In an interview with RT, Syrian President Bashar Assad said it is vital for Syria to expel US troops from its territory. He said the first option would be to get the US to agree to leave, but said Syria was “going to resort to liberating those areas by force” if necessary.
“We don’t have any other options,” Assad insisted. He noted that US troops are in the country with no legal basis, and pointed out the consequences of the US having similarly entered Iraq with no legal basis.
“They have to learn the lesson. Iraq is no exception, and Syria is no exception. People will not accept foreigners in this region anymore,” Assad added. Syria never authorized a US military presence in their country, but the Pentagon has indicated they intend to keep troops there over the long-term.
At present, all US troops in Syria are within territory held by the Kurdish YPG. The Kurds style this region as semi-autonomous, though they never finished negotiating the details of that autonomy with the central government. The Syrian government and YPG have had a tense relationship, though only rarely have they fought directly.
Syria’s army, depleted from years of war, is unlikely to be able to expel even the small number of US troops in the country as a practical matter. Still, Assad has made this a long-term priority for his government, and that greatly complicates the Pentagon’s plans to stay.
Turkish FM also threatened Washington with force. https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/05/will-turkey-shut-down-natos-incirlik-air-base/
The US in Syria is like the unwelcome relative who refuses to leave your house.
More like an infestation of bedbugs. Good luck getting rid of them…be easier just to burn the place down.
With the major difference that the relative is feeding everyone in the house who will eat their poisonous repast.
It doesn’t matter if Assad is right. He can’t do it. That takes on America on its own terms, its greatest strength.
America’s greatest strength is a navy whose countermeasures have been, repeatedly, countered by Russia’s superior technology. Aegis won’t prevent the sinking of the fleet by long-range cruise missiles fired from multiple points on the coast. That won’t happen until Russia, China, and Iran see no other way out of an American first strike, which the Pentagon has been talking publicly about for years.
Assad has no choice but to make some kind of deal with the Kurds. This goal was very achievable until America got involved. I don’t see any happy ending here.
It will wind up being up to the Russians to defend their pipeline, if they really want it.
Assad in Syria and al-Sadr in Iraq have the same negative opinion of US troops in their countries, and the same urge to be rid of them. Where there’s a will there’s a way. And then there’s a consideration of morale in the ranks asking: Why are we here?
They should be asking that question, in person, of John Bolton and Nikki Haley.
Well, both Banshee Haley and Bonkers Bolton are totally psychotic; so, Assad in Syria and Al-Sadr in Iraq will simply have to tell them in no uncertain terms that ALL US troops in both their countries must leave, or face serious consequences. The Russians have their Mediterranean Fleet stationed at the Syrian Port of Tartus, as well as joint Russian-Syrian air bases at strategic locations in Syria, to ensure that all US troops leave the region.
Iraq would collapse into a prize for Saudi Arabia and Iran to argue, or fight, over, and that would probably end the House of Saud, which is ripe for it’s own very bloody coup.
Want to rid yourself of the US invaders? Time and pressure. Let them continue to expend maximum energy and output. Its wearing this country out both morally and physically. Slowly but surely life continues to deteriorate for at least half its citizens. “A house divided cannot stand”. Patience. Keep tapping!
Reportedly, US has only about 2k soldiers and/or teachers in the Syrian Kurdistan.
If this is factual; then, US is signaling not to stay in said Kurdistan any longer once Syrian Kurds and Syrians come to a political agreement.
Hopefully we do not have another war after peace is achieved in all of Syria.
Time for Daraa rebels to talk peace with Assad; thus, hopefully, making war against Daraa needless.
This is likely to turn into a repeat of Operation Frequent Wind.
America needs to get its ass kicked good.
America’s poor and middle class will get their asses kicked while the oligarchs party.
hahaha, like an ant to a tank
Go Home Yanks. What benefit have you brought in your invasions, to anyone but the MIC???
Rosemerry, the Russian bot, arguing for Syria as they gas little kids in the streets. Disgusting
I am amazed that some people don’t think Syria gassing it’s own, killing kids in the streets is a bad thing … disgusting