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
- Whenever Miriam Adelsons mouthpiece pushes a dramatic claim about Iran, its worth asking who it serves. Even the U.S. President has acknowledged where... - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Iran rules out broader U.S. talks as Trump hints at sending 2nd carrier - NBC News - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump says he insisted to Netanyahu that Iran talks go on, as PM stresses security needs - The Times of Israel - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- UN chief blasted as abjectly tone-deaf over message to Iran marking revolution anniversary - Fox News - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Netanyahu returns to Washington this time to shape a deal with Iran, not fight one - The Forward - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump alludes to potential military action if Iran refuses to negotiate its nuclear program - Fox Business - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Mideast experts on what Israel wants from U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions - PBS - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump continues to threaten Iran to come to deal after meeting with Netanyahu - Politico - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump says Iran negotiations will continue after meeting with Israeli PM - wng.org - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Turkish foreign minister warns of nuclear arms race if Iran gets the bomb - Long War Journal - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump threatens Iran with something very tough if US demands are not met - Al Jazeera - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump says no 'definitive' agreement with Netanyahu, US talks with Iran to continue - Reuters - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Pezeshkian says Iran 'ready to hear voice of the people' - The Jerusalem Post - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Iran Commemorates Revolution, With U.S. Warships Lurking Off the Coast - The New York Times - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Nothing definitive on Iran, Trump says of meeting with Netanyahu - JNS.org - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Netanyahu to discuss potential Iran strikes with Trump as Washington and Tehran resume talks - CNN - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump insisted that US talks with Iran will continue as Netanyahu pushes for their expansion - France 24 - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump 'insisted' Iran talks continue in meeting with Netanyahu - Middle East Eye - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Why Netanyahu raced to Washington over Iran - - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- US-based activists raise death toll in Iran protest crackdown to over 7,000 - The Times of Israel - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Machine guns to machetes: Weapons that massacred thousands in Iran - BBC - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump Reverts to Diplomacy With Iran, but the Road Is Narrow - The New York Times - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- After meeting with Netanyahu, Trump warns Iran to be more reasonable - WPLG Local 10 - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump says Iran talks will continue after very good meeting with Netanyahu - The Independent - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump says he 'insisted' to Netanyahu that US talks with Iran continue over nuclear programme - Euronews.com - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump confirms more talks with Iran as Tehran stands firm on nuclear enrichment. Heres what to know - CNN - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Talks with US set to continue after 'good beginning', Iran's foreign minister says - BBC - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump signs executive order threatening tariffs for countries trading with Iran - BBC - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Iran says talks with US in Oman were 'good start', will continue - Reuters - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Oil Prices Surge: Impact of US-Iran Relations on Markets - Global Banking & Finance Review - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- The violence in Iran could lead to civil war - The Economist - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- U.S. and Iran plan talks in Istanbul, as Trump warns of bad things - The Washington Post - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Trump says talks with Iran ongoing - Reuters - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Trump pairs deal talk with war threats ahead of Iran negotiations - - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- As US and Iran set for talks, Trump warns bad things will happen if no deal reached - The Times of Israel - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- U.S. and Iran may hold talks in Istanbul on Friday as Trump weighs military action - NBC News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest Revolutionary Guard being listed as a terror group - ABC News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter Arrested in Iran for Criticizing Regime - The New York Times - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- U.S. and Iran expected to hold nuclear talks on Friday, sources say - NBC News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran rebuilds nuclear sites as US weighs strike - The Jerusalem Post - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Trump says big ships are heading to Iran right now in new threat - latest - The Independent - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Co-writer of Oscar-nominated film It Was Just an Accident arrested in Iran - The Guardian - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Ahead of Friday nuclear talks with Iran, Witkoff heading to Israel to meet PM, Zamir - The Times of Israel - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Israel to push for US to demand that Iran give up nuclear program, missiles, proxies report - The Times of Israel - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran has repeatedly proved itself untrustworthy in negotiations: Brit Hume - Fox News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- U.S. tells Iran it is ready to meet and negotiate a deal - Axios - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Voices from inside Iran : State of the World from NPR - NPR - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- US, Iran signal talks to avert military conflict amid tensions in the Gulf - Al Jazeera - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Trump weighs diplomacy with Iran amid rising tensions - Fox News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Alarm grows over detention of doctors who treated Iran protesters - - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Interview with the Director of Iranian Studies: How the West Gets Iran Wrong - The Stanford Review - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Talks Are Iran's Last Chance to Avoid Confrontation With Trump but Wide Gaps Remain - Haaretz - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran's foreign minister says Tehran ready to resume nuclear talks with U.S. - Axios - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran heads for make or break this week over averting war with US - Sky News - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- US, Iran ready to talk, with mediators organizing meeting in Ankara report - The Times of Israel - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran and U.S. to hold nuclear talks on Friday as Trump warns Tehran - The Japan Times - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Trump tells Iran to drop nuclear aims and stop killing protesters to avoid military action - BBC - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Iran orders talks with US as Trump warns of 'bad things' if no deal reached - The Mountaineer - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- The War Room newsletter: Three ways Donald Trump could strike Iran - The Economist - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Aircraft carrier reaches Middle East, bolstering Iran options for Trump - The Washington Post - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Iran Protest Death Toll Could Top 30,000, According to Local Health Officials - Time Magazine - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Iran offline: How a government can turn off the internet : Short Wave - NPR - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Lebanon's Hezbollah chief says group concerned with confronting US threat against Iran - Reuters - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- New Iran videos show bodies piled in hospital and snipers on roofs - BBC - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- US Official says Washington is open for business if Iran wishes to contact them - Reuters - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Trump warned off Iran strikes in 'you will reap the whirlwind' threat - Sky News - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Airlines Are Suspending Flights to Dubai, Iran, and IsraelHere's What to Know - Cond Nast Traveler - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Pools of blood, hundreds of gunshots: I am a surgeon in Iran - this is the horror Ive witnessed in the crackdown - The Guardian - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in the Middle East as Tensions With Iran Remain High - Military.com - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Italy pushes for EU clampdown on Iran's Revolutionary Guard over 'heinous acts - Reuters - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- After mass killings, bodies of Iran's slain leveraged to quash dissent - - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Iran tensions: US aircraft carrier, warships arrive in Middle East - Times of India - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Italy urges EU to list Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terror group - Euronews.com - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- USS Abraham Lincoln returns to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran - Task & Purpose - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- US warships arrive in Middle East amid fears Trump will finally order Iran strike - The Independent - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Trump: Iran wants to talk, situation in flux after US sent big armada to Mideast - timesofisrael.com - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- US Official Says Washington Is Open for Business if Iran Wishes to Contact Them - U.S. News & World Report - January 26th, 2026 [January 26th, 2026]
- Scale of Iran's nationwide protests and bloody crackdown come into focus even as internet is out - ABC News - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei moves to underground bunker amid fears of US strike - report - jpost.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Iran-US tensions LIVE: Trump gets new trigger ready threat from Tehran, India gets a thank you note - Hindustan Times - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]