Reducing US Military Presence in Syria: Motivations and Strategic Consequences

Reducing US Military Presence in Syria: Motivations and Strategic Consequences

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 18, 2025, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced a review of the deployment of its military forces in Syria codenamed “Operation Inherent Resolve”. This plan, designed in line with Donald Trump’s policies to reduce US military presence in the Middle East, will reduce the number of US troops from 10,000 to 1,000 within two months. Although this measure was announced under the pretext of success in weakening ISIS, it is part of a broader US strategy to redefine its mission in the region. However, numerous political and security complexities accompany this decision, the consequences of which will be significant for Syria, the entire region, and even the international system.

The Fall of Bashar Assad Government and Turkey’s Role and Challenges

The Fall of Bashar Assad Government and Turkey’s Role and Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Turkish affairs said: The power vacuum in the region after the US military withdrawal from Iraq and its intensification after the withdrawal from Afghanistan opened up space for maneuvering by regional powers, especially Turkey. In the meantime, Ankara, relying on national power, an active foreign policy, and cooperation with the main power blocs in the international system, turned towards ambition and role-playing in the affairs of countries and regional issues, the most important example of which we are witnessing today in Syria.

Iran-Saudi Balanced Approach to Reviving Relations

Iran-Saudi Balanced Approach to Reviving Relations

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The second round of the Iran-Saudi-China trilateral meeting, hosted by Riyadh, signals the development of relations in an atmosphere of increasing regional and international tensions and uncertainties. The meeting also confirmed China’s role beyond facilitating the revived relations between Tehran and Riyadh and related to China’s political economy perspective in the Middle East, which has significant implications for the Beijing-Washington macro-rivalry.

An Analysis of the Possible Approach of the New British Government in Foreign Policy

An Analysis of the Possible Approach of the New British Government in Foreign Policy

Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert on European issues said: The British Labor Party, led by Keir Starmer, won the election by winning an overwhelming majority of the seats in the House of Commons. On the other hand, the Conservative party, led by Rishi Sunak, has lost 170 seats and is on the way to its heaviest political defeat since the party was founded in the 19th century.