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US preparing new Syrian strategy

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The Trump administration is developing a new Syrian strategy to force Iranian forces and Shia militias out of the country.

NBC reported that US officials close to the plan said it would concentrate on economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts rather than direct US military action. These include withholding reconstruction aid from areas where Iranian and Russian forces are present, and imposing sanctions on Russian and Iranian companies working on reconstruction projects.

The new strategy would not involve the US military directly targeting Iranian forces or Shia militias because such action violates the Authorisation for Use of Military Force (AUMF), passed by Congress in 2001. AUMF only permits the use of military force against ISIS in Syria and groups and their associates responsible for the 11 September 2001 attack. However, the US military does have the right of self-defence under the authorisation and could strike the Iranian military if it felt threatened.

The strategy would also extend the US mission of destroying the remaining pockets of ISIS fighters in Syria, as well as working with allies to agree a new political situation after the defeat of ISIS and the withdrawal of Iranian forces. US official sources said President Assad does not necessarily have to step down but they stressed that the Syrian Government cannot maintain close ties with Iran and must prosecute those who committed crimes against humanity.

A US official said that since the beginning of last year the Trump administration’s strategy for Syria has pursued four goals: defeating ISIS, deterring President Assad’s use of chemical weapons, creating a political transition in Damascus, and removing Iran and Iranian-backed Shia militias from the country.