Trump is working for Russia. This most recent move to take US troops from Syria is allowing Turkey and Russia to divide and control formerly Kurdish-held territory in northern Syria.
What type of hold does Putin have over Trump? How is this making America great again when our allies are left hanging? Who can trust anything the United States does?
Trump surrounds himself with sycophants so nobody with experience and expertise is giving him information. He watches Fox and has ego rallies.
Trump is not leading this country, he is destroying it.
1
As Putin and Erdogan “ jointly control areas of Syria,” are they also jointly accountable for violating lives, limbs,
the targeted Kurds, as well as Menschlichkeit which is
foreign to each of them?
Russia and Turkey don’t divide control over Syria.That is an untrue statement.
A few sentences further the reporters themselves stated in the article that Turkey and Russia will take a joint control of a relatively small part of Syria not of whole Syria as was propagandisticly suggested.
Looks like the only thing that will save the country and the constitution from Trump and the Republicans is a military coup.
4
The photograph showing Vladimir and Tayyip together means that NATO needs to expel Turkey. "Hi Vlad, did you watch Dr. Strangelove or How i learned to stop worrying and love the bomb?"
"Peter Sellers again? Thank you for the information. Tay"
3
I support the plane to keep U.S. forces in Syria and as a democrat I want the wars to expand to more countries. Eventually we must go to war with Russia even if it is a nuclear war. The U.S., Saudi Arabia and Israel have spent too much time and money trying to break up Syria and we must stick with it!
3
Congratulations on your triumph, Mr. Putin. You now fully control a destitute, rubble-strewn wasteland.
It is astounding to see the US abandoning strategic positions without talking before with allies and gifting rivals and enemies positions that were hard and expensive to get.
It’s more astounding that politicians in the US turn blind eyes and ears to these profound anomalies.
What are they frightened of?
1
I swear Trump withdrew because it was Putin he was trying to please. it makes the USA look so weak it cannot because it was done with American interests in mind. Trump will eventually become a Pariah to the entire international community and he might be trying to feather a nest overseas for that time.
2
We all have to wonder when Putin is coming for us.
1
Do we want to maintain military presence in Syria, Afghanistan, and the middle east in general? It appears that today we do, based on the articles over the last week and a half in the NYTimes.
Personally, I agree that the US cannot just withdraw from all of these hot zones without some kind of plan as to what happens after. Guess that plan is to be replaced by Russia. Bizarre times.
1
@Ma Don’t change the subject and divert. We’re just talking about Syria.
“The United States was the closest ally of the Kurds over the past few years. But in the end, the U.S. abandoned the Kurds, actually betraying them,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, Tass reported.
I'm waiting for someone to stick a microphone in trumps face and ask him what he thinks about this.
2
To say Putin won in Syria is to say we won in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. It is true that warhawks, and military sales agents consider those victories...Not why people here do. There is money to be made off these conflicts. But it's just dumb. Putin now has the same role we have in Iraq and Afghanistan...He hasn't won at all. Now he must pay..
3
While most that comment here are unhappy that we didn't stay and delay the end of the war for some vague realpolitik reasons, I'm happy that all the death and destruction may end sooner. It's a victory for those that live in the region...Not sure how Putin wins anything? Russia has to pay to clean up the mess. They were already had influence. If they're lucky, not many of their troops will die....and they'll be home soon...But that's unlikely...They will spend billions rebuilding it, many Russians will die to reunite Syria, and to keep it under control, more will die....Sort of like our experience in Iraq....We won that time!
The death and destruction won't end any sooner. Maybe fewer American lives will be lost. If everything's a baseball game, I guess we can be glad that our "home team" will lose fewer members. We profess to believe in God. If there's a God or something like one, I doubt that the nationality of the people who die or lose their homes matters much.
I think the civil war will end sooner. The Kurds will have to give up the land they captured in the war. If we'd tried to protect their war gains from Turkey and Syria, more death and destruction was likely. And we might have been there for decades....
Hence another consequence of "Trump's war" is that the butcher Assad increases his sovereignty because of his alliance with Russia and Iran. If Western values had any say at all, Assad's terrorism would not have any sovereignty over Syria, a land he and his thugs have denuded of all signs of thriving life, regurgitating multi-millions of long-term refugees in the process.
America's abandonment of its values in the region began with the Obama administration's timidity, but our nation is now in full retreat, in the face of America Alone propagators and authoritarian enablers, like "The Great Divider" Trump and other isolationists.
The way Erdogan has quickly cozied up to Putin, strong chances that Putin shared some the blackmailing material on Trump with Erdogan.
It is quite likely that it wasn't Erdogan's promise to let Trump build a hotel in Turkey that made Trump pull the American support of Kurds, but it was rather threat of exposing his deeds.
By the time Trump leaves office, the United States will be an isolated player in world affairs. There is no vision, no leadership, nor respect for any commitments. The Trump Administration is an empty void reflecting the ignorance of our “Commander in Chief”.
How will this sad chapter end?
1
It may come as a shock and surprise to many that the removal of US forces in Syria is the key to restoring peace in that country, although such an outcome may not be immediately obvious. As Mr. Putin said, “Only if Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected can a long-lasting and solid stabilization in Syria be achieved." That seems to be his end game, one which Erdogan has come to embrace when faced with the prospect of unconstrained Kurdish forces on his border. Even though, Erdogan originally contributed to the fighting and chaos in Syria, the prospect of Syrian forces on his border now seems more palatable than Kurdish ones. The Kurds, of course, won't get their mini-state in North Eastern Syria, but the fighting in Syria may gradually be brought to a close. In this, we have to acknowledge that Trump made a bold move for stability, whether intended or inadvertent. The neo-con power brokers in Washington will wail and gnash their teeth since stability in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, is not on their agenda. But they still have Iran where they are just itching to start a fight. Let's hope Trump can resist the pressure for yet another Middle East debacle.
3
@Birch “As Mr Putin said...”. Well we can take that to the bank!
The territory was not Kurdish held, but AMERICAN held, with Kurds supplying mercenary services.
Turks are an honourable people, they refrained from attacking a NATO ally, while it was occupying areas bordering Turkey. Unfortunately, America has proved a fickle ally to the Turks. No mercenaries for hire should trust America; NOR should any nation Ameria tries to recruit as ally.
Road to treachery is paved with money and promises.
1
Between this strategic blunder (Syria) and the President's threats and destabilization campaign against Ukraine, it appears as if Trump is acting in Putin's interest, not the United States's.
Trump's behavior is intolerable, as is his ability to occupy the White House without first making a full financial disclosure.
The U.S. cannot afford to elect a President's whose financial motivations are obscure.
16
Allowing the Russians to gain a foothold in northern Syria while occupying the bases that U.S. forces abandoned should be regarded as an impeachable offense. Trump sold out to Putin. Just like that he allowed Russia to take our place while using the pretext as drawing down U.S. forces in the Middle East. At the same time he sent about 1,000 military personnel to Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy where all the important high level government jobs are held by the royal family.
1
To differ...I would consider it an impeachable offense to fight the Syrians in Syria without Congress declaring an act of war. I know most here want Presidents be able to send troops to die in these interventions forever... It's strange that NYT readers are mostly pro-intervention now..Its a neo-progressive thing I guess. There's always someone to protect from someone else...So I would impeach Trump unless he brings all our troops home from all foreign conflicts unless they are specifically authorized to be in that conflict by Congress..
1
@Lindsey E. Reese Our troops followed ISIS from Iraq into Syria. They were helping the Syrian Kurds to fight ISIS, not Assad. But continue trying to fuzz this up until it’s unrecognizable.
And Trumps' quid pro quo, in this instance, this traitorous abandonment of our Kurdish allies, this ignominious retreat, this cowardly display of American impotence; must be a real winner, big enough to share with his Republican partner traitors.
Surely there must be a recording in the NSA archive of Trumps' discussions with Erdogan.
Who in our cowardly government has the guts to go to town on this evil man and completely out him.
2
What a mistake! An this is only the latest one.
I just finished reading all of William Taylor's opening statement to Congress. Trump is a liar and a sham, and he 'owes' something big to Vladimir Putin -- otherwise, he would not be engaged in devious plotting to undermine U.S. support for democracy in Europe. Trump asserts in one breath that there was "no quid pro quo," but in the next claims that President Zelenskyy "owes" him a public statement about investigating the Bidens in return for U.S. security aid, because Trump is a "businessman" and he sees this as a "business" deal. This merely illustrates that Trump has no clue what "quid pro quo" means. It also provides us with firm evidence that he operates like a mobster. And that he is as two-faced as they come -- pretending to represent a free, democratic world, while actually employing the devious and dishonest practices of an autocrat. I will not be surprised if his betrayal of the Kurds turns out to be just another one of his quid pro quos for his fellow autocrat, Putin.
