More robust US presence in Syria could deter Iran, Russia and other threats and ensure stability, experts say – Fox News
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
JERUSALEM, Israel The Biden administrations Syria policy has a laser-like focus on combating the largely defeated Islamic State terrorist movement, butsome observers say it appears to be short-sighted when it comes to zooming in on the growing threat from both Iran and Russia which could lead to more instability across the Islamic heartland.
"We have had three administrations that have not prioritized Syrian stability. If you do not attend to it, it attends to you, like the main problems in the Middle East. The instability in Syria spills over to broader changes," said Brian Katulis, a seniorfellow and vice president of policy at the Middle East Institute.
Katulis told Fox News Digital: "The instability in Syria broke the world in the last decade. Syria broke the rules of war because [President Bashar] Assad and Russiamurdered hundreds of thousands of civilians." The Syrian civil war caused waves of migration that disrupted politics in Europe and the U.S., he noted.
"What happens in Syria does not stay there," he said, but the U.S. mandate is limited to degrading the power of the Islamic State. "The presence we have in Syria is a Goldilocks presence, not too big, not too small, just right," said Katulis.
US LAUNCHES SECOND SET OF STRIKES IN SYRIA AGAINST IRANIAN-BACKED MILITIAS
USCENTCOM chief Gen. Erik Kurilla consults with officials running the al-Hol camp. (CENTCOM)
There are roughly 900 U.S. troops, including Green Berets, in Syria.
ForSinam Mohamad, the representative of the Syrian Democratic Council in the U.S., the presence of American troops can advance a troika of American security interests.
TheSyrian Democratic Council is the political wing of theSyrian Democratic Forces, an alliance ofKurdish,Arab andAssyrian/Syriac forces, as well as some smaller Armenian, Turkmen and Chechen defense units
"Terrorism is still threatening the whole world, and the Islamic State and al-Qaeda are still in northeastern and northwestern Syria," Mohamad told Fox News Digital.
She cited three reasons an enduringAmerican presence in Syria is needed.
"First, as long as these terrorist organizations are there, the threat to the U.S. and the whole world will continue. It is very important to end terrorism in Syria in partnership with Kurdish security forces", she said.
IRAN, SYRIA CONSIDER FORMING JOINT OIL AND GAS COMPANY, STATE MEDIA SAYS
Second, "if the U.S. withdraws, it will empower Iran like in Iraq." She said American deterrence "prevents regional interference from Turkey and Iran."
Third, "For 11 years there has been no political solution" to end the high-intensity combat. "We could wind up going back to before 2011, [when the civil war began], without any changes in the Syrianregime. This will empower the regime to control Syriawithout makinganychanges fordemocracy," Mohamad said.
"We need to democratize Syria," she said. "The U.S. will help and support us with democracy. The U.S. will be empowering our position when negotiating withthe Syrian regime, empowering a democratic system based on equal gender and freedom of religion. This will give us a chance to build a unique model intheMiddle East."
U.S. CENTCOM chief Gen. Erik Kurilla recently stated that Syria is becoming the "breeding ground" for a new generation of Islamic State terrorists.
U.S. CENTCOM chief Gen. Erik Kurilla surveys the al-Hol camp in Syria. (CENTCOM)
CENTCOM CHIEF BELIEVES SYRIA IS 'BREEDING GROUND' FOR NEXT GENERATION OF ISIS
Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez D. Maisel,who served 32 years in the Israel Defense Forces and is an expert on Syria, told Fox News Digital that the country is "important because of where she is, specifically, for Europe, Israel, Russia and Iran. Who rules Syria says a lot about the Middle East."
Maisel noted that the Kurdish areas in northern Syria "are of interest to Israel because we see a lot of common interests. We have good connections to the Kurds. They are a minority, and we are a minority."
Kurdish forces have conducted sweeps over the last few weeks to root out Islamic State terrorists from the sprawling al-Hol refugee camp in northern Syria that lodges 55,000 residents. The American military is a keen supporter of the anti-ISIS crackdown in the camp.
"Most importantly, Syria being at the intersection between Iran and the Med, the land bridge, is critical for any improved future for the people of the Levant," Maisel said.
ISRAELI PM TO FOX: 'WE WELCOME THE US STRIKES AGAINST THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN SYRIA'
Troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Special Operations and the U.S.-led anti-jihadist coalition, take part in heavy-weaponry military exercises in the countryside of Deir Ezzor in northeastern Syria on March 25, 2022. (DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
"Prolonged disruption of Iranian control of this crucial line of communication is strategically important not only to Israel, but to regional stability impacting European-NATO interests. A mission that requires measured U.S. support just enough presence to deny Iranian freedom of movement (and ISIS resurrection)."
