In a significant shift in Middle East policy, the United States plans to reduce its military footprint in Syria from eight bases to a single installation, according to U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack. Barrack, recently appointed by President Donald Trump, revealed the strategic overhaul during an interview with Turkey’s NTV network, calling it a “major realignment” of American engagement in Syria. “The previous U.S. policy has yielded no results in the past century,” he remarked, underscoring Washington’s intention to pivot from prolonged military involvement toward political stabilization.
Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed across northeastern Syria, where they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in countering the threat of ISIS. However, military sources cited by Reuters indicate that some American equipment has already been withdrawn from Deir ez-Zor to Hasakah, with complete withdrawal from Deir ez-Zor underway.
Highlighting the future of Syria’s governance, Barrack also advocated for the inclusion of the Kurdish-led SDF in the country’s political framework. “Their integration into the new Syrian government structure is essential for long-term stability,” he stated.
The planned drawdown signals a decisive move away from direct intervention, reflecting broader U.S. efforts to re calibrate its role in the region. Analysts suggest this approach could help balance counterterrorism objectives with the evolving political landscape, potentially fostering inclusivity and peace after more than a decade of war.
The U.S. administration is expected to further outline the new strategy in the coming weeks as part of its revised Middle East policy agenda.
