Trump's Advisor to Kurdistan 24: US Forces Will Remain in Syria to Protect Interests and Prevent ISIS Resurgence
"The Kurds are allies of the United States and key partners in the fight against ISIS," Trump's Advisor to Kurdistan 24
Feb. 1, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Gabriel Soma, a member of the advisory board to the US President Donald Trump, confirmed in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan 24 that American forces will maintain their presence in Syria to safeguard US interests and prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
US Military Presence in Syria
Soma emphasized that President Trump recognizes the strategic importance of the Middle East for the United States. He acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding a potential withdrawal of US forces but reiterated that Trump ultimately decided to keep them stationed in Syria.
According to Soma, the primary objectives of the US presence include protecting oil fields that could otherwise fall into ISIS hands and ensuring regional stability. He noted that over 2,000 US troops remain in Syria, conducting operations alongside allied forces to counter terrorist threats.
Security Challenges and the Role of US Forces
Soma highlighted the significant security concerns in the region, particularly the risk posed by ISIS detainees. He pointed out that more than 42,000 people affiliated with ISIS are held in the al-Hol camp in Hasakah, along with over 12,000 ISIS fighters in separate detention facilities. He warned that any premature withdrawal of US forces could lead to security vacuums, endangering stability and regional security.
US Strategy Toward the New Syrian Government
Addressing Washington’s stance on the new Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, Soma stated that President Trump does not seek deep political involvement in Syrian affairs at this time. Instead, the US expects the new government to prioritize internal governance and the protection of minorities.
Soma further stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of Kurds in the Middle East, recognizing their contributions to the fight against ISIS. He reiterated that the US continues to view the Kurds as essential allies in maintaining stability and securing detention facilities housing ISIS members.
US Presence in Iraq
Regarding the presence of US forces in Iraq, Soma dismissed the possibility of a withdrawal under Trump’s leadership. He noted that while some Iraqi factions previously called for the removal of American troops, recent developments in Syria have shifted opinions. According to Soma, many Iraqis now see the US military presence as essential for maintaining security.
Kurdistan Region’s Strategic Importance
Soma reaffirmed Washington’s strong partnership with the Kurdistan Region, acknowledging the pivotal role of Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS. He highlighted that the United States relied heavily on Kurdish forces, Arab tribes, and Christian militias in the battle against ISIS, reinforcing their status as key allies in the region.
Full Transcript of the Interview:
Q: It is said that President Donald Trump does not have a clear policy towards the Middle East. How will he deal with the issues of the region, especially in Syria and Iraq?
A: President Trump is well aware that the United States has strategic interests in the Middle East. Regarding Syria, there are more than 2,000 American troops stationed there, in addition to oil fields that are feared to fall into the hands of ISIS, which could provide them with a new source of funding. Therefore, President Trump is keen to keep American forces in Syria to maintain Syrian national security.
Q: Will American forces remain in Syria? Recently, there have been reports that the United States intends to withdraw its forces, but President Trump has denied this. How long will this military presence last?
A: It is true that there are discussions about the possibility of withdrawing American forces from Syria, but President Trump ultimately insisted that they remain. We must take into account that there are approximately 42,000 people from ISIS families detained in the Al-Hawl camp in Hasakah Governorate, in addition to more than 12,000 ISIS fighters in other prisons. Therefore, any withdrawal of US forces at the present time may raise serious questions about the fate of these prisons, making it premature to take such a step.
Q: Is the threat in Syria limited to ISIS, or are there concerns about the influence of neighboring countries that had interests during the rule of Bashar al-Assad’s regime?
A: Both Iran and Russia had significant influence in Syria. However, after the fall of the Assad regime, this influence seems to have diminished somewhat. The United States is keen to protect its interests in Syria and the rest of the Middle East, so US forces will remain there for the time being, and President Trump is convinced of this strategy.
Q: How will the Trump administration deal with the new government in Syria led by Ahmed al-Sharaa?
A: President Trump believes that the new government in Damascus should focus on Syria’s internal affairs. He does not want the United States to have a strong political role in Syria at the present time, and he does not seek Washington’s significant interference in the policies of the new regime. However, he stresses the need for the new authorities to work to ensure the security of minorities and protect US interests in Syria. He also recalls that there are about 40 million Kurds in the Middle East, distributed between Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, and stresses the need to respect their rights and not marginalize them. The Kurds were key allies of the United States in the war against ISIS, and they are expected to remain important partners in protecting areas from the return of the organization, as well as securing prisons.
Q: Does the United States intend to withdraw its forces from Iraq during Donald Trump’s term?
A: Previously, Iraqis were calling for the withdrawal of American forces from their country, but they changed their position after the recent developments in Syria. Those who were calling for the withdrawal of American forces are now calling for them to remain. American forces are still present in Iraq at the moment. President Trump has also clearly stated that he does not intend to withdraw American forces from Iraq or Syria.
Q: The Kurds played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS, with the Peshmerga at the forefront of the confrontation. How do you expect the Trump administration to deal with the Kurdistan Region?
A: The Kurds are allies of the United States and key partners in the fight against ISIS. In fact, the United States did not directly fight ISIS, but rather benefited from its alliance with the Kurds, who led the fight alongside Arab tribes and Christian minorities, all of whom contributed to the defeat of ISIS. I think President Trump appreciates this role, as well as the efforts of the various forces that participated in the fight against ISIS in Syria, and I do not see him withdrawing American forces in the near future.