He added, "The two important choke points into Syria are: Kurdish north (Euphrates zone of operations), basically Syrian Defense Forces controlled areas, and the tri-border area between Kingdom of Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Specifically, the U.S. CENTCOM Al Tanf Garrison.
"An important stopgap interdicting Iranian intentions to develop a supply line from Teheran, through Iraq into Syria and Lebanon."
Meanwhile, on Monday, speaking at The Jerusalem Post Conference in New York, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz presented a map showing more than 10 facilities in Masyaf, in northwestern Syria, that Iran uses to manufacture advanced missiles and other weapons for its proxies. The facilities pose a significant threat to Israel and the region, he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Critics of the Iran atomic accord are deeply concerned that Irans regime will use the sanctions relief funds to pump cash into the coffers of Assads regime and boost terrorism in Syria against U.S. troops.
On Wednesday, the United States Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced the U.S. had provided an additional $756 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria. The amount is in addition to the $800 million in humanitarian aid announced in May by the administration.
A spokesperson for the State Department declined comment for this report and referred Fox News Digital to the Pentagon.
Benjamin Weinthalreports on Middle East affairs. You can follow Benjamin Weinthal on Twitter @BenWeinthal.
Read this article:
More robust US presence in Syria could deter Iran, Russia and other threats and ensure stability, experts say - Fox News
- Exclusive: Iran open to resuming nuclear talks with the US but wont shift its conditions, supreme leaders adviser says - CNN - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran cancels new nuclear inspections it agreed to after bombing campaign - The Washington Post - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran releases Marshall Islands-flagged tanker and crew it seized last week - AP News - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran Releases Tanker It Seized From the Strait of Hormuz - The New York Times - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- IAEA votes to urge Iran to provide information about nuclear material - Euronews.com - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- UN committee adopts resolution criticizing Iran rights record - - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Europeans want to revive Iran nuclear diplomacy with Iran, says France - Reuters - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- US Treasury hits Iran's shadow oil trade with sweeping sanctions - - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran asks Saudi Crown Prince to press U.S. to review nuclear talks - Foundation for Defense of Democracies - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- US, European nations urge Iran to cooperate with UN nuclear watchdog - The Times of Israel - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran's foreign minister says the nation is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country - NPR - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- UN nuclear watchdog demands full cooperation from Iran on sites bombed in 12-day war - The Times of Israel - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Beersheba resident indicted on charges of spying for Iran during military service - The Times of Israel - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Israeli soldier indicted for sharing sensitive intel with Iran - thecradle.co - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- UN Nuclear Watchdog Board Urges Iran to Allow Inspections - IranWire - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- UN atomic agency demands Iran provide full information about its nuclear stockpile - AP News - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran: No IAEA access to bombed nuclear sites without agreement - Israel National News - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran: No IAEA access to bombed nuclear sites without a concrete deal - The Times of Israel - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran releases Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, gives no reason for detention - The Times of Israel - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Araghchi: Iran more prepared than ever to deter Israeli aggression - PressTV - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- New IAEA Resolution Restores Oversight, Adds No New Obligations for Iran - WANA News Agency - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Disable the SIM, disable the citizen: Iran's new, silent crackdown | Iran International - - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran climb one spot to 20th in FIFA Ranking - Tehran Times - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Sanctioning Entities That Have Traded In Iran's Petroleum - Mirage News - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- New IAEA resolution disrupting cooperation: Iran FM - New Age BD - November 20th, 2025 [November 20th, 2025]
- Iran's Pezeshkian says Tehran seeks peace, but will not bow to coercion - Reuters - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- IAEA chief says Iran still capable of building nuclear weapons | Iran International - - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Cultural Genocide and the Kurdish Struggle in Iran - Genocide Watch - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran Fears Gen-Z: Why the Regime Is Ratcheting Up Propaganda - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran plotted to kill Israeli ambassador to Mexico, US and Israeli officials say - The Times of Israel - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran planned to kill Israeli envoy to Mexico this year - JNS.org - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran: Protest in Ahvaz Following Shocking Self-Immolation of 20-Year-Old Ahmad Baldi - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran says open to negotiation but will not give up nuclear - The Jerusalem Post - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Marginalization of the Baloch in Iran - Genocide Watch - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Pezeshkian: Iran seeks peace, but wont give up its nuclear and missile programs - The Times of Israel - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Jewish Iranian-American sentenced to prison in Iran for visiting Israel 13 years ago - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran News in Brief November 7, 2025 - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- After its drone success, Iran's next breakout hit could come from the sea - Tehran Times - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Surviving 903 Days of Torture and Sexual Assault by Iran-Backed Shia Militias - IranWire - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran Arrests Baha'is in Wave of Raids Across Multiple Provinces - IranWire - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Trump says Iran has asked about lifting US sanctions - - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran unveils monument to ancient victory in show of post-war defiance - RFI - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran condemns Israels breach of truce and strikes on Lebanon - Tehran Times - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran: US Citizen Hekmati, 70, Sentenced to 4 Years Over Trip to Israel in 2012 - EA WorldView - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran submits three films to 1st Open Eurasian Film Award Diamond Butterfly - Tehran Times - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- IDF reveals Hamas ties to Iran, UNRWA, Al Jazeera, stolen aid in collection of documents - The Jerusalem Post - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran unveils monument to ancient victory in show of post-war defiance - Homenewshere.com - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iranian-American poets son arrested over Detroit terror plot | Iran International - - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Average age of first-time mothers in Iran continues to rise - Tehran Times - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Iran planned to assassinate Israel's ambassador to Mexico, but the attempt was thwarted - US official - - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Between Mediation and Advocacy: Omans Shifting Role in Gulf-Iran Relations - orfonline.org - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Not if they say we will bomb you: Pezeshkian says Iran seeks peace, but wont abandon nuke programme - WION - November 7th, 2025 [November 7th, 2025]
- Soroka to receive over $300 million to rebuild after Iran missile strike in June - The Times of Israel - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran: Human rights investigators alarmed by surge in repression and spike in executions following Israeli airstrikes - UN News - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran says wont dismantle missiles, ready for war with Israel - JNS.org - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Irans Ruling Class Turns on Itself as Crises Deepen - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Is this the end of Iran's Islamic Revolution? - The Jerusalem Post - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Dead Sea hotel worker charged with spying for Iran; was asked for intel on Ben Gvir - The Times of Israel - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran's Bitcoin Mining Industry: Inside the World's Fifth-Largest Operation Amid Sanctions and Energy Crisis - Brave New Coin - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Russian FM says no limits for military cooperation with Iran - Tehran Times - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Araghchi says Israel duped US on Iran threat, urges Trump to reverse course - - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Former Israeli Ambassador Warns That Iran, Russia, and China Are Expanding Terror Sleeper Cells Across the US - VINnews - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- In the past 48 hours, the heinous lie that the unlawful Israeli and U.S. bombing of Iran was motivated by an imminent nuclear threat has been... - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran To Build 8 New Nuclear Plants With Russias Help - Eurasia Review - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- At the heart of regional architecture, Iran is inevitable - Tehran Times - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran promises to rebuild bombed nuclear sites "with greater strength" after US strikes - Euromaidan Press - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- We will not be set back: Pezeshkian vows Iran will rebuild its nuclear sites stronger than before - WION - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran banking on Iraq vote to retain regional influence - Citizen Tribune - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Iran vows to rebuild nuclear facilities 'with greater strength' after US strikes - Trkiye Today - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- UK Parliament Conference Calls For Firm Policy On Iran Amid Surge In Executions OpEd - Eurasia Review - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Regional Museum of Southeastern Iran, a mirror of Iranian culture, civilization - Tehran Times - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Charges filed against Tiberias man suspected of spying for Iran - The Times of Israel - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Repression in Iran worsened after 12-day war with Israel in June, UN probe finds - The Times of Israel - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- As Renewal of Iran-Israel War Looms, What Lessons Can Be Learned from June? - Middle East Council on Global Affairs - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- Mediator Egypt urges end to impasse over Iran nuclear inspections - - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- Faith, knowledge, and steadfastness: Ayatollah Khameneis vision for an independent Iran - Tehran Times - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- Two men sentenced to 25 years over Iran-backed plot to kill dissident - Reuters - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- Socioeconomic disparities in urological cancers in iran: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 - BMC Public Health - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- UN accuses Iran of widespread arrests, abuses after 12-day war with Israel - France 24 - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]
- Iran says UN watchdog should not express 'unfounded opinions' on nuclear programme - Reuters - October 31st, 2025 [October 31st, 2025]