3
“His jets patrol Syrian skies. His military is expanding operations at the main naval base in Syria. He is forging closer ties to Turkey. He and his Syrian allies are moving into territory vacated by the United States.” But you forgot the most important sentence.
His puppet is in the White House. And Moscow Mitch is in the senate.
For Trump to get a good idea of what is good American foreign policy, he only needs to look at how the deviants of the world want him to act and and react to his actions. When the vultures of Assad and Putin start circling the vacuum left behind by American presence, it is probably not the best thing to pull out. Of course, Trump cannot tell the difference between friend and foe, so reference to these indicators is hopeless.
1
I grew up and lived in Europe; anti-Americanism has been always part of European politics. Even in Switzerland anti-Americanism is still widespread in politics and media as well (although at times expressed in a subtle way). In this matter, I share Jean Francois Revel’s view, well expressed in his book “anti-Americanism”.
EU development has been based on “anti-Americanism” propaganda; an anti-Americanism sentiment, not necessarily based on hatred, but, I believe, more due to the omnipresence of United States Army and political influence in Europe – this uncomfortable feeling that Europeans might (insentiently) share of not being fully independent, capable and self-determined.
United States Army withdrawal (slow) could have a positive impact on Europe, as it will force EU to be less opportunistic, to use resources and redefine strategies toward its military development, which in return would help US; US army should divert its effort to help strengthening, securing and developing central America and Latina America, eventually forming a better “Pan-American military alliance”.
I believe a good relationship with Russia is imperative for the stability of the world, the survival and prosperity of western countries, and I still cannot understand why some media and democrats still live in some sort of “McCarthyism paranoia”
4
Russia is the winner - of what? How does it improve Russia’s security? Doesn’t improve conditions for average citizens suffering from an economy mired in corruption and inefficiency. Just for Putin to pose on the world stage to boost his domestic standing and bolster the interests of military and security sector.
@David The Russian people have never “won”. It’s also been one autocrat after another. This time, it’s Putin. Now they can do what they want in Syria.
Don’t panic! Putin’s jets may be patrolling over Syria and his ground forces are expanding their operations there. He is taking Erdogan on board to divide control over a vast swath of land abandoned by the US-backed Syrian Kurds, making himself the indispensable power broker in the Middle East. But as situation in the region is always so fluid, it remains to be seen how long Putin can bask in glory, extering his new gained influence there.
The current arrangement between Putin and Erdogan spells trouble before it being implemented. The war in Syria hasn’t ended. In fact it will just get worse.
Will the Turkish-backed Syrian Arab proxies take orders from Erdogan and cooperate with the Assad regime, propped up by Iran and Russia?
Israel certainly doesn’t like this new state of affairs, neither will the Sunni Arab states. We may be seeing a new proxy war in Syria soon.
Germany’s defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said she would discuss with NATO partners this week and did not rule out sending German soldiers to Syria, creating a security zone to protect displaced civilians and ensure the fight continues against ISIS.
She said that would be a matter for the German parliament to decide and it would need the approval of players in the region.
Perhaps the UN should be involved, as the Kurds are in danger. They face the risk of a Turkish genocide. But a UN resolution will not come to pass given Russia’s veto power at the Security Council.
2
The proper venue to discuss the future of Syria is the UN Security Council and forums formed within the structure of the Security Council as an institution. The German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has proposed an internationally monitored security zone that could address all issues involving Syria including the role of the Kurds and prevent Turkey from controlling sovereign territory of Syria. ISIS remains a significant global threat including to Turkey. Turkey's actions have increased the possibility of a re-explosion of ISIS while deepening long term hostilities with the Kurdish population. Russia's intrusion may contain a possible bloodbath, but that remains to be demonstrated. Russia's record in Syria with the bombing of hospitals and similar actions does not promise a good outcome. It would be highly welcome for the EU to solidify behind the proposal by Kramp-Karrenbauer and bring that to the UN Security Council.
The Security Council can become a far more effective institution if it is used to address conflicts such as caused by the unjustified invasion of Kurdish areas of Syria by Turkey rather than for Russia to advance its national interests by avoiding the Security Council and the opinions of other affected parties particularly Europe.
1
Our Country has voluntarily given up its position as a major World leader. It isn’t Trump alone that has enabled that. It’s a short sighted element of our population and a long time total dysfunctional Legislative branch. Sooner or later Trump will be gone and we’ll have to adjust to our new role. Everything we accomplished after WWII will be undone. Sooner or later we’ll probably have another World War, hopefully cyber and not nuclear. I’ve always been a big fan of Chinese food.
10
The sad story of how an island of sanity and democracy has been thrown to the wolves of Assad, Erdogan and Putin.
10
Incredible how Trump has failed our allies (and ourselves) by destroying treaties, while giving away the store to our enemies and dictators. For all the Russian election interferences, and attempts at doing the same with Ukraine, this is the greatest treason that should concern all Americans.
8
If Putin thinks he's got a friend/ally in Turkey... he better keep watching his back; and if Putin thinks he can bring peace to the Middle East... he is dreaming!
4
I've just read about it in a French and a German newspaper.
Basically, the news is -- Russia is the winner.
Turkey won a buffer zone, which is good for Erdogan so he can sell it as a success at home, without going to an expensive war.
The USA is the loser, playing no role anymore in the Middle East, despite > 70,000 troops in Saudi-Arabia, surprisingly.
The Kurds flocked to Russia for help, left alone, and now learned the hard way that Russia does not care either. Russia sold the Kurds to Turkey and Syria the same way the USA did.
Some argued that it will lead to civil wars in the long term, simply due to the Kurds, and new US distrust, unfortunately.
And guess who's rebuilding Syria's infrastructure? Chinese investors, which is never mentioned. What a coup.
There's a good chance that Trump's foreign policy is the worst in American history.
13
The Kurds are very important. Their gradual rise under our protection in that region would have saved us a great deal. We could have supported from behind for the long term in most of the Middle East.
However, inheriting Syria to manage right about now may be a hollow victory for Russia. In my opinion only, it will take two decades to get Syria into some new functional position. What a mess.
The juxta position of President Trump sending thousands of troops to Saudi Arabia, who we have been selling heavy arms to since forever, while pulling minimal US troops away from the Kurds, who actually will fight to defend themselves, speaks very poorly of our country.
9
"As the United States and Western Europe vacillated in their approach to Syria — to the frustration of Turkey and other Middle Eastern powers — Russia chose to protect its ally .."
This is the most important sentence summing up the Syrian end-game. What it says here, before Kurds, other allies were betrayed, in this case, Turkey. Yes, at the beginning of Syrian quagmire, Turkey was encouraged to act as US pleased, obviously with promise of support in its policy and actions, which never occurred. Let's not pretend that the today's picture was a surprise, not well known all-along, after US faltering in its Syrian policy in 2012-2013.
1
I don't see anyone telling the plain truth and calling out what is happening in our nation Russian infiltration.
The one who has come closest is Admiral McCraven, who said the "US is under attack from President Donald Trump, who he believes is working to "destroy" the country from "within" and "without.
What McCraven doesn't say but which should be clear and was over a year ago to anyone who's head wasn't/isn't in the sand; Trump is a useful and talented tool of the criminal state run by Vladimir Putin in conjunction with certain U.S. and other nation's oil and related oligarchs, who have benefited from 50 years of post JFK concentrated attack on the balanced social democracy that Eleanor Roosevelt and General George Marshall envisioned and built after World War II and which was founded on the New Deal pragmatism and the acknowledgement that the concentration of wealth and allowances of unregulated monopolies are what lead capitalism to self destruct.
Putin is master strategists and both Trump and Brexit were clearly orchestrated by him. Putin's strategy is to undermine the post WW II alliances, NATO, and to create division and chaos within and between nations.
Russia is our our foremost enemy and they like China remain enemies of Freedom. That said, China has not invaded any our of closest allies yet.
Trump is a perfect mark for Putin. Putin has him in his pocket. Erdrogan and Putin are clearly in alignment. Our national security is compromised. Do something.
15
Trump is a RUSSIAN AGENT! What does it take for people to see through all of his maneuvers on behalf of Putin? He wasn't swayed by Erdogan to pull out of Syria - he was directed by Putin to do that, and the Erdogan phone call gave him cover, such as it was. This was part of the plan to deliver Syria to Putin. Wake up GOP! Wake up America!
14
To patrol Syria with the Turks is no win.I don't want my grandkids on that patrol.
3
It's obvious that America is losing its control over the Middle East and I think it should come out from Israeli control. Apparently Russia is going to be a regulator of the Middle East and Turkey is also trying this.
2
Why does Turkey need Russia to help protect this territory? There is something fishy going on and there must be more to this story: Putin's goal is to get Turkey to leave NATO and/or to get the nuclear missiles out form Turkey. First the Russians sell Turkey advanced military systems and now they share control of the Kurdish territories. Stay tuned!
