Republican Senator Rand Paul proposes bill to withdraw US troops from Syria, Pentagon adviser emphasizes importance of increased support for administration of North and East Syria

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican US Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul has presented a bill that would call for the withdrawal of US troops from the region. The move has sparked debate, with Pentagon Adviser Michael Rubin expressing skepticism about the bill’s potential to garner support. Rubin argued that the relatively modest US investment in North and East Syria has yielded substantial achievements, particularly through collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Rubin emphasized the crucial role played by the US in supporting the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (AANES), asserting the need for an increase in both financial and military backing. The strategic partnership with the SDF, he argued, has proven effective in advancing US interests and regional stability.

On the subject of normalization with the Assad regime, Rubin highlighted the existence of other nations considering such a move. However, he underscored the prevailing consensus within the US that Bashar al-Assad should not derive financial benefits from the atrocities he perpetrated. Rubin further outlined a shift in the US stance, suggesting that for any normalization, Assad must alter his position, distance himself from Iran and Hezbollah, and adopt a more neutral stance towards Russia.

As debates intensify over the proposed withdrawal of US troops from Syria, the discussion extends to the broader geopolitical implications and the evolving dynamics in the region. The emphasis remains on finding a balanced approach that addresses both the security concerns of the US and the need for sustained support for AANES.