President Donald Trump is increasingly at odds with allies in Europe and the Middle East that have moved to shore up the new Syrian government. The influence of Iran and Russia in what was once their most subservient regional partner has quickly dissipated.
But the Trump administration, which still maintains Assad-era sanctions on Damascus, is sitting on the fence. While a full drawdown of U.S. troops in Syria is not currently being contemplated, a defense official said the plans were to “reduce” and “consolidate” the U.S. presence. A resurgent Islamic State is already increasing attacks in eastern Syria as it seeks to capitalize on any vacuum left by the reduction in Russia’s presence and a potential U.S. departure. Advertisement“We are looking at what they do, not what they say,” the senior administration official said. Israel, which sees Sharaa as a radical Islamist in sheep’s clothing, would far prefer a weak and decentralized Syria on its border.
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani (Sharaa) has risen to power in Syria, claiming to operate under Islamic law. Regional powers like Israel and Turkey are vying for influence; Israel fears a strong Syria while Turkey seeks stability. U.S. officials have mixed views on Sharaa's regime, with some optimistic about potential normalization and others skeptical. The U.S., facing internal debate, must decide whether to engage or isolate the new Syrian leadership amidst regional tensions.