8
What does Putin have on Trump?
It is even more obvious there has to be SOMETHING. And it must be pretty bad.
5
What is aid and comfort to our enemies?
Trump didn't merely ask foreign nations to help his 2020 election plans by smearing Joe Biden. He sacrificed an ally, placing them in harm's way. He sacked our reliability for all other allies, and gave up our strategic position in the Middle East and perhaps everywhere that our enemies choose to go.
Trump is weak and incompetent.
6
A wound in American budget is being closed. Hopefully, we can use those funds effectively to take care of priorities within US like healthcare and education for citizens of USA.
We should intervene only if international community wishes.
1
Because you think that the international community didn’t want to get rid of Isis?
Perhaps trump’s rushed withdrawal in Syria was because he and Putin sensed that trump’s days as president were numbered, and Putin wanted trump to deliver on whatever had been promised in their secret closed door meetings in Helsinki.
9
And all we can do is watch as this reality show plays out. Will Russia protect the Kurds from both Syria and Turkey? They are now the only ones who can. For a hundred years, the Kurds have been waiting for the West to provide them their homeland. Finally, the Kurds in Syria carved out land, not unlike the Kurds of northern Iraq. But the Syrian Kurds don't have the mountains to protect them, nor do they have the Americans or any other Western ally. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'd be terrrified, too.
As for ISIS, I doubt Russia will entertain their existence in Syrian territory. Further, I believe the Iraqis are poised to stop ISIS at their northern border...at least that is consistent with (past) US policy.
We shall see.....
1
Things are getting better. Tukey and Russia joint patrolling in the buffer zone between Turkey and Kurds are better than Turkey alone patrolling. If they don't attack Kurds beyond the 20 mile zone and Kurds don't attack within the 20 miles zone, there will be peace. They can negotiate to find solutions for whatever disputes have. Exactly what Trump wants. Kudos to him!
@Alex E Seriously? It was a grandmaster of strategy's plan to do so? Giving up the power in the world, losing all allies' trust, running away from Syria with silly excuses while deploying even more troops in Saudi-Arabia, a state run by a murderer? Kudos to him. America will suffer from Trump's foreign policy for a long time.
Foreign policy agreements, like the one Turkey and Russia agreed to, take months if not years to negotiate. Certainly groundwork was laid well ahead of a six hour meeting at the conclusion of which Putin cemented yet another spectacular strategic Middle East victory at the expense of America.
What was Trump's role in facilitating this negotiation between Erdogan and Putin? How much of Russia's foreign policy goals was Trump aware of before he pulled US troops from northern Syria, from territory formerly held by Kurdish forces, former US allies? What is Trump's motivation to sell the US short every chance he gets?
6
So much winning!
6
@Lagrange
I, like you, am tired of it.
People who voted for Trump should have asked, "Winning for whom?" The answer may have left them shocked and frightened.
4
This shame of America before THREE dictators (Putin, Erdogan, and Assad) will never be forgotten! Even our own military cannot believe it. I am disgusted by Trump's cowardice. How can we live with Trump's betrayal of our allies, the Kurds? Have they not suffered enough by our side? All we stand for has been besmirched before the world. What horror!
5
You can add MBS as we move troops to Saudi Arabia, and of course there’s the love affair with Kim tho it’s not related to the Middle East (or is it ? maybe supplying armament ?)
At first Trump was like Dr. Evil. He liked the trappings of being a strongman; palling around with other buffoonish leaders like 'friend' Kim Jung Un. Pining for military parades. Harmless looking stepping stones.
Now he is for real. He has caused a major shift in the mideast for the worse for the US. The idea of a military with jets and helicopers going after people with only cars and trucks as transportation is appalling. Like Picasso's Guernica. AND Putin and Erdrogan benefit, but not the US. What did Trump receive then? What else is not going to be honored by Trump? What would happen if Russia invaded Norway? Would it again be 'not our border'? This country needs him gone ASAP. He must be dismissed now.
11
What other “small favors” will Donald Trump do for Vladimir Putin before he is finally removed from office and, not soon enough, tried, convicted, and imprisoned for the rest of his life? The man has demonstrated in spades his unhuman lack of human empathy—tossing paper towels to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, to name just one of the multitude of examples. But playing Russian roulette with Kurdish (and, as we heard today from Ambassador Taylor, Ukranian) lives to advance his own political survival? If there aren’t yet enough “high crimes and misdemeanors” to impeach and remove this heinous man, I don’t know why we have a Constitution or claim to abide by it.
7
Russia's ultimate goal is to weaken NATO and this is the beginning. Turkey has no loyalty to NATO since it was denied entry into the EU. Trump's ignorance, arrogance poor judgement has pt whole NATO in jeopardy.
5
Putin and another autocrat despot (in truth, a war criminal) get handed a gift by Trump. Yet another example of Trump seeming to act as if he were a foreign agent, working against the best interests of the United States. This is not the first time, by many... and each Trump act of stupidity (or is it willful treason?) erodes the status, prestige, influence, and reputation of the United States to the rest of the world.
It is increasingly clear that, whatever Trump may have first in this actions, the best interests of the United States are not that item. Trump is, by his evidenced actions, a traitor to the interests of the United States. A corrupt criminal, and a treasonous traitor in his actions.
Look at the evidence, look at Trumps capricious actions and their outcomes. Judge by the evidence and the results - Trump is a clear and present danger to the interests of the United States. Get him out of office now, before he destroys even more with his fumbling, bumbling, and ignorant decrepitude. Or is it intentional? Investigate - and charge if the evidence is found. But look at how often Trump's acts have benefited America's adversaries. Look at how often Trump's actions have damaged our allies. Much more than coincidence, much more than random events... Trump is working for this damage. Trump must go.
6
Everything leads to Russia with Donnie. Next, he will give up Turkey and Ukraine.
5
When Its come to patriotism, Republican law makers has an apostolic possession of that status.
Since the false Iraq war of then King Dick Cheney and Now King Donald Trump.
They kiss American flag in front of the TV cameras or on the top of the US carriers but When it comes to real job , they are either awol or bone spur.
Obama has never been a soldier or defected draft but as a commander in chief he lead US military and intelligence to hunt Osama Bin laden and achieved it.
Now Trump again totally stained our military with this nightmare.
Mitt Romney please unplug the Trump presidency, You are the only decent person remained and influential in the party.
John McCain is sorely missed.
Trump gave an incredible gift to our enemies when he destroyed our credibility with our allies.
6
@jgraves
I think that should read “leading from his behind”.
1
This man will destroy this nation, and the world if not stopped.
2
Russia is welcome to the place. If Obama pulled us out, he'd be getting hosannas from the same readers who are crucifying Trump for it.
1
Trump gave American bases and probably American equipment to Putin and the Russians. Let that one sink in Republicans and Trump supporters.
3
Had a sinking feeling seeing the photos of trump smiling with the two Russians in the Oval Office after he fired Comey. He rarely smiles except at Russians; have never even seen him smile at his wife. Why is that? Pelosi and Clinton both hit the nail on the head. He’s a puppet, and all roads lead to Putin.
7
"The U.S. has spent about eight hundred billion dollars on military operations and on a multitude of economic, governance, education, health, gender-equality, and counter-narcotics initiatives. Today, most Afghans live in poverty, corruption is endemic, literacy and life-expectancy rates rank among the lowest in the world, approximately a third of girls become child brides, and no country exports more illicit opium. The Taliban control or contest more than half the country."
The New Yorker, By Luke MogelsonOctober 21, 2019
Simplicity: let’s see his tax returns and transcripts of his talks with Putin. I’d bet that would clarify plenty.
12
Giving Russia this power, this was his object. What is Trump gaining from this? He has sold out his own country. What is the penalty for treason?
8
I wonder what Putin has on Trump. He has sold all hard won American interest to the Russians and the Turks. The Republican congress has betrayed the US due to their blind loyalty to their supreme leader
6
What a wonderful gift Trump has given to Putin. I am sure he will be well rewarded.
5
Russia has something(s) on Trump and always has. They have something on Graham and the rest of the Republican leadership. Trump has turned over Syria and Turkey foreign policy to the Russians. Where will it end? I never imagined my country would be destroyed by a reality tv personality and a bankrupt businessman. I will soon be 65 yo and I don't know what to do about any of it.
6
Trump 's behavior is Treasonous.. He has aided an enemy of the US, betraying our country's best interests repeatedly. Republicans would be going crazy, as would all the Journalism world, calling for impeachment and trials!
