Welat TV: Is there an American plan to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, particularly Syrian Kurdistan?

Welat TV – Erbil

Gabriel Soma: Speculation about the continued U.S. military presence in Syria has intensified since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, and the takeover by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham under Ahmad al-Shar'i. During Biden’s administration, the U.S. insisted on maintaining troops to prevent ISIS's return, but it seems that President Trump has shifted this policy and is now pushing for a withdrawal. The Pentagon is currently assessing the feasibility of withdrawing troops within three months.

Welat TV: Has President Trump officially issued a withdrawal order? Reports from NBC suggest that the U.S. could pull out its forces within 30 to 90 days.

Gabriel Soma: Yes, that’s correct. The Pentagon is conducting a study this week, and the withdrawal may take place within one to three months. President Trump has indeed decided to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. Currently, we have around 2,000 American soldiers, and Trump intends to remove them entirely.

Welat TV: What about the threat of ISIS?

Gabriel Soma :There are serious concerns about ISIS reemerging, particularly regarding prisons holding ISIS fighters and their families. There are approximately 40,000 family members and around 10,000 ISIS fighters in detention facilities under Kurdish and U.S. protection. With U.S. military support for the Kurds in the region, a withdrawal could lead to ISIS's resurgence in Syria and Iraq.

Welat TV: What will happen to these prisons, particularly Al-Hol Camp and the ISIS detainees, after the U.S. withdrawal?

Gabriel Soma: I remember when Trump decided to withdraw troops from Syria eight years ago, a U.S. military commander resigned in protest, which forced the president to reverse his decision due to advisor pressure. We don’t know what will happen this time, but it seems Trump is determined to withdraw completely, which could pave the way for ISIS to return.

Welat TV: Could there be opposition to this decision, leading to its reversal and the continued presence of U.S. forces?

Gabriel Soma: That’s possible. Back then, there was strong opposition, and Trump eventually changed his mind. If his advisors insist that withdrawing now would destabilize the region and lead to an ISIS resurgence in Syria and Iraq, he might reconsider. However, for now, studies on this matter are ongoing, and Trump remains firm in his decision, arguing that Syria's problems are internal and the U.S. should not interfere.

Welat TV: Many high-ranking U.S. officials have shown positive and flexible positions regarding the Kurds. Could their stance influence Trump to cancel the withdrawal?

Gabriel Soma: The biggest concern with a U.S. withdrawal is Turkey’s stance. Turkey has repeatedly threatened the Kurds in northeastern Syria, but removing the Kurdish presence is unrealistic. The U.S. will likely work diplomatically with Turkey on this issue.

Welat TV: If the U.S. does not give Turkey the green light, can Turkey launch a military operation?

Gabriel Soma: The Trump administration is negotiating with Turkey to ensure Kurdish presence in the region. There are also Christian minorities like the Syriacs, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Maronites. The U.S. will not allow historical communities to be targeted.

Welat TV: If the U.S. withdraws, who will fill the vacuum? The Syrian government, international forces, or Arab troops?

Gabriel Soma: A withdrawal would create a major vacuum, which Turkey may seek to exploit, potentially leading to hostilities against the Kurds in northeastern Syria.

Welat TV: The U.S. position on Syria's new government remains unclear. What is Trump’s stance?

Gabriel Soma: Trump has not taken a clear stance but knows that a full withdrawal could enable Turkish aggression. Neither Washington nor the Syrian Democratic Forces want Turkey to seize control.

Welat TV: If the U.S. withdraws, will European coalition forces like Britain and France stay?

Gabriel Soma: That depends on White House decisions. If the U.S. withdraws entirely, European forces will likely follow unless an agreement is made.

Welat TV: How does Trump view Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad al-Shar'i?

Gabriel Soma: The U.S. does not object to Al-Sharaa governing Syria, provided he respects minority rights and human rights.

Welat TV: Will the U.S. continue supporting Kurdish unity efforts?

Gabriel Soma: Trump does not want to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, but the U.S. will maintain ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces for security reasons.

Welat TV: Thank you, Dr. Gabriel Soma. Hopefully, you will visit your hometown, Derik, in Syrian Kurdistan soon.

Gabriel Soma: Thank you! I hope so too.