Misguided U.S. Policy in Syria—Enabling Iran and Prolonging Conflict
Washington has enabled Iran’s proxies, miscalculated its alliances, and fueled disinformation campaigns that distort the true nature of the conflict.
Sweden-based Human Rights Advocate Michael Arizanti wrote that the persistent claim that the CIA funneled billions to overthrow Bashar al-Assad is a fabrication. In reality, the United States has never seriously pursued Assad’s removal. Despite his alliances with Hezbollah, Russia, and Iran, Assad has also worked closely with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—a designated terrorist organization by the U.S.—which Washington later rebranded as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Ironically, it was the SDF that sustained the Assad regime for years, and today, they actively assist the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran-backed militias, and Assad loyalists in reigniting violence in Syria.
U.S. policy in Syria is not only flawed but also alarmingly aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s geopolitical ambitions. At present, Netanyahu’s influence over American foreign policy is undeniable. However, what remains deeply troubling is that his strategic outlook on Syria coincides with the objectives of Russia and, more significantly, Iran.
Since when has Washington, which has long regarded Tehran as the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism, decided to support its agenda in Syria? The current trajectory of U.S. policy is not only incoherent but also dangerously counterproductive. Washington must stop enabling Iran’s operations and rethink its approach before Syria becomes a complete proxy battleground for Tehran’s ambitions.
There have undoubtedly been Islamist elements involved in war crimes—most notably, non-Syrian affiliates of the Syrian National Army’s (SNA) Hamza and Sultan Murad divisions. These groups have already been sanctioned by the U.S. government.
However, the difference lies in the response. Damascus has swiftly detained many of these individuals, and President Ahmad al-Sharaa has even established an independent national committee tasked with investigating and exposing the truth behind the recent violence on the Syrian coast.
In stark contrast, the PKK/SDF has never been held accountable for its own atrocities. Over the past 13 years, the PKK/SDF has been responsible for abducting thousands of children, executing civilians, and crushing political dissent. Yet, Washington continues to lend it unwavering support. Why? The answer lies in America’s misguided strategic calculus, which prioritizes short-term geopolitical gains over long-term stability.
Instead of clinging to outdated alliances that perpetuate Syria’s suffering, the U.S. must start crafting policies based on ground realities rather than propaganda narratives.
The failure of U.S. foreign policy in Syria is not merely an embarrassment—it is a catastrophe. Washington has enabled Iran’s proxies, miscalculated its alliances, and fueled disinformation campaigns that distort the true nature of the conflict.
If the United States truly seeks to foster peace and stability in Syria, it must take a hard look in the mirror, abandon its misguided support for the PKK, and start advocating for policies that serve all Syrians—not just those who fit its geopolitical agenda.
The time for empty rhetoric is over. Washington must act decisively and cut all support for the PKK once and for all, lest it continues to entrench Syria in perpetual chaos.
