Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated on CNN’s “State of the Union” that he believes President-elect Donald Trump will not intervene in Syria. Esper said Trump has consistently avoided involvement in war and should be taken at his word on this matter.
The Syrian government recently fell after rebels took control of the capital city, Damascus, ending a 50-year rule by the Assad family. This came after a 10-day rebel offensive, with fighters quickly capturing large portions of government-held land.
Trump weighed in on the situation, stating that the US should not get involved and let events play out on their own. He also criticized Syrian rebels for their actions and suggested Russia’s inability to stop them was due to its focus on Ukraine.
Despite this, Esper noted that the US has significant interests in the region, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, Kurdish partners, Arab allies Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The outcome of the Syrian crisis will have implications for these countries and the US.
Source: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5028899-esper-trump-will-not-intervene-syria