I was appointed to a town committee in the early 1990s and had my fill of 'Republicans'. This version of that term were people who would do Anything to keep their power. One description is that they believe the means justifies the ends-even if their ends are not good for 'most'. These folks pretend to 'compromise, but over decades. have pushed their self interest, monied agenda. Democrats and even Independents weakness is being thoughtful and willing to compromise. These Republicans take advantage, pretending to compromise but always moving the dial their way. And, by golly, look where we have gotten! Treasonous monsters with a silent brick wall Gang, ruining much for all. Terrified of envisioning a world fair and equitable for the many. Checks and balances destroyed, the three aspects of government meant to work together ruined. Congratulations Moscow Mitch and Tantrum Trump! You have defeated rationality with your tweets and your judicial appointments of radical, incompetent, self serving , small minded people. I truly hope we are able to hold you accountable for the misery you have perpetrated. Though few others have faced any meaningful consequences in the past decades, this must change. Real jail, forfeiture of fortunes, Punishment..
5
Ukraine, the Kurds, how many other allies is Trump planning to give to Putin? Trump will go down in history as a fair weather friend. If one could ever consider Trump a friend.
2
More importantly, what is the affect on America’s influence? Increased? Denigrated?
In Middle East words on the street nowadays is
Trump sold Kurdish people to Erdogan and Putin.
Nothing more to say............................
2
Now that Putin and Erdogan have gotten what they wanted, is it strange that they are the two leaders of countries that Trump has real estate interest in?
6
Trump works for Putin. Russia always benefits of his foreign policy blunders, or are they meticulously calculated plots?
8
We are all Russian now..
3
Time to remove Turkey from membership in NATO. Turkey is no longer a friend of the west, if it ever was. Its closeness to Russia should be a bar to membership. It can not be trusted with NATO secrets and battle plans. As I remember, years ago Turkey's membership was desired as a blocking force to Russia on NATO's flank. Turkey is no longer that blocking force.
3
When Trump can be properly investigated, it is likely that direct financial ties will be found to Russian interests and that he will be recorded in history as the first President 'compromised' by a foreign power and guilty of acting as a proxy for that foreign power.
9
Russia always wanted the warm water ports of Europe.
Along comes an American isolationist and
Russian oil and Gas pipelines are flooding Europe-
2
Maybe, just maybe it will be a victory for the Syrian people. Now lift the sanctions on Syria and let the Syrian people rebuild their country.
3
Syria and the USSR were allies starting in the 1940’s. Their alliance strengthened in the early 1970’s as the USSR established a naval base in Tartus. It strengthened further in the early 2000’s with the establishment of Russian spy bases and enhanced air defense systems.
Initiated by Hillary Clinton, the U.S. broke Syria, first in a failed attempt to overthrow Assad via proxy groups, and then with direct U.S. military intervention to combat ISIS, which flourished when Assad lost power.
U.S. plans were thwarted by Russia, which has been allied with Syria for over 70 years. Why are we now surprised and/or outraged by this?
To paraphrase Hillary Clinton and Julius Caesar, “We came. We saw. We failed.” It’s over.
Assad remains in power. Russia has re-asserted its historical dominance in the region. It’s back to the future. Well, except for flooding Turkey and Europe with millions of Syrian refugees. And the small matter of thousands of deaths.
Let’s move on. We should learn the limits of U.S. power and the risks/costs of such interventions. And most importantly, learn the importance of being either all-in (public support for a full U.S. military invasion and decades of occupation), or not intervening in the first place.
After all, the only thing worse than being a global interventionist is being a FAILED global interventionist.
7
@John
Concise history. Now go take your rationals and give them to our allies, the Kurds. As a gift, if you will.
1
But the oil is safe we're told. Unfortunately, Trump has squandered our influence diplomatically, and alienated allies, he may be ruining our economic standing but it's hard to see the withdrawal of troops albeit poorly planned and coordinated as the worst thing in the world for this anti-war American. If Russia, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq want to continue waging war without us, I can live with that, we could use a break.
4
If you're at all interested in a US-led liberal, democratic world order, that's a myopic attitude. As a matter of fact, US forces abroad are a very cheap solutions in the majority of cases (unless engaged in large-scale direct combat), since they function as force multipliers (by teaching allies locally how to fight, and as military advisers) and their very presence act as a deterrent. Having military bases dotted throughout the world is also much cheaper and much more rational than having them based at home and sending them out as expeditionary forces.
1
Let's get one thing straight. Trump should not be allowed to complete his term for fear of catastrophic foreign policy blunders among other illegal, immoral, and unethical things. But people here seem to forget how this super power shift in the Middle East began.
- In Obama's second term, the Arab Spring was fueled by Washington. Governments were toppled, and countries were destroyed. He though the Muslim Brotherhood would achieve democratic ideals in Egypt and elsewhere. Arab allies were virtually discarded in favor of a nuclear deal with Iran. and
- Do you remember the Obama "pivot to the pacific rim?" TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) was the brainchild of that pivot. But it flopped by EU rejection and internal US dissatisfaction.
All the while Russia was there with a big shoulder for Arab allies to cry on. We are merely reaping the harvest.
3
The EU didn't reject TPP, in fact it wasn't at all involved (you're thinking of the TPIP, the attempt at a EU-US trade deal, arguably just as much the fault of the US as the EU for falling through). It was Trump that ripped up the TPP, because he thought the US were being taken advantage of (he really is the most tremendous fool), while in fact the TPP would have helped increase US influence in Asia and keep China in greater check.
What’s the American view towards this conflict? I’m Russian and just recently started reading foreign media, since my English proficiency is good enough.
@AKA
It looks to me quite distorted explanation like.
I had started referring to the Turkish President as Estragon. And now he has his Vladimir. The two no longer have to wait for Godot since he has arrived in the form of the American President and rewarded them for their patience beyond their wildest imagination. Think about it - the theatre of the absurd has become our reality.
3
Saudi Arabia has to know they are next. We better be expanding alternative energy quick because Putin will control all the oil before Trump is finished.
9
@✅Dr. TLS ✅
Does any body here lived before 1990's
Russia has quite influential over Egypt, Iraq and Syria during 1960, 70 and 80's. They lost all of that, They are trying to keep last bastion alive which is Syria.
Old Superpowers has new rivals, China and India and their economic influence.
Russia and USA lost many countries once in their influence chamber.
It looks like the Republican Party under Trump has just become a bunch of Steak-Eating "Surrender Monkeys". To be sure, it is not that crucial that the U.S. just lost its toe-hold in Syria. However, the indirect ramifications are grave: Trump has really damaged the credibility of the United States, both with respect to fulfilling its commitments to stand by foreign allies, and in enboldening its rivals to make further encroachments.
5
Well that didn’t take long. I guess Trump now has a green light for his cherished Moscow tower. I wonder if there will be McConnell and Graham ballrooms?
12
It looks to me like all this was already decided by Russia, Turkey, and Iran at their meeting in September. Putin just had to give the order to his man in the White House. And by the way, make sure to make Zelinsky clear Russia of any influence in 2016 US election. Say it was coming from Ukraine, then reinstate Russia in the Group of Eight.
11
I am in favor of ending conflict whenever and wherever possible and bringing our troops home but not by breaking promises and leaving people to a certain death.
Even if Trump wanted to serve his overlord Putin, he could have negotiated something that would have provided some kind of safety and homeland for the Kurdish people.
Unfortunately, President Trump has again shown us his cowardice and lack of empathy for anyone outside the Trump family. As an American, I find this act indefensible. It eliminates whatever "high ground" we may have tried to claim. Perhaps Trump is doing overtly what our government has done for decades under the banners of "strategic value", "regime change in support of democracy", "restoring democracy", etc.
We have normalized our changing of our alliances and and maintaining others when it flies in the face of human rights violations or will lead to certain slaughter around the world. I will close by suggesting everyone follow the money! Toxic capitalism.....
5
We now have thousands of troops in Saudi Arabia. Does anyone remember bin Laden’s reasons for attacking us on 9/11? This was one of them. This is of note now that Trump has given up in the war on terrorism.
11
If Trump can't see it, touch it, taste it, and own it, it doesn't register. That's why the entirety of his foreign policy is conducted like a time-share real-estate con-artist on a yacht full of dictators.
8
Thanks, Trump! Look what preserving your hospitality and construction relationship with Turkey has given the world.
U.S. absence in the Middle East has allowed Russia to fill the vacuum America left. Turkey, an E.U. wannabe, cannot become an E.U. member owing to its human rights violations.
One week ago, the Kurds were America's allies against ISIS. Now, Turkey wants to eliminate them. Turkey, Russia and Syria now control the Kurdish safe zone in Syria. None has a good human rights record. There is little chance that Russia or Syria will stop Turkish genocide of the Kurds.
Way to go, Trump! What a human rights hero you are (not), a traitor to U.S. allies and lackey to America's enemies.
The E.U. does not welcome Russia or Russian influence in the E.U., the Middle East or in Turkey. They are viewed as a threat to former Soviet bloc countries now in the E.U. Even Orban of Hungary, clearly not playing by E.U. rules either, does not welcome Russia.
