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
- Graham called yearslong push for war with Iran the best thing Ive ever done in new footage - CNN - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Unreleased Documentary Footage Captures Grahams Obsessive Push for Iran War - WSJ - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Netanyahu: Iran conflict ends when regime falls or gives up its nuclear program - The Times of Israel - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Netanyahu reined in Lindsey Grahams obsessive push to widen Iran war, footage shows - Ynetnews - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- US strikes 'on a hold,' as talks, battle for Strait of Hormuz control loom with Iran - Fox News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Live updates: Iran operations on a hold after almost two weeks of consecutive US strikes, source says - CNN - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Will America launch another massive attack on Iran? - The Economist - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- US pauses attacks on Iran for a second day as peace talks continue - The Guardian - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Trump's Aides Reveal New Levels of Erratic Behavior Over Iran War - The Daily Beast - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- US, Iran Extend Pause in Strikes as Oman Holds New Hormuz Talks - Bloomberg.com - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Iran war latest: 'They would use it if they had it' - Trump insists Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon - Sky News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Iran threatens to expand war if US resumes strikes, which it says Israel is pushing for - The Times of Israel - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- What to know about Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, home to an underground nuclear site threatened by Trump - AP News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Vance, Caine raised concerns about escalating war in Iran, sources say as US pauses consecutive nights of strikes - CNN - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- US pauses attacks on Iran for a second straight day and Tehran does too - Orange County Register - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Katy Perry deeply appalled over White House using her song in Iran war video - The Guardian - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- It Isnt Just Pickaxe: Trumps Other Potential Nuclear Targets in Iran - WSJ - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Iran Journey Reveals Societys Wartime Defiance and Hope - The New York Times - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- CBS News poll finds Iran conflict marked by feelings of uncertainty; most say it's more difficult than Trump had expected - CBS News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Military Families Express Outrage After Pentagon Lowers Number of U.S. Troop Deaths in Iran War - The New York Times - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Ukraine war briefing: Iran accuses Kyiv of deadly attack on Iranian vessel in Caspian Sea - The Guardian - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Iran war spreads to Red Sea and Caspian, Gulf quiet as US forgoes strikes - Reuters - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Airstrikes have paused and talks are pressing forward. But can the US and Iran take the off-ramp? - AP News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- The U.S. and Iran pause attacks on each other for a 2nd day as Tehran talks with Oman over Hormuz - Fortune - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Iran reports first night without new US strikes as Houthis attack Saudi Arabian city - Fox News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- U.S. and Iran pause air strikes as talks show signs of progress - The Globe and Mail - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Opinion | I was a diplomat in Iran. Two rules explain its actions. - The Washington Post - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Trump is giving Iran talks 'a little bit of room,' US ambassador to UN says - Reuters - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- How Russia helped build Iran into a strategic partner against the West - analysis - The Jerusalem Post - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- U.S. forgoes strikes on Iran, but conflict escalates in the Red Sea - NBC News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- US has spent $37.5B on Iran war, Hegseth says at heated Senate hearing - USA Today - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Israel remains on sidelines of US-Iran fight, which for Jerusalem is just fine for now - The Times of Israel - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth grilled over growing cost of war with Iran - NBC News - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Trump Has Only Terrible Choices With Iran - The Atlantic - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Hegseth asks for billions for the Iran war, is there an end game? - NPR - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - KCRA - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Opinion | The U.S. military's escalating strikes in Iran may be legal. That doesnt make them justified. - MS NOW - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - WBAL-TV - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - WYFF - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Trump says will be hitting Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear complex 'pretty soon' - France 24 - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - WESH - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - WDSU - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - KETV - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Pentagon Identifies Another Soldier Killed in Iran War - The New York Times - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran conflict costs rise to $37.5 billion - KSBW - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- The Iran wars big oil mystery: No one seems to want it - CNN - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Second critical waterway threatened by Iran war - CNN - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Iran is evading U.S. defenses to kill and wound American soldiers it's not just that "one leaked through" - CBS News - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- July 20, 2026 US completes more strikes against Iran after Trump warning to Tehran - CNN - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Pentagon Withheld Dozens of U.S. Military Injuries in Iran War - The New York Times - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Hegseth is facing questions from senators over funding for the Iran war - Yahoo - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- US launches fresh strikes on Iran, as Trump warns of retaliation for deaths of soldiers - BBC - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- U.S. strikes unlikely to move Iran, intelligence reports say - The Washington Post - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- US military slow to disclose Iran war injuries with officials citing security needs - CNN - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- On sidelines of Iran war, Israel is readying plans in case of escalation - CNN - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Oil Buyers Battered by the Iran War Energy Crisis Race to Build Buffers - The New York Times - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Attacks between US and Iran across Mideast overshadow efforts to keep diplomacy alive - AP News - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- The Pentagon, sinking billions into Iran war, is quickly running short on cash - Yahoo - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- WATCH: Hegseth, Caine defend Trump's funding request to Congress as Iran war reignites - PBS - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- To Base or Not to Base: The Iran War Exposes Flaws of U.S. Bases in the Middle East - Council on Foreign Relations - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Mission in Iran war has pivoted toward ensuring oil flow, Trump official says - The Guardian - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - AP News - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US strikes Iran for ninth day; Iran says two oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz exploded and immobilised - Reuters - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- Iran Update Special Report, July 19, 2026 - Institute for the Study of War - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- U.S. teeters on return to all-out war with Iran after more troops killed - The Washington Post - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- Nigerian children pay the price for the Iran war as malnutrition and poverty surge - PBS - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US strikes Iran for 9th straight night; IRGC launches retaliatory attacks on several Arab countries - The Times of Israel - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- CENTCOM Ends Weekend Wave of Strikes Against Iran - centcom.mil - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- The U.S. strikes Iran after Trump announces a renewed blockade and tolls in Hormuz - NPR - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- Trump asks Congress to add Iran to Russia sanctions bill - MS NOW - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- What remains of the Iran deal as fighting rages - AP News - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US launches more airstrikes against Iran after announcing another death of a service member - AP News - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US releases footage of ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran - Al Jazeera - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- The renewed US-Iran conflict is escalating and threatening to spin out of control - CNN - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - The Boston Globe - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - Click2Houston - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - WAVY.com - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states - KSAT - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]
- U.S. death toll rises again as Iran war escalates over the weekend - CNBC - July 20th, 2026 [July 20th, 2026]