Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Syria / What does the U.S. public think about sending troops to foreign wars? Here’s what the evidence shows
Syria, Basing and force posture, Global posture, Grand strategy, Military analysis

February 17, 2025

What does the U.S. public think about sending troops to foreign wars? Here’s what the evidence shows

The lack of support from the U.S. public in deploying troops overseas has been constant since the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021—and the American public appears to be questioning U.S. military involvement in world affairs more generally.

In a poll taken by foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities in February 2024, 56% of respondents were “very worried” or “somewhat worried” that the presence of U.S. troops in Syria could escalate into a broader conflict in the region. Of those that opposed a U.S. military presence in Syria, 66% felt that it was a waste of resources.

Read at The Conversation

More on Middle East

Op-edGrand strategy, Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

The Real Munitions Shortage Transcends the Iran War

By Jennifer Kavanagh

August 3, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Middle East latest: Trump announces pause in new Iran strikes, making way for peace talks

Featuring Daniel Davis

August 2, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Daniel Davis argues there is no attainable military objective in U.S. war against Iran

Featuring Daniel Davis

July 31, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump is stuck in Iran. Here’s one idea that could offer a way out

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

July 30, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump faces threat of widening regional war with Iran

Featuring William Walldorf

July 30, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Diplomacy, Iran, Middle East

This Is Why Diplomacy Between The U.S. And Iran Is Likely To Fail: Expert

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 28, 2026

Events on Syria

See All Events
virtualMiddle East, Basing and force posture, Diplomacy, Houthis, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Israel‑Hamas, Military analysis, Syria

Trump in the Middle East: Impacts, implications, and alternatives

May 16, 2025
virtualSyria, Balance of power, Basing and force posture, Counterterrorism, Middle East, Military analysis

Syria after Assad: Prospects for U.S. withdrawal

February 21, 2025
virtualMiddle East, Iran, Israel‑Hamas, Israel‑Iran, Syria, Yemen

Keeping the U.S. out of war in the Middle East

January 16, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.