Russia is inching its way toward Europe and the Middle East, as China is reaching out to Africa. Anywhere the U.S. vacates, our enemies will fill the void and happily take over.
Trump's apathy toward American geopolitical power and influence, human rights, the planet is glaring. He has no BEST ideas, just a big mouth, and his personal wallet, always open to accept money from anyone, anywhere.
3
@Lilou
I wholeheartedly agree, except I would not use the word "apathy" re: Trump and his relationship toward American geopolitical power and influence, human rights, the planet . . .
To me, the appropriate word is utter and complete "ignorance"
1
@Clairette Rose -- I would agree that Trump lacks any sort of intellectual curiosity.
He has personal finances, personal tax and loan fraud, lying, hanging out with dictators (because he envies their freedom to control everything) nailed.
If he was a curious man, interested in being a good president, he wouldn't be apathetic toward his job, he'd be energetic in his pursuit of knowledge.
But he's only interested in his personal wealth, which he'll break laws to obtain. He's never been a public servsnt, no interest.
1
Don’t forget that Mitch McConnell is also to blame for Trump and his mess.
11
The reason the film "Joker" is so popularly disturbing is that the theme and the crazy is running parallel with the trump administration.
4
All the people who are so upset that we are leaving Syria...
How many American men & women are you prepared to sacrifice? Because if you want us to 'DO SOMETHING!' its going to take boots on the ground. Look how long we've been Afghanistan? What have we accomplished? Look at Iraq.
Admit it, most of you are upset because its Trump doing it. If he was going to send an armored division in you would be just as upset as you are that he's withdrawing.
Oh and the Russian influence in the region? So what? I'm glad the Russians are taking over. Mostly because they are willing to do what we won't in order to 'win'.
3
I think the Pentagon reported that 7 of our brave soldiers were lost in Syria. 7 is too many but much better than 100’s. This mission in Syria was considered a success because it was strategic and targeted. The Kurds lost 11000 fighting ISIS basically for themselves and the rest of the world. Trump wanted to give Putin a foothold in Syria. He has done that. I wonder what Trump is getting in return.
2
End of story. Trump cleared the way for Putin by pulling out American troops. And Republican lawmakers stand by their man with Kool-Aid stained lips and go along whatever destructive path he takes this country down.
7
After Mr. Pence and Mr. Pompeo visited Turkey, a five day truce was announced. At the end of that period, as a follow up, the Turkish President only felt that he should meet with the Russian President.
What we are seeing here is, Turkey is now ignoring the US. Turkey is now openly showing itself in the Russian fold. Russian, with Putin, is sealing their foothold in the Middle East.
What is the fate of the Kurds - a steadfast ally, who is no longer regarded an ally? Did Mr. Trump, say the US did not provide any guarantees for their safety, or even their future?
6
The deal between Putin and Erdogan is even more humiliating for Bashar Assad, than it is for the U.S. Syria is no closer to imposing more than symbolic sovereignty over that strip along the border. And Turkey still occupies the Kurdish Canton of Afrin, as well as significant swathes of territory near Aleppo, as well as in Idlib province. On the other hand, when the shine wears off from his new trophy, he will still need to spend money that he doesn't have, indefinitely supporting the operations of the Turkish Armed Forces, as well as footing the bill for the proxy forces and paramilitaries which are allied with Turkey.
3
“Russian influence in Syria at the expense of the United States and its Kurdish former allies.” But the United States of America, doesn’t own the Middle East. The United States of America had countless opportunities to build a better world, unfortunately the greediness, the hunger for power and control it took the best of it. Travel the world and ask regular people about the United States of America, people will only remembered the invasions, the destruction of countries. Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Libya, Venezuela, etc, etc. Other countries suffering of infiltration are Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, etc. The CIA and many other American intel agencies are arduously to destabilize countries in Latin America.
8
The United Stares does not want to control the ME but it wants it peaceful. That’s the U.S. policy to avoid world wars, keep it peaceful. It’s cannot be made certain but that is our objective.
2
@RBRi
Asked the Kurds?
@Casual Observer
Kill and ravage people in other countries to make them peaceful? Sure, that makes real sense.
2
The uneasy feelings aroused by Trump's unwillingness in early 2017 to take seriously or to act upon the warnings of the US intelligence community re: Russian hacking of the 2016 elections have only grown in the intervening years.
Mitch McConnell's unwillingness to allow funding to strengthen the security of our ballots, coast to coast, is equally unsettling.
The stomach turning events of Trump in Helsinki with Putin have further fueled suspicions that Trump is either the witless or the willing pawn of Putin and other forces. And then there is Trump at play, fawning and preening, with the likes of Kim Jong, Xi Jinping, Mohammad bin Salman. Not necessary to review every unchecked, foolish or grifting move by Trump and his family.
And here we are today, with Trump outsmarted so easily by Erdogan, in a feckless and impulsive move that has disrupted the world order -- at least in the Middle East. Left behind are our allies, the Kurds, about to be massacred, and of course, scores, if not hundreds of US nuclear warheads left behind in Turkey.
Who is the winner here?
It is not surprising that so many comments here mention the Manchurian candidate when evaluating Trump's record or bumbling, fumbling, and destruction of our country's standing in the world.
11
The U.S. forced Syria into the Russian camp in 2015, when it backed the rebels. From the perspective of the Assad regime, they had no other choice.
Syria has hosted a Russian naval base and an airbase since before the start of the civil war. Did the Obama administration really believe the Russians would just walk away?
A look at a globe immediately reveals why Turkey and Russia consider Syria a strategically important neighbor. A look also reveals the hubris of the United States in imagining it could call the shots from half-way around the world. Since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war, Turkey has accepted more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees. How many has the U.S. welcomed?
That the press paints Erdogan as an evil aggressor, while promoting the claim that ISIS in Syria represents a grave threat to our security is risible. Turkey suffers terrorist attacks from Kurdish separatists based in Syria. Imagine our response if terrorists launched from, and then fled back to safe zones in Canada, bombings in the United States.
Russia and Turkey exerting influence in Syria makes a lot more sense, and is a lot more justifiable, than the U.S. trying to do the same.
6
We don't have to wait for the other shoe to drop with Mr. Trump. It has. He's diminished our standing in the world. It will take a long time to repair this. It's a very sad day.
9
Oh, what a shocker... as if this weren't Putin's long-term goal all along, and as if Trump's object wasn't advancing Russia's interests over those of the country he 'swore' to serve. This 'other' quid pro quo is so self-evident that its amazing it hasn't been explored. Namely, that this was Russia's deferred reward for helping Trump win in 2016.
6
President Trump bears direct responsibility for this weakening of the United States. He has also strengthened the Russians. And he has thrown our allies, the Kurds, under the Turkish bus...
Who benefits from his actions? Putin and Russia first. Then Erdogan and the Turks next. And then perhaps President Trump's investments in Istanbul...
He is providing succor to our enemies. He is failing to uphold his oath of office. And he stands to gain personally from the decisions taken, in direct contravention of the emoluments clause.
In conjunction with everything else that has emerged, the 25th Amendment needs to be exercised NOW. As citizens, it is a Constitutional obligation to remove this clear and present danger from office.
1
On the one hand I think Trump should get impeached and it is morally reprehensible to abandon our Kurdish allies.
On the other hand, I’m having trouble seeing what we have lost in ceding control of this small region of Syria to the Syrian government, Turkey, and Russia. Power in the Middle East has always been about oil and the US is now the largest oil producing country in the world. Maybe this will help to bring an end to this terrible civil war, even if it means ‘the bad guys’ win. I don’t really see how we look back in 5, 10, or 20 years and find that out loss of influence in this backwater in Syria substantially affects our interests.
3
@Paul Friend
Except we have shown the world our promises are worth exactly “zero.”
1
I wonder if it would have been in Putin's interest to help the weaker candidate win the American election.
Nah, too far-fetched.
4
Is anyone surprised at this? It's just as Putin played it and Trump, ever the puppet played right into it. It's a travesty and all the Republican defenders are complicit.
5
Has he made America great, or irrelevant?
7
Well gosh. Trump obviously capitulated to Russia and Syria and Turkey. It’s done, Mulvaney thinks we need to all “get over it” and all the other Trump betrayals. Shall we ?
1
"What say you" Mitch McConnell and Lindsay Graham? Dumping Trump now...in his time-of-need? Surely ya'll can't be that fickle? I can only imagine the conversations going on in the Chao/McConnell household.
3
None of you are born or raised in that region yet full of opinions how US policy should be conducted. $8 trillion spend with nothing to show. All debt by the way. US taxpayers will pay for it.
