Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has expressed concerns over President Trump's isolationist approach towards Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Graham emphasized the importance of preventing ISIS from regaining power in the region while advocating for Syrian self-determination.
During an interview with NBC, Graham highlighted the risk posed by the tens of thousands of ISIS fighters currently held in Kurdish-run prisons in northeastern Syria. He stressed that it is crucial for US national security interests to prevent these fighters from escaping and reestablishing the caliphate.
Graham warned of the potential consequences if Turkey were to attack the Kurds, leading to a breakout of ISIS fighters. He described such a scenario as a nightmare not only for the US but also for Syria and the world at large.
Representative Mike Waltz, who is set to become Trump's national security adviser, indicated that the administration plans to maintain a military presence in Syria to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. Waltz underscored the importance of containing ISIS to prevent the group from posing a threat to neighboring countries and inspiring attacks globally.
Overall, the statements from Senator Graham and Representative Waltz reflect a bipartisan consensus on the need to address the ongoing security challenges in Syria and prevent the reemergence of ISIS as a significant threat.
