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Trump orders full withdrawal of US troops from Syria | Al Jazeera English
In a significant and unexpected move, President Donald Trump has announced the full withdrawal of American troops from Syria, marking a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. This decision, which Trump described via Twitter, follows a declaration of victory against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He asserted that the objective of U.S. military presence was achieved, stating, “We have won against ISIS, we’ve beaten them badly, and now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”
However, this announcement has been met with skepticism. U.S. government officials, including those from Trump’s own State Department, have emphasized that ISIS has not been fully defeated. They noted that while there has been considerable progress, continued U.S. presence was necessary to ensure that this defeat is lasting, especially given the complex dynamics on the ground, particularly concerning the Kurdish forces who have aligned with the U.S. in fighting ISIS.
The withdrawal suggests a shift in focus, especially after discussions between Trump and Turkish President Erdogan, in which Turkey expressed a desire to confront Kurdish groups that have been crucial allies to the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. The fate of these Kurdish fighters has raised alarms, with many worried about their safety following the withdrawal. Critics argue that this could embolden adversaries in the region, including Russia and Iran.
This decisive action has stirred bipartisan concern among U.S. lawmakers, with some labeling it a “big mistake” that could compromise national security and destabilize further an already volatile region. The Pentagon has clarified that while U.S. troops will be leaving, the fight against ISIS continues, although it remains to be seen what this next phase of the campaign will entail.
Overall, this decision poses questions about the future of U.S. involvement in Syria and the broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics.
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of this move? Do you think the U.S. should maintain a presence in Syria to support its allies, or is it time to bring the troops home? Let's discuss!
In a significant and unexpected move, President Donald Trump has announced the full withdrawal of American troops from Syria, marking a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. This decision, which Trump described via Twitter, follows a declaration of victory against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He asserted that the objective of U.S. military presence was achieved, stating, “We have won against ISIS, we’ve beaten them badly, and now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”
However, this announcement has been met with skepticism. U.S. government officials, including those from Trump’s own State Department, have emphasized that ISIS has not been fully defeated. They noted that while there has been considerable progress, continued U.S. presence was necessary to ensure that this defeat is lasting, especially given the complex dynamics on the ground, particularly concerning the Kurdish forces who have aligned with the U.S. in fighting ISIS.
The withdrawal suggests a shift in focus, especially after discussions between Trump and Turkish President Erdogan, in which Turkey expressed a desire to confront Kurdish groups that have been crucial allies to the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. The fate of these Kurdish fighters has raised alarms, with many worried about their safety following the withdrawal. Critics argue that this could embolden adversaries in the region, including Russia and Iran.
This decisive action has stirred bipartisan concern among U.S. lawmakers, with some labeling it a “big mistake” that could compromise national security and destabilize further an already volatile region. The Pentagon has clarified that while U.S. troops will be leaving, the fight against ISIS continues, although it remains to be seen what this next phase of the campaign will entail.
Overall, this decision poses questions about the future of U.S. involvement in Syria and the broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics.
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of this move? Do you think the U.S. should maintain a presence in Syria to support its allies, or is it time to bring the troops home? Let's discuss!