Trump’s Actions Regarding Syria and Iran
This week, President Trump highlighted Iran’s growing influence in Syria, which he believes reflects a shift in awareness within the administration regarding persistent issues in the region. Syria, maintaining relations with nations like Israel and Jordan, is facing challenges tied to longstanding Iranian presence and local Muslim concerns.
At a White House press briefing on Monday, a spokesperson noted, “This president has kept his promise to support a stable, united Syria, one that can peacefully coexist with its neighbors.”
Former Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker commented on the impact of sanctions in Syria, stating, “The sanctions didn’t do much; the economic situation is dire. However, Trump seems ready to give Syria a chance to succeed.”
Trump Lifts Sanctions in Syria
Javed Ali, a former National Security Council member and current professor, indicated that Syria has complied with long-standing US requests. The country is cooperating on chemical weapons checks with the IAEA, sharing intelligence on ISIS, and coordinating with US officers on counterterrorism efforts. Interestingly, these groups have labeled Alshara as pagans, while also facing consequences from ISIS attacks.
Schenker emphasized that a stable Syria focusing on education and social development would help diminish the influence of both ISIS and Iran in the region.
Ali noted that this moment might represent a larger strategy from Trump. “With Assad out of the picture, it’s another setback for Iran. This opens the door for Sunni Arab states to unite around a coalition against Iranian interests.”
The US military maintains a critical yet relatively modest presence in Syria, with around 1,000 troops at several locations in the northeast, providing key intelligence and rapid response capabilities. “These bases play a crucial role in our counterterrorism efforts,” Ali remarked, referring to multiple operations this year.
Normalization with Israel as a Complex Issue
While aiming for stronger ties, Ali pointed out that increased US-Syrian collaboration might lead to challenges. “As we deepen our bond, there’s always a risk that Alshara might wish for a reduced US presence. This could hinder our tracking of jihadist movements and the management of ISIS detainees.”
The global community is watching closely as Syria’s new leadership has distanced itself from Iran, having blocked shipments of weapons and dismantling several Iranian military sites. Schenker noted, “The president is eager to advance the Abraham Accords and views Syria as a potential candidate for normalization.”
Despite a positive push for diplomatic relations, achieving normalization with Israel remains complex. Officially, Syria is still at war with Israel, and while Alshara has hinted at possible adjustments to pre-1974 ceasefire terms, extremist factions within Syria continue to resist. There have even been reports of assassination attempts against Alshara due to these potential shifts.
Charles Lister, director of the Syrian Program at the Middle East Institute, observed, “Syria is an ongoing dilemma in the area; it’s a source of instability but also a potential pathway for broader regional integration.”
While there are signs of back-channel communications and dialogue, tension persists, particularly as Israeli airstrikes continue within Syrian borders. The new leadership in Syria has not responded militarily thus far, but the atmosphere remains charged. “The developments in private negotiations don’t seem to reflect the reality on the ground,” Lister concluded, emphasizing the necessity for both tiers to align.
