Guterres and Trump Adviser Address Syria's Ongoing Crisis
In recent statements, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the precarious situation in Syria, emphasizing that despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, civilians remain at significant risk. Guterres stated, "Their protection must be our top priority," underscoring the ongoing challenges that the international community faces in stabilizing the region. He warned that the conflict is not over, noting that while some areas may appear stable, the broader situation remains volatile.
Meanwhile, Michael Waltz, National Security Advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, expressed a contrasting view regarding the presence of US forces in Syria. Waltz asserted that there is no necessity for American troops to engage in the conflict, stating, "We are watching ISIS in Syria, Israel's borders, and the broader dynamic with our Gulf allies." He echoed Trump's earlier sentiments from December, advocating against US intervention in Syria, which he believes could lead to unnecessary entanglements in Middle Eastern conflicts.
These remarks come amid discussions within the Pentagon and Central Command about the implications of Syria's fate on regional stability. A spokesperson for the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces noted an increase in coordination with American forces due to the persistent threat posed by ISIS.