Revived ISIS Threat Challenges Trump’s Instincts on Syria

“Syria is a mess but is not our friend,” Donald Trump declared in mid-December as the 13-year-long Syrian civil war culminated in the shockingly swift collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s Baathist regime.

“This is not our fight,” Trump continued. “Let it play out. Do not get involved.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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“Syria is a mess but is not our friend,” Donald Trump declared in mid-December as the 13-year-long Syrian civil war culminated in the shockingly swift collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s Baathist regime.

“This is not our fight,” Trump continued. “Let it play out. Do not get involved.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.