The Monocle Daily US to scale down military operations in Syria. Plus: Macron and Meloni meet in Rome
Jun 4, 2025
Join former British diplomat John Everard and Kate Clark, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, as they unpack pivotal global issues. They analyze the U.S. downsizing its military operations in Syria and explore its potential consequences for the region and Kurdish forces. The duo also discusses the recent meeting between French President Macron and Italian PM Meloni, highlighting the tension and synergy in European diplomatic dynamics. Additionally, they touch on tourism trends in the U.S. amid a fluctuating political landscape.
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US Scaling Down in Syria
- The US decision to scale down in Syria reflects Trump's preference to reduce overseas deployments. - Syria's landscape changed drastically with regional powers involved, making reduced US presence less impactful except for the Kurds.
One US Base in Syria Questioned
- Maintaining one US base in Syria is puzzling militarily and may leave troops vulnerable. - A single base lacks the force projection of multiple bases and may be insufficient in a crisis.
Italy's Reluctance on Ukraine Aid
- Italy's defence spending and military aid to Ukraine lag behind smaller EU countries. - Giorgia Meloni's nationalist stance conflicts with effective military support for Ukraine.