Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Robert S. Ford, has proposed that the United States can best assist Syria by withdrawing its military forces and collaborating with the country’s new transitional government to combat Daesh (ISIS). In his article “America Can Best Help Syria By Getting Out,” published in Foreign Affairs, Ford evaluates Washington’s role in the region and suggests a policy shift towards cooperation with Damascus over continued military engagement.
Ford argues that the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the emergence of new leadership in Syria present an opportunity for the U.S. to reassess its approach. He contends that partnering with the new government in Damascus could provide a more effective and influential ally in eliminating Daesh, compared to the current reliance on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
He also highlights that the U.S. presence in Syria is increasingly untenable, with forces vulnerable to attack and lacking clear objectives. Despite U.S. support for the SDF in the fight against Daesh, the terror group remains active in the region. Ford suggests that the situation could improve if the U.S. shifts its approach to working with Syria’s new government.
Furthermore, Ford emphasizes that public activism, supported by the rule of law and the protection of political and personal freedoms, is the only path for Syria to build a genuine democracy. However, he asserts that this process should not require American intervention or the presence of U.S. troops on the ground.
This perspective aligns with sentiments expressed by other former U.S. officials. James Jeffrey, former U.S. Special Representative for Syria, has also warned against a potential U.S. withdrawal, cautioning that such a move could benefit Iran and the Assad regime, thereby creating a vacuum that might harm various partners, including Turkey.
The debate over U.S. involvement in Syria continues as policymakers weigh the implications of withdrawal against the potential benefits of a revised strategy that includes collaboration with Syria’s new leadership.