Time to care of homelessness, rampant on all major cities of USA. Time to take care of infrastructure, roads full of pot holes & collapsing bridges. Talk of speed train between LA and San Francisco for the last 40 years with nothing to show. US give lectures to the world about human rights yet US have the per capita record by far of Incarceration rate in the world. 737 per 100,000 Us vs 91 per 100,000 Turkey. Facts don’t lie.
What a joke. Kurds!!! What about African Americans in US. 37% incarnation rate. Disaster!!! Talk about human rights.
Horrible public education system. Most expensive health care on earth.
Get out of everywhere. Finish all the endless wars. US can not afford it. Let’s take care of us US first. Otherwise there will be no US to talk about.
7
@Roman Otterman
But what we don’t know can still bite us especially when we leave the Kurds to fend for themselves.
And what makes you think any capital saved from ending wars or foreign aid is actually going to be repurposed for any of domestic issues you call out? No sir, under the republican administration, that money goes out as tax cuts for corporations and wealthy.
1
As Speaker Pelosi told President Trump to his face last week "All roads lead to Russia "
8
Just look at the man spread, says it all. Disgusting and we made it occur.
1
trump’s new slogan is MAHA.
Make
America
Humiliated
Again
4
On TV today, I saw Turkey, a US ally and NATO member make a deal with the Russians. What’s wrong with this picture? Trump has given his buddy Putin another favor. How weak is Trump that he has to bend over for Putin? What do the Russians have on Trump? All roads lead to the criminal Putin.
3
Trump is such a chump. Played by Putin again. I have no doubt he will be impeached. We must march in the streets to make sure he is removed.
Then we will vote EVERY republican out of office to atone for their treasonous attitude toward the Constitution and their willful disregard for the rule of law.
4
So tired of winning.
1
The latest surrender of Trump to Russia; they keep getting bigger and bigger as Trump's time in office comes to an end. Which makes me wonder what the 'great negotiator' has gotten for himself, as he obviously has gotten nothing for the U.S. The 'pee tape' that Putin has? Or is Trump just dumb enough to give away whole nations for nothing? He's certainly self-centered enough to give away the Kurds in exchange for Putin's video tape.
Is there any doubt that Trump is not a Putin thug? Any?
4
@Peter Z
Nope.
“I am the best vacillator of all time.” Donald Trump.
2
T.R.E.A.S.O.N.
2
The only thing missing in the accompanying photo is the depraved narcissist and would be dictator, Donald J. Trump.
@Maggie2
He has been trying so hard to be accepted into that club but they clearly think he isn’t smart enough.
The quotes that came out of Turkey and Russia following Trump’s childish letter to Erdogan show that both leaders are still laughing at their court jester.
1
Both Putin and Erdogan have played Trump. I can only conclude that Erdogan and Putin conferred prior to the call to Trump that initiated all this. Trump fell for the gambit and the false promises of Turkish non intervention and succumbed to his worst impulses. To pull out. Russia and Turkey will carve up the territory the US has left behind in such an immediate fashion it’s an early American thanksgiving. No one should be surprised that this might spark an even closer rapprochement between Turkey and Russia with dire consequences for both NATO and the Middle East. Words cannot describe the damage this President is doing to America’s reputation and the world order. One wonders if this damage can ever be undone.
17
I wonder if Russia and Turkey will be consistent in their treatment of non-state combatants and now demand that Hamas, Hezbollah and all other terror groups withdraw 30 kilometers from Israel's borders and all their installations destroyed.
No one should hold their breath, though. Turkey wants to re-establish itself as the region's once again hegemon. Of course, conflict with Iran for this title is inevitable. Syria will want its land back. Russia wants its Syrian bases secure and will try to maintain it is political juggling act without losing too many troops. What do all four non-democratic states share in common (beyond an obvious lack of respect for international norms)? Deeply dysfunctional economies teetering on collapse. What seems like “winning” today, will certainly appear to be something very different in the near future. At which point, necessary humanitarian and other assistance short of military will give the US an opening to return and re-establish itself this region. Everything is relative and things shift over time.
2
Again, there is going to be a second Brexit vote The powerful and rich want it. And they will PR the poor and small businesspeople. and middle class who wanted Brexit. They wanted to stop the inflow of people coming from Europe via the open boundary rule of the B.U.. They came in overwhelming numbers for work. A disaster for British working class. Will the Rich win. Probably unless the others don’t buy into the fear they sell.
It.
Why, the same poor and middle class got swindled the first time by well off idealogues and they bought the stuff sold to them to vote for Brexit. The poor unfortunately can’t be helped out of their ignorance.
is Turkey still a member of NATO? Or, more precisely, should it be regarded as such?
4
The irony of Trump's responsibility in creating thousands and thousands of refugees, while he slashes the number that his "Great America" will accept onto its precious shores is inescapable. Blood and tragedy are all over this man's hands. The GOP is complicit in its silence. Such a sad, sad time to be a citizen of the USA.
4
Did any U.S. soldiers die in Syria today? No.
Does the U.S. still have the world’s largest military by far? Yes.
Did any important allies cut ties with the U.S. today? No.
Did the world economy tank today? No.
Did the USSR suddenly reappear today? No.
Has Russia taken control of important oil fields in the Middle East? No.
Are Kurds suddenly in greater danger today? No. In fact, less.
Syria has been in Russia’s sphere of influence for over 50 years. If they want to send soldiers to patrol Syria, let them.
7
@john you need to think about the long game here, nuclear weapons for turkey, how the kurdish people will survive tomorrow and the next day, and the status of US power on the world stage, the long game.
1
@Lynn
With all due respect, I would encourage you to do the same.
1. Turkey is going to eventually get nuclear weapons. They don’t need to occupy Syria to do this.
2. The Kurds have survived for centuries without their own homeland, and will continue to do so as ethnic minorities in Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. They are now in no immediate danger, pulling back from the border and accepting Syrian/Russian protection.
3. U.S. power is indeed receding slowly across the globe. This is the normal and predictable outcome of the U.S. comprising an ever smaller percentage of the global economy. (And, yet, we’ll remain the largest power for decades to come, especially if countries like Germany and Japan will increase support the global security architecture.) The only question is whether the relative U.S. decline will be a managed, peaceful, gradual decline or a sudden, chaotic, violent decline (i.e. war). Trump is our last, best hope for a managed decline.
Please think about it.
3
@John
Should we ask Kurds how they see it? Now, Putin a ruthless dictator is digging in the area as a major power broker in the Middle East. Anything worrisome about that?
1
Where is the “surprise here” ? NATO is mostly a “paper organization” so there’s no pushback from NATO members when Turkey - a Muslim State - invades another Muslim State - Syria.
And every reason for Russia to expand relations with Turkey to safeguard its high valued air and naval bases in Syria giving it access to the long sought after warm water Mediterranean. Unlike America across the vast oceans Russia is a mid-east presence with a long history.
America’s removal of support for the Kurds - the most effective force fighting ISIS (Muslim fundamentalists) have reverberated throughout the Muslim mid-east. Everyone knows the Americans are “short timers” in the mid-east mainly to protect Saudi oil deliveries. Americans have no problems with autocratic rulers throughout the mid-east. Save for Iran with its devotion to acquiring nuclear weapons.
The pullback from protecting the Kurds who have been punished for decades if not centuries of brutal repression will be remembered as a low point for Pres. Trump. And America’s honor. Lets hope its the last grievous foreign adventure of awesome proportions under this President who reportedly ignores the advise of his closest advisors as a matter of personal policy.
Brave fighters that they are the Kurds have lost. Lost because Brutus America stabbed them in the back. As an American we have lost everything - our military dominance, our moral dominance, always the country on the side of what's right. Who can trust us, who can believe us? We are now denigrated by both our allies and enemies. We now represent whatever is wrong in this world. And the greatest sorrow is the victors are Russia, Assad, Iran and ISIS. America might just have destroyed Western civilization as we know it.
2
Peace for that region at last? That can only be a good thing.
2
@Gregory K
Maybe we should ignore all the numerous Syrian human rights violations including nerve gassing of civilians and children and pretend that the Turkish President, President Putin and Assad will treat the Kurds justly? Rest In Peace?
I can't help but think that Trump's Syria policy is a clear example of "leading from behind".
4
This headline to this article shamelessly proclaims that it is a "victory for Putin" that Russia and Turkey are cooperating to "control" the border of Syria and Turkey where the Kurds have established control with the assistance of that country on the opposite side of the globe. The disease of "us against them" - cold war mentality and the prerogatives of US global military domination is on full display in this disturbing article. The headline might have been "Turkey and Syria Cooperate to Bring Syria closer to peace and unification." The Kurds seem to be re-engaging with the Syrian government, Turkey is showing restraint and potentially creating conditions for the repatriation of the two million Syrian refuges in Turkey who fled not just a civil war, but a US regime change by proxy campaign that threatened to turn Syria into another Iraq or Libya. Please, no crocodile tears from the Media and Nation that supported the destruction of Iraq and Libya and would have accomplished the same in Syria but for Russia's role. The Times has this so wrong it would be laughable if it wasn't so tragic. STOP - its not about the US being in control or "Western Values" being forced on the rest of the world, its about a multilateral world where many approaches to governance and development are allowed to pursued by sovereign governments without violent, destructive and destabilizing intervention by the US.
