US Senator Graham's shift: Trump praised for bringing stability to Syria

In a significant public reversal, senior US Senator Lindsey Graham has praised President Donald Trump for fostering stability in Syria, marking a shift from his previous criticisms of the Syrian government's military campaign. The influential Republican's new stance follows recent ceasefire agreements aimed at integrating Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state.

Graham's Praise Follows Syrian Offensive and Ceasefire

The shift comes after the Syrian transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, launched an offensive in areas including Deir Hafer and Maskanah. This military action pressured the SDF, which subsequently lost significant territory and requested a ceasefire. The conflict culminated in a series of truces. Against this backdrop, Senator Graham stated, "It appears President Trump's efforts are bearing fruit, at least in the short term." He commended the Trump administration for its active role in replacing "the chaos they inherited with stability."

A Contrast to Previous Warnings and Accusations

Graham's latest comments stand in stark contrast to his position during the offensive. Earlier, he had accused the YPG/PKK of "openly cooperating with Israel" and warned that actions by Türkiye and Syria could lead to a resurgence of ISIS, issuing threats to the Syrian government. His previous stance reflected broader tensions surrounding US policy, where he had historically acknowledged the YPG as a political wing of the PKK and called for resolving the problems it created for NATO ally Türkiye. The recent ceasefire agreements, which involve integrating SDF forces into the Syrian army and state institutions, seem to have prompted his reassessment.

Regional Dynamics and Washington's Evolving Role

Senator Graham's statement also touched on wider regional strategy. He highlighted the unique influence of Saudi Arabia over the Syrian government and encouraged regional partners to support Trump's message favoring "stability over conflict." This aligns with a broader US diplomatic push, which have worked toward security agreements in the region. Graham concluded by asserting that Congress stands ready to help preserve stability and counter regional actors who harm US interests by acting against "reliable allies like the Kurds."