Trump eliminates economic aid for Syria

The decision by President Trump to cancel the funds destined for the reconstruction of Syria risks opening up new scenarios for the Middle East, with repercussions also on Europe and the problem of migration. The loans, of about three billion dollars, decided by both the US parties, were directed to civil works, such as the restoration of the aqueducts, the removal of the rubble and the reclamation operations from the ordnance of the northern and eastern Syrian territories; the aim was to cancel the presence of the Islamic State and encourage the return of refugees who had fled to Europe. Although not enough funding for the reconstruction of a country that has just come out of a long conflict, aid was considered a political act to counter Russia's influence on the Syrian country and not leave its exclusive presence in Moscow. The withdrawal of aid is perceived as a betrayal, from that part of the Syrian country that had also fought against the dictatorship of Assad and had hoped for a support, including military support from Washington, to be able to establish a democracy. In reality, American betrayal had already begun with Obama and Trump's behavior is a consequence. With this provision, Trump intends, however, to send a concrete signal of American disengagement towards those scenarios that do not fall within the strategic interests of the current administration. For now it is a move away from economic aid, but in the future it will concern direct military engagement. The American intention is to directly involve states that have interests in the region on the ground, in essence Trump says that the US will no longer engage directly in the place of allied countries to protect its geopolitical ambitions. The contingent case foresees that in the Middle East the involvement concerns the armies of the Gulf countries, which although remaining allies of the USA, must make them independent. In the specific case it will be interesting to see the evolution of this policy in an area that has Iran as its main enemy of Saudi Arabia. The question is not secondary because the balance that Trump wants to entrust to the Arab countries also concern Washington and the armed forces of the Gulf countries do not seem able to handle situations where the Americans came out with difficulty. On the other hand, however, this direction of disengagement is part of the electoral programs that Trump enunciated even before becoming president. Also towards Europe and towards the Atlantic Alliance, Trump's annoyance towards the lack of collaboration of the allies has manifested itself many times. It must be recognized, however, that until now, the American bureaucratic and military system had been a sort of balancing of the president's wishes, succeeding in limiting action. The suspension of aid to Syria does not mean that Trump has won his battle by totally imposing his political line, but it marks a significant affirmation, because it has canceled a provision shared by the two political parties. A non-secondary aspect, which seems to assume strategic characteristics, is represented by the effects that this provision will take on a Europe already torn apart by internal discussion on the migration issue. One of the possible effects of the aid was precisely that of determining the return of Syrian refugees to their country, thus easing the pressure on European countries increasingly impatient towards immigrants. By denying the aid, Trump contributes to the division of the Union, a goal which has repeatedly been set to break up the most dangerous economic entity. The US president would prefer to have more bargaining power in negotiations, negotiating with individual states rather than Brussels; moreover, this objective is shared by Putin, who after the American decision immediately requested the Union a greater effort to support Syria, knowing full well how to arouse the opposition of the populists and of the countries that belonged to the Soviet bloc. It is clear from these signs that Europe must increasingly look for its own autonomous role that is disconnected from the logic of external powers, which also includes China, which can only be used as an economic partner.