Concerns Over U.S. Policy in Syria
The Trump-Putin summit might be dominating the news, but there’s another threat—one that seems to be overlooked yet poses a significant risk to American lives. It appears far more dangerous than the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe. Donald Trump has chosen to acknowledge the leader of Syria, who has connections to the Al-Qaeda/ISIS factions, by lifting terrorist designations and sanctions against him.
For many of Trump’s supporters, a key aspect of his campaign was to withdraw from what he termed the endless wars and to dismiss the neoconservatives responsible for starting them. In his campaign materials, he painted a picture of classic global elites and promised a pivot towards an America-first policy.
Trump’s instincts regarding war and peace can often be accurate—but only if he heeds the sentiments of his base.
Instead of uprooting the neocon agenda, Trump seems to have invigorated it. His recognition of Abu Mohamed Al Jorani, a figure linked to ISIS’s founder, suggests we may be heading back into a prolonged conflict.
Understanding the Situation
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian government in December followed years of civil war. In the aftermath, Al Jorani stepped in. His group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is considered a newer version of Al-Qaeda and ISIS—groups responsible for the atrocities committed on 9/11 and other attacks that have threatened American lives.
However, the U.S. is treating HTS as a legitimate authority. This recognition began under Biden and has continued with Trump, who even referred to Al Jorani as a “young and attractive man,” expressing admiration for him after lifting HTS from the list of designated terrorist organizations.
Consequences and Legacy of ISIS
The struggle against ISIS and its leaders has been intense. The U.S. managed to eliminate ISIS’s founder, but Al Jorani remains a dangerous entity, once targeted by the State Department with a bounty of $10 million on his head. He demonstrated a callous brutality that has left scars on communities across the globe.
Initially linked to Iraq’s Al-Qaeda, ISIS gained notoriety for heinous acts, including public executions and mass violence against civilians. The inception of ISIS can be traced back to Al Jorani’s groundwork in Syria, where he helped form a significant jihadist militia that eventually morphed into HTS.
Intervention and Consequence
ISIS didn’t just appear out of thin air; U.S. foreign policy, shaped by neoconservative ideologies, has set the stage for ongoing conflict. After 9/11, plans were devised to facilitate regime changes across the Middle East, targeting successive governments.
Since the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 under dubious pretenses, the consequences have been dire, costing countless lives and significant financial resources while allowing ISIS to ascend. The continued instability has emboldened groups like Al Jorani’s.
Another significant misstep was the 2011 intervention in Libya, which has led to that nation’s current chaos. Now, with the current situation in Syria also deteriorating due to previous U.S. actions, it raises questions about the efficacy of interventionist policies.
Ongoing Challenges
Since 2001, U.S.-led conflicts have displaced tens of millions, contributing to instability in regions like Europe. The continuous influx strains national identities and incites conflict, as many migrants face challenges assimilating into new cultures.
Future Directions
If Trump’s foreign policy takes a backseat to neocon interests, it not only escalates the war but also forsakes his supporters’ hopes for change. Remembering the victims of terrorism amid this chaos is crucial.
Yet, there’s still time for Trump. If he listens to his base and recognizes the mistakes made, maybe he can redirect his foreign policy to prioritize America’s interests once more.
