The U.S. military remains committed to its mission against ISIS in Syria, despite the recent agreement between the Kurdish-led SDF and the Islamist government. This shift occurs amidst rising sectarian violence and concerns regarding governance. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Rubio, advocate for a non-sectarian political transition while navigating complex foreign relations with regional powers like Turkey and Israel.
A U.S. defense official confirmed that the Pentagon’s mission in Syria remains unchanged, even after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to join the newly formed Islamist government amidst sectarian violence. The official stated, “The U.S. mission remains unchanged as we continue to work towards the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
The agreement was made public by Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing Syrian civil war, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The violence escalated following the takeover by Sharaa’s faction, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts between rival groups.
Sharaa has called for national unity while facing violence from Assad loyalists. The coastal areas inhabited by the Alawite sect witnessed clashes, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 civilians. Tension also exists between Druze militias and security forces south of Damascus, complicating the political landscape.
Despite warnings about rising violence, U.S. officials, including Riad Darar, an adviser to the SDF, believe that America’s involvement helped facilitate the agreement with Sharaa’s government, citing protection of human rights as a driving factor. Darar emphasized the need for cooperation between the parties for the well-being of Syrian people.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the agreement, stating that genuine non-sectarian governance is vital to avoid further conflict. He also condemned the radical violent acts against civilians and voiced concern over the potential for Islamic ideology to influence the new government’s policies.
Although Sharaa has rebranded from a militant background to a more diplomatic persona, he remains labeled as a terrorist in the eyes of the U.S. His administration is currently navigating relationships with various foreign entities, including Turkey and Russia, as it seeks legitimacy and control.
Turkey has openly supported Sharaa’s government, highlighting the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity. In contrast, Israel has classified Sharaa as a terrorist and expressed intentions to thwart any threats to its interests and the Druze community.
An emerging threat includes resistance groups bearing Iranian-linked imagery, which aim to challenge Sharaa’s government amidst the complex regional dynamics following Assad’s regime collapse. Meanwhile, U.S. strategies involve maintaining troop presence to combat resurgent ISIS threats and influence regional stability without direct ambitions for territorial gains.
Despite previous commitments from Trump’s administration to withdraw troops, the current U.S. presence encompasses approximately 2,000 personnel in Syria, focusing on supporting the SDF in its operations against ISIS. Ongoing discussions exist regarding the integration of the SDF into a new Syrian military framework, as well as resource management.
Darar highlighted the significance of the new agreement as it recognizes the rights of the Kurdish population and aims to foster dialogues about governance, resource allocation, and military integration. He identified the establishment of a committee to oversee these issues as a critical step forward for a unified Syria.
The U.S. military mission in Syria remains focused on defeating ISIS, despite the country’s shifting political landscape with the SDF aligning with an Islamist government. Concerns about sectarian violence persist, with the U.S. acknowledging the necessity of negotiation for stability. Support from the U.S. is seen as crucial for fostering a non-sectarian governance structure, essential for preventing further conflict. The evolving dynamics within Syria present challenges and opportunities for all involved parties, necessitating careful diplomacy and strategic action.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
