‘IF US PULLS OUT, RUSSIA, IRAN WILL CONTROL SYRIA’

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 withdraw soon after. “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 a conference.