Trump Endorses Syrian Offensive Against Former US Allies

US President Donald Trump has expressed satisfaction with Syria's military offensive against Kurdish-led forces that Washington previously supported, marking a significant shift in American Middle East policy as Damascus strengthens ties with Moscow.Trump described himself as "very happy" with developments following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's military campaign against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition that served as America's primary partner in combating ISIS for nearly a decade.The endorsement came after a telephone conversation between Trump and al-Sharaa, conducted before the Syrian leader's departure for Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I had a great conversation with the highly respected president of Syria," Trump told reporters, adding that developments in the region were "working out very well."The Syrian presidency stated that al-Sharaa emphasized to Trump "Syria's full commitment to its territorial integrity and national sovereignty," while discussing the importance of preventing the return of terrorist groups, including ISIS.The SDF announced on January 18 that its forces had withdrawn from the northeastern cities of Raqqa and Deir Az Zor following the Syrian army's advance. The withdrawal represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Kurdish forces, who controlled significant territory across northeastern Syria.US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack indicated last week that the SDF's role as the "primary anti-ISIS force on the ground" had "largely expired," with the Syrian government now assuming security responsibilities. Damascus joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member in late 2025, reflecting the transformed regional dynamics.The policy shift initially faced resistance within Trump's Republican Party, with Senator Lindsey Graham calling for reimposed sanctions on Syria. However, Graham has since credited Trump with restoring stability to the country.The Kremlin announced that Putin will meet with al-Sharaa in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss "bilateral relations in various areas" and the current Middle East situation, underscoring Syria's pivot toward Russian alignment as US influence wanes in the region.This development signals a broader recalibration of American engagement in the Middle East, with potential implications for regional security architecture and the balance of power between Washington, Moscow, and regional actors.