U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House national security adviser John Bolton. Reuters
Newsweek: U.S. Forces Will Remain in Syria After Battle With ISIS Ends
American forces will remain in Syria even after the last remnants of the Islamic State militant group are eradicated, signaling a shift in U.S. policy that further complicates the political climate in Syria amid its seven-year civil war
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday that U.S. forces will stay in Syria to provide training to local forces in an effort to ensure stability within the region, a decision that seems to run counter to past statements from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to withdraw American forces from the region.
The news out of the Defense Department comes on the same day that John Bolton, the White House national security adviser, told reporters at the U.N. headquarters in New York that U.S. forces will remain in Syria as a deterrent to Iranian aggression.
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Update #1: Mattis: US troops will remain in Syria to ensure ISIS’ defeat, support peace process (Stars and Stripes)
Update #2: US Troops to Remain in Syria After Daesh Defeated to Train Locals - Mattis (Sputnik)
WNU Editor: After White House national security adviser John Bolton remarks on Iran .... Bolton: US troops staying in Syria until Iran leaves (Defense News), some are wondering if there is a policy rift between Mattis and Bolton .... Jim Mattis says US in Syria to fight ISIS, denies policy rift with John Bolton (Washington Examiner). More here .... Mattis Says Syria Policy Has Not Changed After White House Changes Syria Policy (Task & Purpose). I personally do not see a rift. Since the beginning of the U.S. intervention into Syria, the U.S. policy has been to defeat ISIS and to limit the influence of Iran, and that has not changed. Both are saying the same thing .... albeit Mattis is focusing on the military strategy against ISIS, and Bolton is focused on the politics and geopolitical strategy to deter Iran.
