connerye

Gutman, in his speech, discussed his theory that Asad promoted the growth of ISIS to prevent the successful overthrow of his regime. Asad did this by allowing ISIS to grow so the U.S. would be forced to turn efforts from aiding revolutionaries in the fight against Asad to suppressing ISIS. Asad first sought to create the illusion that terrorists were prevalent in Syria. 

Asad did this by working with intelligence officials to mount attacks on other intelligence officials and government employees. Asad provided military support for ISIS through aerial aid as ISIS took over cities in Syria and fought revolutionaries. Asad handed over towns to ISIS and pretended like there had been great resistance by the Syrian government which he did by using intelligence officials to bomb these towns. Asad authorized the Syrian central bank to transfer funds to these towns before they were overthrown. This allowed for ISIS to have access to funds to promote their growth. ISIS also served Asad by going after other potential voices of dissent as evident through ISIS’ attacks on media centers and journalists.

The illusion of Syria being under threat of ISIS and al Qaeda allowed Asad to grow international sympathy, aid, and support. The lack of U.S. presence in the region was in my opinion due to a desire to de-entrench from the region and pivot its focus over to Asia. The lack of intelligence present in the region was evident through top U.S. intelligence officials telling Gutman that the rise of ISIS was a complete shock. Gutman also discussed how Syrian officials who were suspicious about Asad were ignored by both the Obama administration and the intelligence community due to a desire by the U.S. to stay out of the conflict. 

Syria has been destroyed by the Asad regime.

Unfortunately, through the Syrian debacle, the U.S. learned it was unable to stay neutral. The United States was forced to intervene to prevent the rise of ISIS. This phenomenon shows the danger of the United States removing its influence in the region. This also shows a continuing theme in U.S.-Middle East relations of tails-wagging dogs, due to Asad’s manipulating the United States into promoting the security of his oppressive regime. The Syrian case is one of the few examples of the United States’ failure to address foreign policy issues due to underreach.

 While many people both at home and abroad criticize excessive U.S. intervention in international affairs, the United States must continue to provide aid and accountability to prevent crises like in Syria. The U.S. must embrace its role as an international arbiter and protector as well, otherwise, countries like Iran, China, and Russia will fill the vacuum, as evident through Russia’s support of Asad. Overall, if the United States wants to truly act morally in the international system, it must not fear intervention, especially in its efforts to support human rights.

 The United States by refusing to intervene created more problems for itself. Asad was able to provide resources and notoriety to ISIS, allowing them to gain recruits, and weapons and spread their messages. By the time the United States intervened it was already too late. Russia had pushed its influence in Syria, Asad had solidified his power and ISIS had risen. Had the U.S. intervened and helped the pro-democracy revolutionaries, the U.S. may have been able to successfully overthrow Asad. As a result, Syria would not be stuck in the stalemated conflict, and pro-democracy revolutionaries may have taken over Syria. This would have given the United States another democratic ally against Iran, and Russia would not have gained more international influence and prestige. Instead, the U.S. feared repeating the same mistakes it did in Iraq and was unable to capitalize on potential security gains, while eventually still being forced to bear the costs of intervention to contest the rise of ISIS.

Straightforward Answers to Basic Questions About Syria’s War – The New York Times (nytimes.com)(Image link)