Last week, the United States launched a missile strike on Syria. The attack was justified by the Trump administration as a reaction against the inhumane chemical weapons attack against civilians. However, the White House refused to disclose any further plans regarding Syria.
Many questions remain unanswered, especially regarding the relations between the US and Russia. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is firmly supported by the Russians. On the other hand, the US missile attack was directed at Assad's airbase.
Will the US push for regime change?
Civil war in Syria has been raging for six years, with no end in sight.
During the duration of the conflict, the US has been pushing for removal of president Assad. However, the Obama administration refused to utilize a Military Intervention. Prior to his election, president Trump was against foreign military intervention and described Assad's presidency as a "political reality", but had a suspicious change of heart last week. His administration described the attack as a humanitarian intervention, aimed at preventing further chemical weapons use. Many still suspect there is more at play behind the missile strike.
Russia, on the other hand, is a firm supporter of Assad. Moscow has already announced that it will aid Syria with air defenses. This is a very clear signal to the White House, and further US intervention could escalate the relations between the two countries.
In addition, the reputation of US military is on the line - if Assad launches another chemical attack, it will be shameful if the US does not intervene again.
An end to Trump's 'reset' of relations with Putin?
One of Trump's main campaign promises was that he would bring about a reset in the relations between the US and Russia.
He also openly expressed admiration towards Russian president Vladimir Putin. Moscow welcomed his victory, but rumors have since circulated that there was some meddling involved in the US election.
Now that Washington and Moscow are at the opposite sides regarding the civil War In Syria, it appears that an end has come to Trump's plans of rebuilding the relations with Kremlin.
In a few days, Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State will be heading to Moscow for a state visit. The kind of welcome he gets will be a further indication of whether the issue of Syria has damaged the relations between the two countries. After all, Putin has heavily invested in Trump and may want to put the issue of US airstrikes to the side for the purpose of better cooperation in other aspects of politics.
