Post-Withdrawal Assessment: U.S. Syria Policy and Counter-Terrorism (warontherocks.com)

• Strategic shift from direct U.S. military presence to remote counter-terrorism
• Impact of the new Syrian government on internal security stability
• Assessment of the 2024 withdrawal doctrine in light of 2026 realities

"Two years after proposing a U.S. withdrawal from Syria while maintaining counter-terrorism efforts, Thanassis Cambanis reflects on the outcome. Following the actual U.S. departure and a subsequent change in the Syrian government, the analysis evaluates whether regional powers can effectively contain the Islamic State and if sustainable counter-terrorism measures have replaced traditional military footprint."