AhlulBayt News Agency: Recent American positions signal a strategic shift in Washington’s approach to the Syrian file, characterized by the gradual abandonment of its primary field tool, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Washington now views the SDF as a redundant asset, believing the current Syrian government is capable of implementing the American vision and managing the transition in alignment with U.S. directives.
Shifting Tools, Not Objectives
Statements by U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack serve as the clearest indicator of this pivot. Barrack acknowledged that the “Syrian Government” is now qualified to assume full security responsibilities, including the management of ISIS detention centers. This admission stems from a conviction that Damascus can fulfill the role previously played by the SDF without the political and security costs of maintaining a separate military entity.
Integration as an Exit Strategy
Washington’s role in facilitating the January 18 integration agreement between Damascus and the SDF aims to terminate the SDF’s function as an independent tool. By merging them into the Ministry of Defense and handing over vital infrastructure, Washington is effectively transferring tasks from a non-state actor to the state under U.S. supervision.
Managing Results through Damascus
On the ground, this vision is supported by direct understandings regarding Al-Hasakah province, involving gradual integration and the inclusion of SDF leadership into state institutions.
Summary
The United States is not necessarily withdrawing from Syria; rather, it is changing its instruments. With a Syrian government now implementing a path consistent with the American vision, the SDF has become an “expired tool” and is being dismantled and reintegrated to serve U.S. interests with minimal cost.
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