More than half a million people have lost their lives in Syria since 2011. More than 5.5 million have fled their homes as refugees, and another 6.2 million people are displaced within their country.
By OPHIR FALKSmoke rises from al-Harak town, as seen from Deraa countryside, Syria June 25, 2018.(photo credit: ALAA AL-FAQIR)
Despite being a central campaign promise and his position since being elected in 2016, many seem surprised, some even scared, of US President Donald Trump’s recent directive to bring American troops home from Syria.Geopolitical experts have rightfully pointed to the increased threat of a Russian stranglehold on Syrian resources, Iran’s increasing influence and conquest of additional Arabian lands, a revival of ISIS and a new Turkish-Kurdish killing field. Conspiracy theorists have raised Trump-Russian collusion concepts, insinuating that the withdrawal is another sign that the president is no more than Putin’s political pup. They choose to ignore the fact that under Trump, the US military has killed hundreds of Russians in Syria; the US has imposed tougher economic sanctions on Russia; has unilaterally withdrawn from the ill-conceived Iranian nuclear deal; and enabled oil prices to descend to $45 per barrel, all of which are detrimental developments for Putin and his pundits.For Israel, the projected US withdrawal presents a challenge, some would say crisis. Bret Stephens of The New York Times has gone so far as to say that the president who moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem and led others to do the same; who is trying to put Iran back in its box by resetting economic sanctions on the Shia state and rebuilding alliances with (relative) moderate Sunnis; not to mention notifying the Palestinians that they will also need to make concessions for peace – is actually bad for Israel. Stephens argues that Trump is worse for Israel than his predecessor, who crafted the Iranian nuclear deal, discreetly sent cargoes of cash to the ayatollahs and turned his back on the Jewish state at a crucial UN vote on his final day in office. Absurd.It seems that respected yet hate-influenced journalists have temporarily lost their sense of reason.An American withdrawal from Syria, even if it continues to hold a substantial regional base in Iraq, is bad for Israel. Certainly, in the short term. This may require Israel to once again show its tenacity and resolve. The US and the American people are probably Israel’s greatest allies, but Israel has never asked for or received a free meal and has never relied on anyone but itself to protect itself. It never should, if “never again” has true value.US presence in Syria was first and foremost an American interest. US troops on Syrian soil were believed to lower the threat of Islamic terrorists on US streets. Trump thinks the costs of American troops in Syria outweigh the benefits. Legitimate even if flawed.An abrupt American departure may leave a temporary void, but the countries of the region, including Iran, are acquainted with Israel’s military might and would be ill-advised to test it again. With low gas prices and growing internal tensions in Tehran, it would be nothing short of economic suicide that could jeopardize the Iranian regime to expand its military confrontations at this time. The ayatollahs are aware of that. So are their proxies.The American presence in Syria did not solve the Syrian problem and neither will its departure. It is up to the international community as a whole to find a solution to this ongoing tragedy.More than half a million people have lost their lives in Syria since 2011. More than 5.5 million have fled their homes as refugees, and another 6.2 million people are displaced within their own country. Half of those affected are children.The time has come for the too-oft cynical international community to stop the war in Syria. It is possible, and it is in the interest of the international community to do so. In fact, it should be a top UN priority for 2019. The perils from a strayed Syria can reach many corners of the world. UN sanctions should be placed on any foreign force remaining in Syria and Saudi Arabia should reciprocate the support Trump has continued to provide it – despite the Kashoggi debacle – by supporting a solution in Syria. The Saudis, along with their regional allies, can and should help stabilize Syria.In 2019, peace-loving and humanitarian-inclined countries of the world should strive to end the carnage, house the displaced refugees and demilitarize southern Syria. That would help millions of people have a more peaceful and happier New Year.The writer is a visiting scholar at Georgetown University and research fellow at the Institute of Counter Terrorism.
