The Fate of the Kurds Is Critical to Syria’s Future
Mike R. Pompeo
American Center for Law and Justice
January 30, 2026
The military and political drubbing of the Kurdish-led, U.S.-allied Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is an extremely dangerous development – putting prospects for peace in Syria and the wider region in serious jeopardy. If reports that the U.S. effectively abandoned our allies to this fate are correct – and worse, that we may be preparing to withdraw our last remaining forces from Syria altogether – we could be setting the stage for disaster.
Just one month after the U.S. granted significant sanctions relief to the new Syrian government, al-Sharaa has gone back on his assurances of moderation and respect for minority rights in Syria and pursued a bold campaign to consolidate power. Make no mistake – al-Shaara’s actions could precipitate a major crisis in the form of mass displacement, ethnic cleansing, and the possible reemergence of ISIS as a powerful player inside Syria and as a global terrorist threat.
Remember: The Kurds have been one of America’s most steadfast and valuable allies in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Kurdish fighters, including the SDF, have consistently battled America’s worst enemies – jihadist groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and others – sparing American blood and treasure and defending our interests as trusted partners on the ground. Indeed, the SDF was one of the key forces on the ground helping President Trump to destroy the ISIS caliphate in his first Administration – one of the signature achievements of his presidency.
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