we protect the SDF, we might need a trained and developed forces at any moment.
Washington-NPA
American colonel to North Press, “we protect the “SDF”, at any moment, we might need a trained and developed forces.
The declarations of the US Central Command commander, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, last week, reinforced the lack of seriousness of the US troops comprehensive and immediate withdrawal from Syria, and that there will be a “long-term” presence of the United States in the region, with the aim of “deterring Iran.”
“Iran’s export of terrorists, to the region and the world, is a long-term threat,” the US general said.
“The presence of the United States and the Central Command center in the region goes back to a long time ago, and we will remain in this region and continue to communicate with our regional allies and friends to ensure that we are united against the Iranian threat,” he said.
Former commander of the US Special Forces in the Middle East, David Witty, explained to North Press that “the withdrawal was not feasible on the ground, because of the challenges Which is becoming more complicated every day, including that the Iranian presence in areas, where the American forces were stationed, is a red line, that makes the administration slow down the withdrawal, as well as the Turkish provocation of Washington, in terms of buying Russian anti-aircraft missiles and bias towards Iran against the United States sanctions.
“The approaching elections of 2020, and the continuation of complex tension between Turkey and America, prompting the administration to seek solutions that end the tension in the US-Turkish file with all its entrances and exits, including the US presence in Syria and Washington support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), plus, the establishment of a Safe Zone.”He added.
The decision to withdraw and the challenges it faces.
“President Trump has said contradictory things about the withdrawal, for many reasons, of which we cannot achieve any comprehensive withdrawal before securing them, like the fate of the forces fought Da’esh with us, we may need these capable and trained forces at any moment in Syria (especially that we will remain in Iraq).” The colonel clarified.
” Objectives, like protecting the Syrian Democratic Forces(SDF), are not only to stand against an ally like Turkey.
In Syria, the government forces neither fight the Islamic state nor defeat it, our forces, in coalition with the (SDF), did it.
Therefore, there are no ready troops on the ground other than the SDF to combat this extremism, in case it came back. ”
Safe Zone
As for the issue of forming a “Safe Belt” as Turkey calls it, along Syrian border, is one of the files negotiated by Turkey,: “So far, we have seen US warnings of any unilateral step that Turkey may take in that region,” said the US colonel in this regard.
“But we must not forget that the Trump administration may surprises us with the exchange of Turkey’s renege on the deal of the missiles with Russia, with the establishing of a Safe Zone, and this is only a prediction.” Said the colonel explaining that Turkey and the United States have not reached any decision concerning the Safe Zone. He added, “For example, there may be an American softness in front of the Turkish demand of the presence of its troops in a safe area taken from Syrian territories. Where we hear news about intentions, that America may accept a limited number of Turkish troops in Syrian territory and not a comprehensive invasion, in exchange for the decline of purchasing the 400 S.”
long-term persistence of forces to fight Iran’s power The colonel Witty pointed out that strategy against Iran is increasingly important for the Trump administration as 2020 elections approach, and for the success of this strategy, Iran’s presence in Syria should not have much effect. This does not mean any direct confrontation with Iran on the Syrian ground, but includes support for Israeli strikes on Iranian cells, “the presence of our troops will prevent Iran’s approach to our areas”
“The ultimate goal is not to fight and defeat Iran, rather, to bring Iran to the negotiating table and limit its ability to make a mess,” said the retired colonel, David Witty, former commander of US Special Forces in the Middle East.