President-elect Trump has chimed in on Syria. Stay out of it, says Trump on X. So why are we there?
Trump’s Tweet on X
Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years. This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them. There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, 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!
Here’s a link to Trump’s Tweet Regarding Syria
So Why Is the US in Syria?
Consider this Fox News Interview With Trump.
Trump: I left troops in Syria to take the oil. The only troops I have are taking the oil. Right now, the United States has the oil. So they say he [Trump] left troops in Syria. No, other than we’re protecting the oil. We have the oil.
I hope that’s clear. We are still in Syria to take the oil.
Apparently Syria is not our fight, other than to take the oil.
Pressure Mounts on Assad
The Wall Street Journal reports Pressure Mounts on Syria’s Assad as Rebels Threaten Damascus From South and North
Syrian government forces scrambled to shore up their crumbling lines of defense, after a string of rebel victories in cities north and south of the capital Damascus blindsided foreign powers and pushed President Bashar al-Assad to his most precarious position in more than a decade of civil war.
“Our forces have begun implementing the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,” rebel military commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani said.
Panic was taking hold in Damascus as residents rushed to stock up on food and essentials. Many shops closed and some products were already out of stock, said Rim Turkmani, who was in touch with her sister in the city. Prices had surged, and ATMs were out of cash.
Iran and Russia have yet to come to Assad’s rescue as they did in 2015, when they helped him crush the uprising with air power and proxy forces. Russia is occupied with its war effort in Ukraine, while Iran and the militias it backs have been hammered by an Israeli air and ground campaign in Lebanon and strikes in Syria in recent months.
The Complicated Syria Civil War Mess, What’s Going On?
For those interested in the background of this sorry saga, please consider The Complicated Syria Civil War Mess, What’s Going On?
Syrian Government forces, Turkey, the US, Iran, ISIS remnants, Lebanon, Iran, Russia, and the Kurds are all involved with intertwined and conflicting goals.
The biggest irony is that Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, not any actions by the US, is the force behind what happens next.
This is all over but the shouting. But thank God we have the oil.