Syria, Israel, and Iran: Is Peace Possible Without the United States?

Donald Trump’s recent announcement of the withdrawal of American troops from Syria has led to diplomatic chaos. With the President’s decision now public, the White House has been scrambling to reassure its allies and partners in the Middle East. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently staged visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while National Security Advisor John Bolton was in Ankara. Despite their efforts, it is now understood that America no longer wishes to be the world’s police officer.

But what of the region’s growing instability? Will the American withdrawal give way to a resurgence in terrorism? Do France and Europe have the capacity to act in the Middle East without US support?

These questions were discussed with Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, political scientist, Frédéric Encel, expert in geopolitics and lecturer at Sciences Po Paris, and Colonel Michel Goya, military expert.