Hindustan Times (Lucknow)

If US pulls out, Russia, Iran will control Syria: Merkel

Germany, France fear American move could create a vacuum

- Agence France-Presse letters@hindustant­imes.com

MUNICH: German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Saturday that Washington’s plan to swiftly pull its soldiers out of Syria risks allowing Russia and Iran to boost their role in the region.

Islamic State (IS) group fighters have been boxed in to a scrap of land in the battle for their last remaining territory in northeaste­rn Syria and their final defeat is expected imminently.

Once they are defeated, US forces are expected to soon withdraw after American President Donald Trump last December announced the pullout of around 2,000 troops.

But Washington is struggling to convince America’s allies to stay on in Syria after it leaves and Merkel warned of the risks of leaving a vacuum in the region.

‘IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO SUDDENLY WITHDRAW?’

“Is it a good idea for the Americans to suddenly and quickly withdraw from Syria? Or will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?” Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference.

Pentagon chief Patrick Sha- nahan on Friday pledged ongoing backing for the fight against IS forces - but kept allies guessing as to how that would be achieved once US forces pull out, and won no solid pledges of support.

Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders said the US had told partners in the global anti-IS coalition that its soldiers would leave in “weeks rather than months”.

The decision has stunned allies including France, which contribute­s artillery and about 1,200 forces in the region, including soldiers who train Iraqi troops.

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked why the US would create a vacuum in Syria that could benefit its enemy Iran, calling the approach a “mystery”.

A top French government source told AFP it was “totally out of the question” to have French troops on the ground without US forces.

 ?? AP FILE ?? ▪ An American soldier waves as he takes position on an armoured vehicle near a road leading to the town of Manbij in northern Syria.
AP FILE ▪ An American soldier waves as he takes position on an armoured vehicle near a road leading to the town of Manbij in northern Syria.

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