Trump Faces Challenges with ISIS Resurgence Amid Turkey’s Actions in Syria

Concerns are rising over the resurgence of ISIS in Syria as President-elect Donald Trump enters office. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S. ally, are facing attacks from Turkey-backed factions, complicating efforts to combat ISIS. Recent reports indicate an uptick in violence alongside a failed ceasefire, raising alarms about the operational challenges for the SDF and the potential implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Concerns are escalating regarding a potential resurgence of the Islamic State in Syria amidst the ongoing hostilities following the fall of the Assad regime. President-elect Donald Trump may confront renewed challenges as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which collaborate with the United States, find their attention divided between threats from ISIS and increasing assaults from Turkey-backed forces. Recently, the SDF reported the loss of five soldiers due to attacks by these forces in northern Syria.

Compounding these issues is the apparent breakdown of a ceasefire that had previously been negotiated by the Biden Administration, which aimed to stabilize the area and focus efforts against ISIS. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan articulated his concerns on CNN, stating that the return of ISIS remains his “single biggest concern,” and emphasized that “ISIS loves vacuums,” referring to the ungoverned areas resulting from internal power struggles.

The U.S. has historically had to navigate a complex landscape in Syria, balancing its anti-ISIS operations alongside its partnership with Turkey, a NATO ally, while recognizing Turkey’s perceived threats posed by the SDF. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, underscored Turkey’s intent to eliminate the SDF, suggesting an impending increase in attacks as Turkey capitalizes on the shift in power dynamics following the Assad regime’s decline. The Biden administration has initiated measures to intensify its anti-ISIS campaign, evidenced by recent strikes on key ISIS targets.

This situation becomes increasingly critical with the emergence of groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which, with Turkish support, has made significant territorial gains. As CENTCOM confirmed operations against ISIS leaders and camps, tensions remained high regarding the SDF’s operational capacity, which could be significantly hindered by external aggression from Turkey-backed forces, threatening U.S. policy in the region and complicating Trump’s approach to governance in relation to Middle Eastern stability.

The current geopolitical landscape in Syria is marked by a power vacuum following the weakening of the Assad regime. The SDF, comprising mainly Kurdish forces, has been instrumental in combating ISIS but now faces dual threats: a potential resurgence of ISIS and military actions from Turkey, which has labeled the SDF as a terrorist organization linked to the PKK. The dynamics of U.S. foreign policy in Syria are further complicated by Turkey’s ambitions and the overarching threat posed by ISIS, which never truly dissipated despite claims of defeat in 2019.

In summary, the potential for ISIS to regain strength in Syria presents a significant dilemma for the incoming Trump Administration. As the SDF grapples with threats from both ISIS and Turkey, the U.S. must navigate its relationships carefully to maintain regional stability. With the ongoing violence and the shifting alliances, the situation in Syria necessitates a careful reassessment of U.S. strategies to combat extremism while supporting at-risk allies in a profoundly complex environment.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com