Donald Trump asks SAUDI ARABIA and others
to establish 'Arab ARMY' to replace US in Syria DONALD Trump is looking to end US engagement in Syria by forming an Arab military force
to replace the US presence in the region and to help stabilise the north-eastern part of
the country following the defeat of so-called Islamic State, it has been reported. The US administration has asked Arab countries
including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to contribute billions of
dollars and a large number of troops to help reestablish stability in the war-torn country,
and in particular in northern regions. Expressing his growing concern surrounding
the cost and duration of the military intervention in Syria, President Trump said: We have
asked our partners to take greater responsibility for securing their home region, including
contributing larger amounts of money. A US administration official confirmed this
statement, saying: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the U.A.E.
Have all been approached with
respect to financial support and more broadly to contribute. Trumps new National Security Adviser, John
Bolton, also reportedly contacted Egypts intelligence chief Abbas Kamel to determine
whether the North African nation would contribute to the effort. Certain US officials have been quick to highlight
the large obstacles that the US faces in establishing an Arab coalition force in Syria. Michael OHanlon, Senior Fellow at the Brookings
Institution, warned of external intervention, saying: A new force has to be strong enough
to face down Assad or Iran if either seeks to reclaim territory, perhaps with Russias
help.
And Charles Lister, a Senior Fellow at the
Middle East Institute, cast doubt over the project, saying: There is just no precedent
or established basis for this shaping into a successful strategy. He also noted that Arab countries such as
the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia would be reluctant to enter into new military
action, as they are currently involved militarily in Yemen. This would be exacerbated by the uncertain
role that the US would play in the project, with questions remaining surrounding whether
the US would continue to provide training, support and air cover for troops. US military officials however signalled in
January that they were hoping to end their military campaign in Syria in a matter of
months, but maintain a certain number of troops in the region to ensure the ongoing stability
of key Islamic State locations such as Raqqa.
Mr Trump also said in early April that he
desired a speedy withdrawal of the 2,000 US. Troops currently positioned in Syria. This has caused rising fears among other military
officials and international politicians that a rapid US withdrawal would create a power
vacuum for ISIS to regain ground, or for nations such as Iran and Russia to gain further control. French President Emmanuel Macron commented
on President Trumps desires to remove US.
Troops from Syria, stating: "Ten days ago,
President Trump was saying the United States of America had a duty to disengage from Syria. "I assure you, we have convinced him that
it is necessary to stay for the long term." It is estimated that between 5,000 to 12,000
Islamic State fighters still remain in eastern regions of Syria, with fighters still operating
in a location south of the town of Al-Hasakah and in a 25-mile stretch along the Euphrates
river near Abu Kamal..
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