5
Mr Daniel Yakoubian, I completely concur with you as the views expressed my comment below are similar to yours! This article made no mention of the Syrians, who have suffered interminably and if this brings peace as an unintended consequence, so be it!
Boy, Hillary Clinton was right on the money when she said Trump was Putin's puppet.
Everything he touches destabilizes western democracy. I really feel for the European Union and especially Ukraine, desperately trying to hold the alpha dog at bay.
Trump is a clear and present danger to democracy.
"All roads seem to lead to Putin with the President."
9
Check out the TRT World for miles and miles of abandoned underground tunnels and GSA stamped hardware, including rocket launchers stacked to the ceiling in hangar size underground ammo depots.
Our billions of tax dollars "arming the Kurds" at work, or buried... "Great Fighters" who cut and run to give Senate visits.
I believe the intent was to divide Syria into at least 3 parts to benefit Israel. But in 2015 Russia entered the war at the request of Syrian’s president, Assad. So it appears dividing Syria may not take place and that may be the reason for all the anger on the part of the Neocons, the MIC as well as some members of Congress.
I wonder if all the posters criticizing Trump are at all concerned about the biggest losers so far, the Syrian people who have lost so much.
1
Let us see how tough trump is when he gets a vote to kick Turkey out of NATO. America and NATO now have a country in the group allied with Russia. My thoughts, and I'm not a foreign policy adviser, never going to happen. For the reason that what Putin wants Putin gets from trump
2
The Stable Genius’ decision to abandon the Kurds was the equivalent of serving Turkey/Syria to Putin on a silver platter.
Reading Taylor’s opening statement makes it clear Trumps intentions in Ukraine was the same - abandon Ukraine for Putin to take over.
Everything about Trump leads to Putin.
Please, please find the secret back channel to Russia by this administration. Time for deadly serious investigative reporting by a major news outlet. No more trying to get the breaking headline. Time for some real digging and sleuthing. Please.
3
Am I the only one who sees this as a win for the US? If Russia wants to throw their treasure and blood into this quagmire then let them. They will learn the same lesson that we should have learned over the past 15 years. Pull all US troops from the Middle East. End the Forever Wars.
You can’t expect anything better when Trump occupies the White House.
Vote your conscious in 2020. Bring democracy and high ideals back to Washington. Let him go back to the hospitality business.
1
How does this agreement with Putin square with Turkey's membership in NATO?
2
With Russian as police force of the world, none dare call it treason:
In their attempt to hide Trump’s blatant betrayal of the interest of the American people, Trump’s propaganda shill contend that our stouthearted armed forces should not be the policeman of the world. On orders from Putin, Trump's fumbling mess makes all of us on Earth subject to Russia being the world’s police force.
As we watch Erdogan and Putin divide up northern Syria, I fully expect trump, the great negotiator, to tweet “I believe it is peace in our time”.
1
How much more of Trump's traitorous behavior will the Republicans turn their heads away from in their cowering from the "dreaded prospect" of actually leading by educating their constituents and running in a primary election? Is all too hard Senator X (R)? I feel so sad for you.
2
Trump was played beautifully.
2
Looks like Putin's vote of 2016 is paying off. There's little doubt that Trump is in the bag, and was from the beginning. What's occurring between Erdogan, Putin and Trump reads like an Ian Fleming novel wherein villainous strong men seek to rule the world. I am encouraged only by the bravery of the State Department officials who have followed their moral devotion to this country and have testified before Congress. Meanwhile, we have good ol' boys like Mark Meadows and Lindsey Graham parading themselves as true patriots; they are anything but. At the least, they are cowardly sycophants. At worst, they are traitors who have helped Trump weaken this country and its standing in the world.
3
Okay, final score is Russia wins, Turkey wins and Syria wins. What about us? Are we winning yet like Donny told us? We are at 0. Kurds are -1.
1
Sounds like a repeat of the Molotov–Von Ribbentrop Pact of August 1939 which, first, dismembered Poland between Germany and USSR and, next, led to the start of WW2 a few weeks later.
2
Putin surely must be very pleased with Trump. Maybe, out of gratitude, he will toss him a bone. Fast track approval with an interest-free loan for construction of the new Trump Tower Moscow would be a nice touch.
3
Also a victory for Iran, an ally of both Russia and Syria.
Good job, Trump voters! Four more years! Or maybe eight!
Trump has shown himself to be not only s pathetic failure as a business man, but also an equally pathetic failure as a world leader. Tragically, his cowardly decisions as a so-called world leader have a devastating impact on the world order, on peace, on justice, on what’s right. How will he explain to his grandchildren that “when grandpa was President” he displaced thousands of people in the Middle East and separated hundreds of children from their parents right here in our country?
I guess Nancy Pelosi or as he calls her , Nancy was right.
With him all roads lead to Putin.
I can't believe the size of the political mistep. Essentially giving the middle east to our sworn enemy . An asset he will sure use to squeeze Europe to our great detriment I am sure.
Putin's Puppet for sure.
2
We, the United States, could not look weaker. A weak nation led by a weak president folding before dictators.
1
Those of us of a certain and tender age remember Russia as our enemy, our natural rival...the Evil Empire. Julius & Ethel Rosenberg fried for collusion with the Russians, Joe McCarthy ruined lives over casual & youthful flirtations with Russia. Trump wears his flirtation like a badge of honor...and is changing nearly a century of world order with his ignorance.
2
What? Russia benefits from a Trump decision? Who'd a thunk?
2
This is nothing but a victory for the united states. Now if we can get them back in Afghanistan or convince China to go there. That's the place hegemonys go to die, ours was past ripe.
1
Trump's payback list to Putin:
1. US out of Syria and NATO weakened-- done
2. Russia back in the G7- working on it
3. Lifting of sanctions against Russia-- Trump's motivation to investigate the Ukraine conspiracy theory. If he can pin it on Ukraine, he can lift sanctions (as well as validate his own election.)
Trifecta bet comes home for Putin after minimal investment in the 2016 election. Vodka shots all around!
2
The agreement between Putin and Erdogan concerning the Kurds is reminiscent of the Molotov - von Ribbentrop agreement in mid August 1939 to dismember Poland between them and it led to the almost immediate start of World War just a few weeks later on September 1, 1939.
1
And the winner in Trump's catastrophic military and political abandonment of the Kurds is.... Russia! Trump has not even rudimentary political strategies, just impulses. Once again, Trump shows himself to be nothing more than a corrupt real estate broker who fawns over Putin in his dreams of Putin letting him build golf resorts in Russia. Onward to impeachment! Throw the bum out!
2
Someone must be happy to finally establish true brotherhood with Putin, even if indirectly, divvying up real estate. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson must be truly impressed with the way the lands are handled.
Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell must now hang their heads in shame knowing that they will go to their graves as complicit in enabling this fundamental undermining of our national security.
As if they didn't already have enough to be ashamed of.
1
@Justin
Not sure that shame is part of their emotional repertoire.
This photo op says it all---not a whiff of democracy sitting in that room.
1
Putin's doing very well these days. He must know somebody.
Just an example where Putin's puppet just handed more over to the Russians
This is great news. The Middle East will no longer be the United States problem. Let Russia and Turkey worry about terrorism and ISIS. Why do we want to stay there for many years?
1
First it's Trump/Erdogan, then Pence/Erdogan and finally Putin/Erdogan. Who is missing? Oh yeah, the Kurds who have been told they must leave and the Syrians who have been told Turkey gets part of your country.
Putin is dangerous company for Erdogan. An unfortunate outcome is almost assured.
2
Thanks Donald. What a win (for the people of Russia and Turkey). American troops meanwhile are retreating while our erstwhile allies we used and dispensed throw rocks and garbage at our troops. America's name is in the trash.
Why have Turkey in NATO? I’m waiting...
2
Can't help but wondering if this result, after all, wasn't the quid pro quo brokered leading up the results of the 2020 elections. And in light of the tremendous leverage it gives our adversaries (on several levels) in the Middle East, just almost hoping-God help me- that it wasn't simply accomplished through our leadership's shear stupidity and short sightedness.
Congratulations Trump! You have given up our presence in Syria to Russia and given Turkey what they most want...nuclear weapons. Our nuclear weapons. Any plan to get them back?
1
Is this part of Trump’s Business Plan or Make America Great for Trump — or, are they the same...
Republicans — you are co-conspirators. This is YOUR History and how you will be remembered.
