The Trump administration is scrambling for a Syria policy for the post-Islamic State period. The job has been left to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who used an appearance at the Hoover Institution to deliver the beginnings of what the administration hoped would be a coherent, pragmatic, and results-oriented Syria strategy.
There was only one, big problem however — the speech was neither coherent, pragmatic, nor realistic given the present situation Syria finds itself.
If Tillerson’s address truly represents President Trump’s thinking, the administration will soon be engaging in a complete change of mission in Syria. The U.S., Tillerson said, will now expand its attention beyond killing ISIS to aiding in basic reconstruction and stabilization efforts; speeding up a virtually nonexistent Syrian peace process; countering further Iranian entrenchment; and ensuring Syria is free of weapons of mass destruction.
“We understand that some Americans are skeptical of continued involvement in Syria and question the benefits of maintaining a presence in such a troubled country,” Tillerson admitted. “However, it is vital for the United States to remain engaged in Syria…”
The administration could have made a more convincing case to the public if they just answered some very basic but critical questions. Fortunately, it’s not too late for the White House to address them:
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01.23.2025