Watan-The announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of his intention to withdraw thousands of American troops from Syria has caused deep concern for the Israeli occupation, which considers the U.S. presence in the region a crucial element in maintaining military balance, particularly in countering Iranian influence and supporting Kurdish groups allied with Washington.
According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, any sudden withdrawal of American forces would create a strategic vacuum that could be exploited by other powers, such as Russia and Iran, to strengthen their influence in Syria. Additionally, this decision could weaken the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which rely on U.S. support in their operations against ISIS. The occupation fears that such a move could lead to a military realignment in Syria in a way that may not be in its favor.
American officials have affirmed that Washington remains committed to combating terrorism in Syria. However, the future of this presence is now in question, especially with the new Syrian administration demanding the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country. These demands reflect political shifts in Syria, where the new leadership seeks to assert full sovereignty and end any foreign military presence, including U.S. forces.
Trump had previously attempted to withdraw all American troops from Syria during his first term in 2018, a decision that led then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis to resign in protest. However, it appears that this time, Trump is considering his decision more carefully, particularly as intelligence reports warn that an uncalculated withdrawal could lead to a resurgence of ISIS, potentially putting Washington in a difficult position with its international allies.
Beyond security concerns, political calculations also shape Trump’s stance. The U.S. president seeks to present himself as the one responsible for defeating ISIS, making him hesitant to take a step that could be seen as a retreat from that achievement.
Additionally, a withdrawal could open the door for his political opponents to accuse him of abandoning allies and leaving the field open for Iranian and Russian influence in the region.
As discussions continue within the corridors of the White House, the key question remains: Will Trump proceed with his decision to withdraw the troops, or will political and security pressures compel him to maintain the U.S. military presence in Syria? The coming days may provide an answer to this question amid cautious international and regional anticipation.
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