Via Twitter, President Donald Trump, offered a convincing reason to begin the withdrawal of the American troops that have been established for four years in Syrian territory. This is another step in the long and controversial war against terrorism. In it, the head of state ensures the victory over the fearsome Islamic State, the main reason, according to his words, that has justified the military presence of the United States in that country.
The main obstacle, that stands out is the vulnerable relationship of the United States with its Kurdish allies. It is a fact that a relevant strategy of dissuasion coming from the Pentagon, tries to convince president Trump of the risks implied in this massive and radical withdrawal. To quit the support to these allies forces, would put them in a situation of great vulnerability in case of facing possible military actions coming from Turkey.
It is well known, that the Kurdish-Syrians are considered as a positive threat to the stability of the country due to its bonds with the armed groups which fight for their autonomy in Turkey.
President Erdogan´s negative consideration on the connections of the Pentagon with these rebels could help to set up strong military operations in that land.
In spite of the impression of total withdrawal which Trump´s hopeful tweet seems to point out, that withdrawal is not expected to be as total as it is pretended. Breet Mc Gurk, special presidential envoy for the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State, stated that we coul not be so naïve, to believe that the Islamic terrorists would vanish in an absolute way. And for that reason, it was necessary to set some presence there, to assure the stability of the region. Is this a signal of contradictions in the White House foreign politics? Only time will tell.
But not only from there danger may come. Some voices state that the 2,000 soldiers withdrawal could generate mistrust from other regions, like Afghanistan, where other allies forces also depend on Washington support. We should we add as well, the fear to leave the region exposed to the influence of military operations coordinated from Russia or Iran. That, would put those strategies in open contradiction to the politics that tries to stop the influence of those countries in regions so important for the United States interests.
By: José Espinoza