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 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

An oil refinery in Moscow
Q&AUS‑Israel‑Iran, Middle East, Ukraine‑Russia

Washington’s foreign policy scramble to lower fuel prices

By Rosemary Kelanic

October 30, 2026

In the mediaMiddle East, Israel, Israel‑Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

Election is unlikely to change Israeli military strategy

Featuring Benjamin Friedman

October 27, 2026

ExplainerBasing and global posture, Middle East, Military analysis

An access-only posture for the Middle East

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 26, 2026

Op-edMiddle East, Israel, Israel‑Hamas, Israel‑Iran

If Israel gets a new prime minister, will anything change?

By Daniel DePetris

October 26, 2026

Op-edIran, Basing and global posture, Middle East, Military analysis

Trump claims we’ve beaten Iran. But U.S. isn’t close to victory

By Daniel DePetris

October 23, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Myths of battlefield triumph are destroying the U.S. military

By Gil Barndollar

October 20, 2026

Events on Syria

See All Events
virtualMiddle East, Basing and global 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 global 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.

Defense Priorities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by donations from individuals and foundations—no funding comes from the U.S. government or any foreign government. Donations are unlimited and deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes.

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