US Troops Begin Historic Final Withdrawal from Syria: A New Era for the Middle East
London-UK, February 19, 2026
US Troops Begin Historic Final Withdrawal from Syria: A New Era for the Middle East — In a move that signals a profound shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Levant, the United States has officially commenced the final phase of its military withdrawal from Syria.
Following years of strategic presence, the Trump administration has ordered the remaining 1,000 personnel to vacate their positions within the next sixty days.
This decision, long anticipated by international observers, follows the recent handover of the strategic Al-Tanf garrison and the Al-Shaddadi base to Syrian government forces, marking the end of a decade-long intervention that began under the banner of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Strategic Transition and Regional Sovereignty
The withdrawal marks a milestone in the “conditions-based transition” outlined by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Washington officials have indicated that the primary mission—the territorial defeat of ISIS—has reached a conclusion that no longer necessitates a large-scale American ground presence.
This shift is largely attributed to the evolving internal dynamics of Syria, specifically the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national military structure under the post-Assad governance.
By returning these territories to the control of the central government in Damascus, the United States is effectively acknowledging a new reality on the ground.
The move is seen by many as a step toward restoring Syrian sovereignty, though it remains a subject of intense debate among Western allies who fear a potential power vacuum.
However, the White House has remained firm, asserting that the Syrian government is now prepared to take primary responsibility for counter-terrorism efforts within its own borders.
Impact on Counter-Terrorism and ISIS
The End of Al-Tanf:
The full evacuation of the Al-Tanf base at the tri-border area with Jordan and Iraq removes a key monitoring point for regional supply routes.
SDF Integration:
The integration of Kurdish-led forces into central Syrian institutions has provided the diplomatic bridge necessary for the U.S. to exit without leaving its former partners stranded.
Remaining Capability:
Despite the withdrawal, CENTCOM has emphasized that U.S. forces remain “poised to respond” to ISIS threats via “over-the-horizon” capabilities, ensuring that the terrorist network cannot undergo a resurgence.
Diplomatic Realignments and Global Reactions
The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions elsewhere in the region, particularly regarding Iran. Officials have clarified that the departure from Syria is an independent strategic choice and not linked to the naval and air buildup currently seen in the Persian Gulf.
Instead, it reflects a broader policy of “America First” diplomacy, focusing on ending “endless wars” while maintaining a deterrent posture through high-tech surveillance and rapid-response units rather than permanent boots on the ground.
Critics of the withdrawal point to the December attacks in Palmyra, where U.S. service members were killed, as a sign that the region remains volatile.
Conversely, proponents argue that the presence of U.S. troops served more as a political signal than a functional military necessity in recent months.
The handover to the new Syrian leadership is viewed by many as the only sustainable path toward long-term stability and the implementation of international standards of governance.
The Road Ahead for Syria
As the last convoys cross the border into Jordan and Iraq over the coming weeks, the world watches to see how the regional powers—including Russia, Turkey, and Iran—will adapt to the absence of the American military footprint.
For the people of Syria, the withdrawal represents the closing of a chapter defined by foreign intervention and the beginning of a challenging process of national reconstruction.
The diplomatic community is now looking toward the upcoming summit in Geneva, where the “New Global Constitution” principles are expected to be discussed as a framework for the future of leadership and governance in the post-conflict state.
The transition is not merely military but a deep philosophical shift in how international law and national sovereignty intersect in the 21st century.
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Abeer Almadawy is a philosopher who established the third mind theory research and the philosophy of non-self and trans egoism. She is also the author of the New Global Constitution for the leadership Governance 2030/2032. She has many books published in English, Arabic, Chinese, French and others.
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