I don't see it as so much of a military issue as a political one. Yes, 2000 troops is a small commitment, compared to other US deployments, so it really isn't a question of weakening Syria. Yes, Syria doesn't supply enough of the world's oil to make it an economic issue.
But for the US to remove even a token force isn't going to accomplish much more than strengthening Russian and Iranian influence in the region. Additionally, the suddenness of this move makes it apparent that Trump is trying to distract attention for a couple of disastrous political weeks. What message does this send to your allies beyond, 'US commitments mean nothing, if the President needs a shiny object'?
'America First' is well on the way to becoming 'American Alone'.
Boru
But for the US to remove even a token force isn't going to accomplish much more than strengthening Russian and Iranian influence in the region. Additionally, the suddenness of this move makes it apparent that Trump is trying to distract attention for a couple of disastrous political weeks. What message does this send to your allies beyond, 'US commitments mean nothing, if the President needs a shiny object'?
'America First' is well on the way to becoming 'American Alone'.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax
