News Analysis |
“US would withdraw its troops from soon from Syria”, President Donald Trump said on March 29, 2018. The statement is not announcing the exact time of withdrawal and seems unfitting in the current security situation of Syria. Trump told supporters at an Ohio event on infrastructure, “We’re knocking the hell out of ISIS. We’ll be coming out of Syria like very soon. Let the other people take care of it now.”
In back drop Trump’s remarks, a debate has been generated in the international community and media whether it is the right time to pull out troops? There are many challenges which Syria is unable to resolve. These challenges include the destruction of infrastructure, refugee crises, and rise of Islamic State etc.
The advent of a civil war is part of a huge Arab Spring movement sparked in the Middle East in 2011. The masses of Syria also protested against the Assad government which turned into an armed conflict after protests calling for his removal.
Trump’s wish to exit from Syria soon possible may raise some concerns among US allies in the region because to some extent the supporter of Assad regime were reluctant to attack heavily on rebels because of the fear of retaliation from the US.
It is quite interesting that on one side the US is involving China and Russia for its aspirations to be the dominant world power almost at every international matter and on the other side, Trump’s remarks about Syria, and “We’ll be coming out of Syria like very soon. Let the other people take care of it now” are allowing other countries including Russia to play its role in Syria.
Russia, Iran and militants will be gaining more possibilities to exert its influence in Syria. The withdrawal of US troops from Syria will not happen soon. Giving evidence that the US has declared to withdraw its troops after 2014 from Afghanistan, contrary to this, US troops are present in (2018).
Read more: Sanctions on North Korea compelled Kim to meet Trump
The situation became violent and Assad moved to oppress its opponent groups. Many regional and extra-regional countries had intervened. The war is being fought by several factions: the Syrian government and its international allies, a loose alliance of Sunni Arab rebel groups (including the Free Syrian Army), the majority-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Salafi jihadist groups (including al-Nusra Front) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the IS (Islamic State) with the involvement of extra regional countries directly or indirectly.
The U.S.-led international coalition involved in countering ISIL, Syrian pro- government forces While Russia, Iran and Hezbollah support the Syrian government militarily. Russia has conducted its first air operations in September 2015 against rebels. Russia has an important military airbase in the western province of Latakia and a naval base in the Syrian port city of Tartus and wants Assad to continue his office.
The advent of a civil war is part of a huge Arab Spring movement sparked in the Middle East in 2011. The masses of Syria also protested against the Assad government which turned into an armed conflict after protests calling for his removal.
Trump’s remarks on pulling out of Syria were made just hours after Chief Pentagon, spokesperson Dana White told reporters, “important work remains to guarantee the lasting defeat of these violent extremists” in the country.
Read more: Will the WTO survive Trump?
Unless the US formulates a strong policy for the future of Syrian government and its people, it may remain in trouble in its ultimate decision related to complete withdrawal of its troop. As Russia and Iran are backing Assad’s government, there might be more chances of political unrest by oppressing anti-Assad elements. This Suppression may lead to a major escalation.
Trump’s wish to exit from Syria soon possible may raise some concerns among US allies in the region because to some extent the supporter of Assad regime were reluctant to attack heavily on rebels because of the fear of retaliation from the US.