Donald Trump inexplicably announced an abrupt about-face on our Syria policy, ordering a “full” and “rapid” withdrawal of U.S. troops. In class Trumpian style, he took to Twitter to declare victory of ISIS as the reason for withdrawal.
This is, of course, not true. Experts and activists have been quick to shoot down this statement as both unfactual and outright dangerous. Pentagon reporter Kevin Baron called Trump’s statement “stunning.”
Regional experts seem to be in agreement, Donald Trump’s assertions are patently false.
Mouaz Moustafa from the Syrian Emergency Task Force says people at the State Department are furious.
He went on to explain how this move emboldens ISIS in the area and enriches Iran.
CNN reports the withdrawal of 20,000 U.S. troops would also help Russia. Imagine that!
Even though the US will continue to maintain troops in Iraq with the capability of launching strikes into Syria, a US withdrawal of ground forces would fulfill a major goal of Syria, Iran and Russia and risks diminishing US influence in the region.
It is uncertain how many ISIS fighters remain in Syria, but estimates are between 20,000 and 30,000, not an insignificant number. The withdrawal comes at a particularly bad time as they were on the verge of a major achievement.
The US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have had some recent success against the terror group and are on the cusp of capturing the last major town held by ISIS east of the Euphrates.
Needless to say, this move isn’t sitting well with Republicans either. Several have taken to Twitter to express their anger with Trump.
While Republicans are raging, the White House released “mission accomplished” statement riddled with lies.
As noted here, this is yet another repudiation of U.S. Intelligence.
Will Trump do an about-face again after seeing the furious reaction? Stay tuned.