Former US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of European policies, asserting that the continent is “not headed in the right direction.” He attributed this primarily to what he described as an excessive focus on clean energy and mass immigration policies, which he believes have harmed its economic and security stability. These remarks are part of his ongoing “America First” political discourse, which he repeatedly presented at prominent international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos during his presidency.

Historical background and context of “America First”

These criticisms stem from the core political doctrine Trump adopted during his 2016 presidential campaign and throughout his presidency. His foreign policy was based on the premise that traditional alliances and international agreements no longer adequately served American interests. In this context, he criticized NATO allies for failing to meet their financial commitments and withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that environmental regulations harmed American industry and gave other countries a competitive advantage. His view of Europe was heavily influenced by this perspective, as he considered its environmental and social policies overly idealistic and unrealistic.

Criticism of energy and immigration policies

Regarding energy, Trump has consistently criticized Europe's, and particularly Germany's, reliance on Russian gas, coupled with its gradual shift away from nuclear power and coal. He argued that this move toward "clean energy" has made Europe dependent on external and unstable energy sources, presenting the United States as a reliable alternative through exports of liquefied natural gas and oil. On immigration, he strongly condemned the "open-door" policies adopted by some European countries, such as Germany in 2015, deeming them a threat to national security and cultural identity, and linking them to increased crime and terrorism.

Importance and expected impact

Trump’s statements take on particular significance given the possibility of his return to the White House. Domestically, they aim to rally his electoral base, which shares his skepticism toward globalization and liberal policies. Internationally, they are causing concern in European capitals, which fear a return to the trade and political tensions that characterized his first term. A potential Trump victory could prompt Europe to reassess its defense and economic strategies and accelerate its efforts toward greater “strategic independence” in energy and defense, in anticipation of a more isolationist and unpredictable US policy.

A strategic shift in the Syrian landscape

The Syrian arena is witnessing rapid developments that are reshaping the map of control and influence, as Syrian government forces, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, continue their advance in the northeast of the country. This progress comes amidst the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from strategic locations, most notably the al-Hol camp, within a new political framework supported by the United States and aimed at reunifying the country under a central authority.

Background of the conflict and context of developments

To understand the dimensions of what is happening today, it is necessary to go back to the years of the Syrian war, when the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose backbone is the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), emerged as a key ally of the US-led international coalition in the war against the ISIS terrorist organization. The SDF succeeded in controlling large areas of northern and eastern Syria and established self-administration in those regions. However, this situation remained a source of concern for the central government in Damascus and for neighboring countries, especially Turkey. With the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2014 and the formation of a new government, the dynamics changed radically, opening the door to negotiations to end the division.

The Syrian army advances and the four-day deadline

In a move reflecting the new balance of power, Syrian security forces deployed inside al-Hol camp in al-Hasakah province, which houses thousands of families of ISIS members, after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their withdrawal. Escalating political pressure, the Syrian government gave the SDF a four-day ultimatum to agree to a plan for full integration into state institutions, a move urged by Washington. As a goodwill gesture, Damascus offered the SDF a candidate for the position of Deputy Minister of Defense as part of the proposed integration process.

Despite the government's advances, the SDF still controls the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli. The government has announced that it will not enter the two cities militarily during the deadline period, in order to allow for a political solution that guarantees a peaceful transfer of power.

Changing US support and its impact

The current US position represents a significant shift in Washington's policy toward Syria. Having previously been the primary military and political backer of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the US administration now appears to support President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to extend state sovereignty over all Syrian territory. US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, described the proposed integration as "the greatest opportunity for the Kurds" to secure their cultural and political rights within a unified state. This stance reflects a growing US conviction that the primary objective of supporting the SDF—the fight against ISIS—has largely been achieved, and that the priority now is stabilizing Syria and preventing a return to chaos.

Ceasefire and Integration Agreement Terms

These developments come as the culmination of a recently signed agreement between the government and the SDF, aimed at a comprehensive ceasefire and the full integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions. Among the most prominent provisions of the agreement are:

• The administrative and military handover of the governorates of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to the Syrian government.
• Integrate all SDF military and security elements individually into the Ministries of Defense and Interior.
• The Syrian government will hand over all border crossings and oil and gas fields.
• The government assumes full responsibility for the file of ISIS prisoners and camps.
• The SDF is committed to removing non-Syrian members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from the country.

Recognition of Kurdish rights

In parallel with the military and political pressure, the Syrian government took significant steps to reassure the Kurdish population. President al-Sharaa issued a historic decree recognizing Kurdish citizens as an integral part of the Syrian people and affirming their cultural and linguistic rights. The decree stipulated the adoption of Kurdish as a national language that could be taught, granted Syrian citizenship to all unregistered individuals, and declared Nowruz a national holiday, thus paving the way for comprehensive national reconciliation.