The future of U.S. troops in Syria is uncertain due to pressures from Turkey and Israel regarding the Kurdish SDF. As Turkey promotes withdrawal, Israel emphasizes the importance of U.S. support for stability against IS. The dynamics of these relationships could influence both regional security and diplomatic ties between the involved nations.
The presence of American troops in Syria has come under scrutiny, with Turkey and Israel advocating conflicting strategies concerning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their struggle against the Islamic State (IS) group. The U.S. military’s role in supporting the SDF, which consists of approximately 2,000 troops, raises questions amid President Trump facing mounting pressure from both allies.
Currently, the U.S. forces are aiding the SDF in combating IS militants, but the future of this military presence is uncertain. Turkey, viewing the SDF as linked to Kurdish insurgents, has sought to persuade the U.S. to reconsider its support. Analysts point to a potential diplomatic reset between the U.S. and Turkey if American troops were to withdraw from the region.
According to expert Bilgehan Alagoz, a U.S. withdrawal may renew relations between the two NATO allies, suggesting Turkey could ensure the secure extraction of U.S. soldiers. However, the SDF would lose crucial U.S. backing, which has shielded them from Turkish aggression, raising concerns about their security and the potential resurgence of IS forces.
Turkish President Erdogan is pressing for the disbandment of the SDF, threatening military action if his demands are not met. In contrast, Israel supports U.S. backing for the SDF due to their control over thousands of IS fighters imprisoned in SDF facilities. Analysts note that IS resurgence poses a significant threat, and the U.S. troop deployment is a deterrent against this possibility.
Furthermore, Israeli officials have articulated the importance of Kurdish cooperation for regional security. The Israeli government has been exploring formal support mechanisms for the SDF, emphasizing their reliability in countering security challenges. This dynamic adds complexity to the U.S. decision-making regarding its military presence in Syria.
The future of U.S. troops in Syria remains precarious, with conflicting pressures from Turkey and Israel influencing potential withdrawal decisions. Analysts suggest that while a U.S. exit could facilitate a reset in U.S.-Turkey relations, it may jeopardize the security of the Kurdish-led SDF and increase the risk of IS resurgence. As the situation evolves, both regional alliances and the effectiveness of the SDF will be pivotal in shaping outcomes.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
