Trump
United States President-elect Donald Trump recently described the removal of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad as an “unfriendly takeover” by Turkey, signaling his approval of Ankara’s significant role in the surprising turn of events.
Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday, Trump praised Turkey for orchestrating the operation, which he deemed a “smart move” that potentially saved many lives. He also sharply criticized Assad’s brutal rule, particularly his actions toward children, referring to Assad as a “butcher.”
This comment followed the December 8 ousting of the Syrian leader, which resulted from a swift offensive by rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), backed by the Turkish-supported Syrian National Army (SNA). The operation effectively ended Assad’s rule, which had been central to Syria’s long-standing conflict since 2011.
Trump’s remarks suggested that Turkey was assuming a pivotal role in the region, with the President-elect stating, “Turkey is going to hold the key to Syria.”
However, he refrained from making a definitive statement regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Syria, currently numbering around 900 troops. “Nobody knows what the future holds,” he said, indicating uncertainty regarding U.S. military presence in the country.
In a broader context, Trump also commented on the ongoing Gaza conflict, revealing that he had recently spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about stalled negotiations concerning hostages held in Gaza.
Trump reiterated his previous threat, warning of severe consequences if the hostages were not released by a specified date.
Turning to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump reaffirmed his intention to pursue peace negotiations, though he did not provide any new details regarding his interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He likened the destruction caused by the war to “controlled demolitions,” highlighting the dire situation in Ukraine and underscoring the need for a ceasefire.
Trump also discussed domestic matters, including a potential U.S. ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, acknowledging its role in his electoral success, particularly among younger voters. He expressed a mixed view, stating, “We’ll take a look at TikTok,” while noting his “warm spot” for the app.
Additionally, Trump addressed concerns about drone sightings in the U.S., calling for transparency from government authorities.
He also defended his controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, as Health Secretary, expressing confidence in Kennedy’s ability to approach the role with “an open mind” despite public concerns. Trump reassured the public that essential vaccines, such as the polio vaccine, would not be at risk.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
