Trump’s Non-Intervention Stance
Donald Trump promised to keep America out of foreign conflicts. Recently, he reiterated this approach regarding Syria’s situation. While visiting Paris, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “Syria is a mess, but not our fight.” He urged the U.S. to avoid involvement in Syria’s issues.
His comments highlight his campaign’s key message of non-intervention. However, Assad’s fall has shifted the Middle East’s power balance. Many wonder if Trump can stay uninvolved.
Challenges to Trump’s Strategy
The Biden administration is actively engaged in diplomacy after Assad’s ousting. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is rallying support from regional leaders in Jordan and Turkey. The U.S. demands a transparent, non-terrorist, and inclusive Syrian government. They aim to prevent Syria from threatening neighbors or keeping chemical weapons.
The fall of Assad created a vacuum filled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist group. The U.S. wants to influence Syria’s future government’s direction. This raises doubts about Trump’s ability to completely disengage.
Trump’s Team and Priorities
Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, emphasized Trump’s priority to avoid new Middle East wars. Waltz identified Trump’s “core interests” in Syria as fighting ISIS, supporting Israel, and maintaining Gulf Arab alliances. He views Syria as one part of a larger regional strategy.
Trump’s approach also focuses on securing a diplomatic deal to normalize Israel-Saudi Arabia relations. He sees this as a chance to weaken Iran’s influence. Trump’s view of Syria aligns with his past statements. He once described Syria as a “land of sand and death” and showed little interest in its affairs.
U.S. Troops in Syria
The U.S. currently has 900 troops stationed east of the Euphrates River. Their mission is to combat ISIS and train the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This presence also prevents Iran from transferring weapons to Hezbollah. While Trump’s stance is to avoid involvement, his officials stress the need for action if U.S. interests are threatened.
Conflicting Perspectives
Robert Ford, former U.S. ambassador to Syria, believes Trump’s non-intervention rhetoric may be tested by ground realities. He notes that some in Trump’s team prioritize counterterrorism, which may require engagement in Syria.
Wa’el Alzayat, a former U.S. State Department adviser, says Trump’s administration includes “serious players” like Senator Marco Rubio, his pick for Secretary of State. Rubio’s foreign policy experience could influence Trump’s decisions.
Trump’s Contradictory Actions
During Trump’s first term, he reduced CIA funding for Syrian rebels and withdrew troops from northern Syria. However, his 2017 missile strike on Syria’s Shayrat Airbase, following Assad’s chemical attack, contradicted his anti-intervention stance. Trump’s administration also increased sanctions targeting Syria’s leadership.
Mike Waltz acknowledged that Trump’s “not our fight” stance does not mean complete disengagement. He noted Trump’s readiness to act decisively if U.S. interests are threatened.
Key Players in Trump’s Administration
Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence draws attention. Gabbard’s 2017 visit to Assad and criticism of U.S. Syria policy sparked controversy. Her role may influence U.S. intelligence views on Syria, adding complexity to Trump’s strategy.
Biden vs. Trump on Syria
Biden’s and Trump’s Syria strategies share similarities. Both seek a Syrian government aligned with U.S. interests. Both aim to diminish Iran’s and Russia’s influence in Syria. However, Biden’s support for Kurdish allies contrasts with Trump’s less-committed approach.
Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat, predicts Trump will withdraw U.S. troops gradually, unlike the swift Afghanistan withdrawal. Barabandi expects Trump to set a timeline for the withdrawal and arrange security measures beforehand.
Turkey’s Role in Syria’s Future
Trump’s relationship with Turkish President Erdogan could influence Syria’s future. Turkey’s conflict with the SDF, which it considers a terrorist group, adds complexity. Since Assad’s fall, Turkey has launched airstrikes to remove Kurdish fighters from strategic areas. A potential deal with Erdogan could strengthen Turkey’s influence in Syria, raising concerns among U.S. officials.
Conclusion
Trump’s “not our fight” stance on Syria faces obstacles. Regional power shifts, U.S. military commitments, and HTS’s presence complicate his plans. The involvement of key figures like Rubio, Waltz, and Gabbard suggests Trump’s isolationist ideals may face resistance. While his stance is clear, achieving it may prove difficult.
