US think tank launches campaign to bolster support for Syrian Democratic Forces and counter Turkish aggression
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A US-based think tank launched a campaign advocating for increased support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and other vulnerable Syrian communities. The initiative also calls for sanctions against Turkey in response to its unauthorized incursions into Syria, urging Congress to emphasize the long-term national security benefits of these actions to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
The Middle East Forum, a prominent think tank, is spearheading the campaign, which includes open letters to bipartisan members of Congress. The letters stress the importance of aligning US foreign policy with the strategic advantages offered by the SDF’s partnership. The campaign underscores the critical role of the SDF in stabilizing Syria and safeguarding US national security interests in the region.
This initiative has drawn the support of several advocacy groups and lobbying organizations, such as the American Syriac Union, In Defense of Christians, Friends of American Kurdistan, the Armenian National Committee of America, the Hellenic American Leadership Council, and the Israeli-American Civic Action Network. Together, these organizations aim to present a unified message opposing Turkey’s military operations and territorial ambitions in Syria.
In a public statement, the campaign highlighted Turkey’s ongoing military offensives in North and East Syria, which are enabling extremist factions backed by Ankara to seize towns and cities east of the Euphrates River. The statement argued that these actions are causing further instability in the region and undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace.
The campaign reflects a growing consensus among US policymakers and civil society organizations on the importance of supporting the SDF. Advocates view the SDF as a cornerstone of stability in Syria and an essential partner in countering the Islamic State (ISIS) resurgence while also addressing Turkey’s destabilizing activities. Through this effort, the campaign seeks to ensure that the Trump Administration recognizes the strategic and moral imperative of standing by the SDF and imposing consequences on Turkey for its actions.