As Islamist rebels advance towards Damascus, a major international crisis looms.
President-elect Donald Trump has strongly voiced that the United States should avoid involvement in Syria's escalating conflict, Fox News reported.
The Islamist coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group classified as terrorists by the U.S., has made significant gains. They are now at the outskirts of Damascus, preparing for an assault on Bashar al-Assad's government stronghold.
Amidst these developments, Trump criticized former President Obama's approach to Syria, blaming him for not acting on the established "red line" following Assad's chemical attack in 2013, which claimed 1,400 civilian lives.
Trump asserts the U.S. should remain uninvolved, stressing the failures of past interventions. "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!" he declared on Truth Social.
The repercussions of the Syrian conflict are being felt internationally. Following an assault on a U.N. post in Syria, the Israeli military has heightened its security presence in the Golan Heights to assist U.N. forces.
"A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a U.N. post in the Hader area in Syria. The IDF is currently assisting the U.N. forces in repelling the attack," stated the Israeli military.
In diplomatic circles, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. A State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, outlined that Blinken emphasized "the importance of protecting civilians, including members of minority groups, across Syria." Miller continued, "The Secretary discussed the need for a political solution to the conflict, consistent with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254."
Experts note that Trump's remarks align with his previous policy stances, which favor non-intervention. Phillip Smyth, an expert on the region, commented, "He is staying the course. Realism with what is going on."
Smyth also expressed concerns over the potential use of chemical weapons by Assad, mirroring past atrocities. "It would not surprise me if he did [use chemical weapons]. There is risk of it."
Smyth elaborated on the dire situation facing Assad's regime: "I think the writing is on the wall. His mobilization attempts have not been successful. There is this lackadaisical haze over the Assad regime. You can see internal corruption on full display in how they are mobilizing and acting. The rapid collapse says everything. There is a lot of paper tiger posture. There was no expectation that there would be an advance like this."
The Syrian crisis continues to evolve as international actors weigh their options. Trump's stance, urging U.S. non-involvement, comes amid extensive debates within the global community about the future of Syria and the broader Middle Eastern region.
This story, set against the backdrop of a potential shift in a significant geopolitical stronghold, highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the long shadows cast by historical military engagements. As it unfolds, the world watches and waits to see the outcomes of these political maneuvers and their implications for global stability and humanitarian needs.
