex situation where the potential withdrawal of American forces raises concerns about stability in the area. Sinan Ciddi, an analyst, emphasizes Trump’s dilemma; he campaigned on reducing foreign military engagements while facing a significant security threat if U.S. troops were to withdraw quickly.

Turkey, an ally within NATO, views the SDF as insurgents linked to Kurdish groups that threaten its national security. Turkish experts assert that pulling U.S. troops could reset relations between Turkey and the U.S. Bilgehan Alagoz from Istanbul suggests that Turkey would seek to guarantee U.S. soldiers’ safety and facilitate their withdrawal from Syria, hinting at a possible renegotiation of bilateral ties.

An imminent U.S. withdrawal could undermine the SDF’s position, as they have relied on U.S. support to counteract Turkish military movements towards the SDF. Aydin Selcen, a former Turkish diplomat, argues that the SDF must act swiftly to align with the Syrian government, integrating their forces to appease Ankara’s security concerns.

Notably, while Turkey is pressuring for SDF disbandment, Israel favors continued U.S. support for the group, recognizing the threat posed by IS. Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist, cites that the SDF oversees thousands of imprisoned IS fighters, recognizing the U.S. troop presence as necessary to deter the resurgence of IS. Israel has shown growing diplomatic support for the SDF, aligning with its security interests.

The future of U.S. military presence in Syria stands at a crossroads, influenced heavily by Turkey and Israel’s divergent interests regarding the Kurdish-led SDF. Should U.S. troops withdraw, both the regional balance of power and the feasibility of managing IS threats could be at risk, leading to significant implications for U.S.-Turkey and U.S.-Israel relations. It remains crucial for the U.S. to navigate these complex dynamics carefully to maintain stability and security in the region.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr