Before, the United States were interested in Russia’s role in Syria. But now, Trump’s task is to stop the war, and he is determined to do so, claims Matthew Bryza.
The Syrian conflict has been ongoing for almost a decade, causing immeasurable suffering and destruction. The involvement of various countries, including the United States and Russia, has only added to the complexity of the situation. However, recent developments have shown a shift in the US’s attitude towards Russia’s role in Syria.
In the past, the US saw Russia as a key player in the Syrian conflict. Russia’s military intervention in 2015, at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, turned the tide of the war in favor of the Syrian government. The US, along with its allies, was concerned about Russia’s support for Assad and its impact on the region’s stability.
But now, under the leadership of President Trump, the US’s stance towards Russia’s role in Syria has changed. According to Matthew Bryza, a former US diplomat and current director of the International Centre for Defence and Security, Trump’s priority is to put an end to the war in Syria. He believes that Trump is serious about this task and is determined to work towards a peaceful resolution.
This change in attitude can be attributed to Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy. Unlike his predecessors, Trump has shown a willingness to engage with Russia and its leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. This has led to a more cooperative relationship between the two countries, especially when it comes to Syria.
In fact, in 2018, Trump and Putin agreed to a ceasefire in southern Syria, which was seen as a significant step towards ending the conflict. This move also showed that the US was willing to work with Russia to find a solution in Syria.
Moreover, Trump’s focus on ending the war in Syria is also driven by his desire to fulfill his campaign promise of bringing American troops back home. The US has been involved in the Syrian conflict through its support for rebel groups fighting against Assad’s regime. However, Trump has made it clear that he wants to withdraw US troops from the region and let the local actors handle the situation.
This change in approach has also been reflected in the US’s actions at the United Nations. In the past, the US has been critical of Russia’s actions in Syria and has even imposed sanctions on the country. But now, the US has been working closely with Russia at the UN to push for a political solution in Syria.
In September 2019, the US and Russia, along with other countries, agreed to form a constitutional committee to draft a new constitution for Syria. This is considered a significant step towards a political resolution of the conflict. It also shows that the US is willing to work with Russia to find a solution in Syria.
However, despite these positive developments, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The US and Russia have different views on the future of Assad’s regime, with the US calling for his removal from power. This difference in opinion has the potential to hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution.
In conclusion, the US’s attitude towards Russia’s role in Syria has undergone a significant shift under the leadership of President Trump. From viewing Russia as a key player in the conflict, the US is now working with Russia to find a solution and end the war in Syria. This change in approach is driven by Trump’s desire to fulfill his campaign promise of bringing American troops back home and his unconventional approach to foreign policy. With both countries now working towards a political resolution, there is hope that the Syrian people will finally see an end to their suffering.
