In a game-changing development‚ Syrian opposition forces have pushed out Bashar al-Assadʼs regime‚ leading to quick US response about its regional plans. The Pentagon says it wont pull troops from eastern Syria‚ focusing on anti-ISIS operations
We are aware that the chaotic and dynamic circumstances on the ground in Syria could give ISIS space to find the ability to become active
The US military aims to work with local partners to stop ISIS planning; ensure fighter detention‚ and help displaced people return home. The Pentagonʼs mid-east expert Daniel Shapiro spoke at the Manama Dialogue security meet-up in Bahrain about these goals
The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the push across western Syria. The group has a complex past - it used to be an al-Qaeda friend called Nusra Front until about 8 years ago when its leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani cut those links. Still‚ many countries see HTS as a terror group which creates problems for Western states who need to decide how to work with Syriaʼs new power structure
The situation puts Western governments in a tough spot: they didnt like Assad but now face dealing with an administration where a black-listed group might have power. The US plans show its trying to balance these new facts with its long-term anti-ISIS goals in the region