US Strike Kills Senior Ansar al-Islam Planner in Syria

Published OCT 8

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Above: A U.S. Navy F-35 performs a fly-by near Norfolk, Virginia, on Oct. 5, 2025. Image copyright: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The action that took place on Oct. 2 demonstrates America’s willingness and ability to neutralize any threat in the Middle East. Despite the drawdown, CENTCOM remains more than capable of disrupting terrorist efforts in the region, and will continue to support American interests, as well as U.S. allies and partners, in Syria and beyond.

U.S. Central Command

Establishment-critical narrative

The best thing the U.S. can do in Syria is withdraw. Instead of using military force, the U.S. should negotiate with Syria’s new government to achieve its aim and neutralize the country’s remaining terrorist cells. Doing so would allow the U.S. to withdraw on its own terms, while saving taxpayers the cost of maintaining an overseas deployment.

Foreign Affairs