Russia Steps Into Syria As United States Withdraws

As the United States begins to pull out of Syria, the entire region could be aligned politically.

News of the United States pulling out of Syria has triggered upheaval and turmoil in the region. The Trump Administration’s change of course in Syria has complicated the already complex power structure in the Middle East.

Wayne State University history professor Aaron Retish joins Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today to help unpack the complex web of interests and influence in the region. 

Jake Neher/WDET
Jake Neher/WDET

On the administration’s newfound adoption of non-intervention policy, Retish says, “There are going to be ramifications for that, one of them is going to be instability and the other one is going to be new power asserting themselves.” Those power players he is speaking of include Russia, Turkey and the Assad-led Syrian government, all of which have unique motivations. 

Retish asserts that we have to rethink the region if we are not going to commit to a military presence. This new American foreign policy approach in the area might mean “a totally refigured Middle East.”

Click on the player above to hear to full conversation on American foreign policy in the Middle East.

 

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  • Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.