Former U.S. Ambassador Calls for Withdrawal from Syria to Aid Stability
Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford contends that the U.S. should withdraw its forces from Syria to stabilize the region and effectively combat ISIS by partnering with a new transitional government. He criticizes the current U.S. military presence as untenable and emphasizes the need for easing sanctions to support Syria’s democratic process.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, stated that the United States should withdraw its military forces from Syria to better assist the region. In his article, “America Can Best Help Syria By Getting Out,” published in Foreign Affairs magazine, Ford emphasizes that collaborating with the new transitional government in Damascus would allow the U.S. to leave Syria on favorable terms. He expressed concerns about the current U.S. military presence, describing it as “increasingly untenable” with U.S. forces being vulnerable to attacks and lacking clear objectives.
Ford highlighted that, despite the U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against Daesh/ISIS, the terrorist organization continues to be active. He posits that a change in U.S. strategy, particularly with the emergence of a new Syrian government, could lead to a more effective alliance in combating ISIS remnants. He indicated that Washington must send a strong message to the SDF, suggesting a need for substantial compromises regarding future security and administrative structures in the territories they control, which may include the group’s gradual dissolution.
Additionally, Ford pointed out that the PKK/YPG, the group behind the SDF, has been classified as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, having caused significant casualties in its campaign against Türkiye. He argues that easing sanctions on Syria could play a vital role in stabilizing the country and effectively addressing ISIS. He believes that the pathway to a genuine democracy in Syria relies on public activism, legal norms, and the safeguarding of political and personal freedoms, stressing that this process should be led by the Syrians themselves, free from U.S. military involvement.
As context, Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, signaling the end of the Baath Party’s long-standing regime. Following this, the transitional government appointed Ahmed al-Sharaa as president on January 29, including measures to dissolve existing armed factions and revoke the previous constitution.
In conclusion, Robert Ford advocates for a strategic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria as a means to enhance regional stability and combat ISIS more effectively. He proposes collaboration with Syria’s new government as a positive shift from the current military presence, emphasizing the need for partnerships over continued military engagement. The future of Syria, he argues, should be determined by Syrians themselves, supported by international engagement that respects their sovereignty.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
