Former US Ambassador Robert Ford argues for US military withdrawal from Syria, suggesting that partnering with the new government will help stabilize the region and effectively combat ISIS. He emphasizes the need to ease sanctions and allow Syrians to pursue democracy without direct American control, following the recent regime changes.
In a recent statement, former US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, opined that the United States should withdraw its military forces from Syria to facilitate regional stabilization. He suggests that partnering with the newly established transitional government in Damascus could enable the US to withdraw on its own terms, as articulated in his Foreign Affairs article titled “America Can Best Help Syria By Getting Out.”
Ford expressed concerns that the current US military presence in Syria is increasingly untenable, characterized by a lack of clear objectives and vulnerability to attacks. Notably, despite American support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), ISIS continues to pose a threat in the region. He believes the situation could improve with a strategic shift towards working with the new Syrian government.
The former ambassador highlighted that the fall of the Assad regime presents an opportunity for the US to collaborate with a potentially more effective partner against ISIS remnants. He also noted that the US should communicate clearly to the SDF that the change in regime necessitates difficult negotiations regarding security and administrative arrangements, including the gradual disbandment of the SDF.
Furthermore, Ford has called for an easing of sanctions on Syria, arguing that such measures are essential for stabilizing the country and combating terrorism efficiently. He emphasized that public activism, underpinned by the rule of law and the protection of political freedoms, will be crucial for Syria’s democratic development, a process he believes should lead Syrians to self-determination without direct American intervention.
Additionally, with Bashar Assad’s departure to Russia marking the end of the Baath Party’s regime, a transitional phase has commenced. On January 29, a new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was appointed, signifying significant changes such as the dissolution of armed factions and the annulment of the previous constitution.
In conclusion, Robert Ford advocates for a significant shift in US policy towards Syria, suggesting military withdrawal and collaboration with the new Syrian government as paths to enhance stability and counter ISIS effectively. He underscores the importance of easing sanctions to aid in national stabilization while promoting a process of democratization led by the Syrian people themselves, free from direct American intervention.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
