Renewed ISIS Threat in Syria as Turkey Targets US Ally: Implications for Trump
In a rapidly evolving situation in Syria, concerns are mounting over the resurgence of the Islamic State following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and a series of attacks on the U.S.-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) by Turkish-backed forces. President-elect Donald Trump faces the daunting challenge of navigating this complex geopolitical landscape as tensions escalate in the region.
The Threat of ISIS Remains
Recent attacks on the SDF by Turkish-backed forces have raised alarms about the potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria. Five SDF soldiers were tragically killed in these assaults, highlighting the volatility of the situation on the ground. The collapse of a cease-fire agreement brokered by the Biden administration has only added to the uncertainty, as the U.S. and the SDF intensify efforts to counter the extremist group.
National security advisor Jake Sullivan has underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that ISIS thrives in power vacuums created by conflicts like the one unfolding in Syria. With the fall of the Assad regime, large swathes of territory have become ungoverned, providing fertile ground for ISIS to regroup and expand its influence.
The Balancing Act for the US
The United States finds itself in a delicate balancing act in Syria, supporting the SDF in the fight against ISIS while also maintaining its partnership with Turkey, a NATO ally. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, has warned that the absence of the SDF and the pressure on the Assad regime from Turkish proxies could pave the way for ISIS to make a comeback.
Turkey’s aggressive stance towards the SDF further complicates the situation, with fears that the SDF’s operational capabilities could be compromised as attacks from Turkey-backed forces escalate. This poses a significant challenge for the incoming Trump administration, which must navigate these complex dynamics to prevent a resurgence of ISIS and maintain stability in the region.
Ramping Up Efforts Against ISIS
Despite the challenges, the Biden administration has taken decisive action to combat ISIS in Syria, launching a significant strike on more than 75 sites associated with the extremist group. Recent operations have targeted known ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps, signaling a renewed effort to counter the threat posed by the terrorist organization.
The capture of ISIS terrorists and suspected collaborators by SDF forces near Raqqa demonstrates a commitment to rooting out any resurgence of the extremist group. However, concerns persist about the SDF’s ability to confront ISIS amid escalating attacks from Turkey-backed forces, underscoring the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in Syria.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential ramifications of a resurgence of ISIS in Syria. The incoming Trump administration faces a daunting task in navigating these challenges, balancing competing interests and priorities to ensure stability in the region and prevent the return of a common enemy.