In a dramatic turn of events just before Syrian rebels seized Damascus and ousted President Bashar Assad, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his stance on Syria, declaring that the U.S. should have “nothing to do” with the conflict. In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” urging the U.S. to “LET IT PLAY OUT” and avoid involvement.
Trump’s position on Syria has been a source of controversy, particularly his unfulfilled promise to withdraw U.S. troops after declaring ISIS defeated. His initial push for a pullout in 2018 alarmed international allies, including Israel, who feared the vacuum could strengthen hostile forces in the region.
Despite Assad’s flight to Moscow, Trump’s recent comments have focused solely on Russia’s role in supporting the Syrian regime, with no mention of Syria’s future or U.S. policy. His posturing comes as Israel watches closely, particularly regarding troop deployments and security concerns along its northeastern border.
Experts warn that the U.S. must remain engaged to prevent ISIS resurgence and manage the aftermath of Assad’s fall. However, the region remains volatile, and Trump’s next steps, including U.S. involvement in Syria, are still uncertain.