Heightened danger for U.S. troops overseas after Syria strike, professor says

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There are new questions about U.S. military involvement and safety after President Donald Trump ordered a tomahawk missile airstrike against Syria.

The military action Thursday night was in response Syria’s chemical strike that killed dozens of people earlier this week.

Channel 9 spoke to Magdalena Krajewska, an assistant professor of political science at Winthrop University, about what could be next for the U.S.

Krajewska said Trump’s swift military action against Syria is what much of the western world has been waiting for.

“Traditionally the western world has been looking to the U.S. for leadership because of its military power and political power,” Krajewska said.

She added that the military action could also put an end to the genocide witnessed over the years in Syria, but only time will tell.

But Trump’s action drew criticism from Syria’s allies like Russia and Iran. Some leaders called the action aggressive. Krajewska said it’s hard to predict how Syria and its allies will respond.

“At this stage, Russia is an unpredictable country. I would not want to speculate what they can do,” Krajewska said.

But she said Americans and members of the armed forces should be on heightened alert.

“We know there are U.S. troops in Syria and throughout the region. Anytime there is an attack in those countries they can be in more danger,” Krajewska added.