Syria Takes Control of Key U.S. Bases as Withdrawal Nears
Is withdrawing from Syria strategic success or does abandoning Al-Tanf empower U.S. adversaries?
Above: A motorbike on the road as a U.S.-led coalition plane operates from a base in Al-Shaddadi on Jan. 26. Image credit: Abdulmonam Eassa/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Withdrawing from Syria makes strategic sense now that ISIS prisoners have been transferred to Iraq and the mission's original purpose has been fulfilled. The collapse of the Kurdish-led SDF and the integration agreement with Syria's government eliminates the need for American troops to remain. Continued strikes demonstrate commitment to defeating ISIS without maintaining permanent bases.
Establishment-critical narrative
Abandoning U.S. military bases in Syria hands strategic control to hostile forces and undermines regional security at a critical moment. The bases' location disrupts Iranian land corridors and prevents militia movements between Iraq and Syria. Giving up this vital position threatens American and allied interests while empowering adversaries.