1
Another notch in Putin's rifle. No collusion, Don? Collusion in our face every day,
And now dear Israel, your dear friend Trump has just stabbed you in the back, thanks for your enthusiastic support, Russia now gets far more control in Syria, makes Assad stronger and helps Iran and Hezbollah join against you, Enjoy,
1
This was all too obvious. Trump is a puppet for Putin. I can’t help but express my utter distain for this administration. They are a complete farce and a detriment to our society.
2
this makes us so weak in the middle east, Putin has rushed In to collect the spoils. Trump is an absolute Russian asset.
1
Putin won this round without throwing or taking a punch. Nancy Pelosi called it: All roads lead back to Putin.
1
Is Trump feeling the love now?
One word: Munich
1
Proof that video tape is real.
I imagine that Putin's not getting tired of winning yet....
1
I guess it’s not traitorous if one is too dumb to know he playing the role of traitor. Putin is playing chess while Trump wonders what happened. Putin has outsmarted Trump on every move and played Trump the traitor he has become.
Just another Trump-Republican surrender to Putin. Iran smiles quietly and waits, BiBi.
Putin's puppet prevails, for now
“Putin & Hungary’s Orban “poisoned” Trump’s view of Ukraine.” WAPO
We are always asking what Putin has on Trump or why he is attracted to men like Kim or Putin or Orban or Dutarte; perhaps because he is just like them.
What other deals did he and Kushner and his sons and daughters make with Saudi Arabia or China and India or Indonesia where towers are being brokered? This family are bottom feeders and I cannot believe this is what America voted for - a bunch of despicable con artists with low IQs.
2
Trump is obviously Putin’s tool and fool. And, I guess the GOP Senate is too.
1
Trump basically said Nancy Pelosi was a Communist sympathizer. Isn't that rich? And now Trump is allowing real Russian Communists, along with Turkey, to take over Syria. You just can't make this stuff up!
2
This is an early Christmas present from Trump.
Don’t be a tough guy, Donald! Don’t be a fool!
Too late.
1
Next comes the bums rush out of Iraq.
Trump is intentionally destroying America and helping Russia. At this point only idiots and corrupt people don’t care about this. I absolutely believe Hilary Clinton when she says Gabbard is a Russian asset. Gabbard talks and acts just like Trump about these issues. Hilary has nothing to gain or lose now by saying this truth. Gabbard has also not supported impeachment. We have to stop living in denial about what these traitors are doing to the US. Wake up!
Our president is a Russian asset and that statement has all the more clarity with this decision...forget impeachment ..how about plain old treason!!
2
It's a mistake to characterize Trump as being manipulated or as a useful idiot. Trump is an active player in Putin's interests.
2
What do the Israelis think of this?
Trump has made the USA complicit in a genocide.
2
So this is part of the much awaited ...MAGA?...Has there been any word yet on when.. Mexico's paying for the Wall?? Worst President and most Chaotic Dysfunctional Administration in American History....what a MAGA MESS !!! Thanks GOP and Fox Nation !!! Thanks for...Nothing !!!
1
And I take it that the NYT and its News Analysis considers this a bad thing
1
I am embarrassed for the vast majority of people commenting on this story; the degree of hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness (in a geo-politcal sense) is startling.
All you need is a few "Trump is ** leading from behind **" and similar such quips from the Democrats to bring us full circle back to when Republicans scolded Pres Obama for his efforts to draw down forces in Iraq.
Any, any efforts to remove our military forces from the Middle East should be supported, //no matter which political party pushes the initiative//.
We have so many citizens completely, 💯% enthralled and brain washed with the political establishment, media and MIC that the party of historical opposition to American foreign meddling and imperialism (DNC) is bashing a sitting president for doing exactly what he campaigned on, and exactly what Democrats have traditionally supported: diplomacy over militancy.
Trump has some of you so twisted up that you'd criticize him for the type of policy that would have been loudly cheered under Carter, Clinton or Obama.
1
Score Keeper says:
---------------------------------USA----Russia
on Syria -------------------------0--------1
on Ukraine-----------------------0-------1
on USA Election Interference-0-------1
on USA Puppet President------0-------1
Putin is pitching a shutout so far. At this rate, Russia will own USA, if not already.
2
Trump did not withdraw our troops because he is following an isolationist wish , but more because he worked out a deal ( where he benefits ) with Putin , Erdogan , and Assad . As per usual someone else picks up the tab , in this case the Kurds and unfortunately with their lives .
11
Aside from the way this got started with the abandonment
of the Kurdish forces, what is there to complain about here?
Are we supposed to be disturbed because Russia
has outmaneuvered this country in a game of power politics
(at the end of a machine gun's barrel)? Or is it that it
insures a return of Syrian sovereignty over a border region
that it had lost several years ago?
We need a clear and convincing explanation why it
is not in everyone's interest for there to be a
buffer zone created by this military action on the
Syrian side of the border.
For example, is there such evidence that supports erdogan's claim that
Syrian Kurds were in fact using this border zone
to mount attacks against Turkey, or to arm those
on the Turkish side to do so? I have not seen
a single report to that effect that would support
erdogan's claim. So, is this an action based only upon
the potential threat, one that is based upon a generalized
paranoia about the Kurds among many in Turkey,
not just erdogan? I wish I could read an article about
what erdogan is actually concerned about in down to earth
terms with actual evidence.
All I know is that he unilaterally revoked the ceasefire
3-4 years ago with the PKK, which led to some
violence inside Turkey initially thereafter. Did this
continue until now?
@bl
Russians have proven to be the perfect enforcers for the nastiest people on Earth. They have no ethical constraints.
The Americans have scruples and it causes them great concerns when they must contradict their values, and sometimes they convince others to reconsider how they act.
With the Russians there, instead of the Americans, doing whatever any might do will not raise ethical concerns.
@Casual Observer
But why was this buffer zone not created much earlier through a negotiation between Syrian Kurds, Turkey, and this country, and not as a result of a unilateral military
action? After having defeated ISIS in this zone (at least this is what has been claimed to have occurred), it would have been completely reasonable for such a negotiation to have begun. What were the obstacles towards
doing so?
1
Now that Turkey is allying with Russia and purchasing Russian military equipment how does that sit with the rest of the NATO nations? I would assume that NATO countries share intelligence with each other including Turkey. How does Turkey separate NATO business from Russian business.? In addition, Russia normally supplies technicians to support their military aircraft. What stops them from taking a very good look at the military jets that Turkey has already purchased from the US.
Turkey is not acting like a NATO ally so why isn't that country removed from NATO?
Trump may have been elected to end the endless wars, but he wasn't elected to weaken the security of this country. I hope the Republicans take a good look at what they are supporting in Trump.
13
Turkey bought the Russian missile system because we (Obama admin as much as I admired them) didn’t sell Patriots to them.
1
It is true that Russia has a better record of honoring its commitments than America does. This is an indisputable fact. I think this outcome will be better for Syria overall.
1
the message to the world is simple: don't ally with the US,
especially when you are fighting for freedom and have no money.
8
So finally we might have peace in Syria? Ok the Kurds (who are aligned with the Turkish Kurdish Workers Party which is designated as a 'terrorist organisation' by the US) may have to move south and will take time to settle in. US ego may be deflated, but does that really matter in the whole scheme of things?
5
The US lost Syria in 2011, when then President Obama declared “Assad must go” then failed to deliver meaningful support to the rebels , neither declaring a no fly zone, nor giving the rebels the shoulder fired anti aircraft missiles the rebel needed to defend themselves against Assad’s air force
Syria’s fate was sealed when the US under then President Obama took no action when Putin took Crimea from the Ukraine then refused to deliver to the Ukraine the weapons it asked for to defend itself in Ukraine’s Eastern Province
Emboldened , Putin moved into Syria building a Naval and Air Force supporting ground facilities - and saved Assad
President Obama was elegant, educated and cerebral , but his Mid East Policy was an abysmal failure due to his inability to understand US Power and how to use it.
Syrians are paying the price
3
The Russians are in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian Government. The American presence is in violation of international law.
Considering the disasters the US has created in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Syria itself, I'm sure the Syrian people are pleased to see the US depart.
4
Let us hope Syria will not continue a place of Russian-American competition. If and only if the Russians and the Americans come to a common understanding, the Syrian civil war would end and the Syrian people, the Arabs, the Christians, the Kurds, the Turcomans would look to the future with some hope. If these two powers agree on a solution, Syria could have some kind of democracy to the benefit of all Syrians.
2
It is clear that US economic decline is causing hardship for most Americans. The US cannot afford to take the battle to other parts of the planet like before. Bullets cost money.
If there is future US economic regrowth then we will see the US again invade foreign countries. Until that wealth comes again, the power to again cause bloodshed overseas far from its shores, the US must for now withdraw and lick its wounds.
@PK Jharkhand
Actually, the US economy is still the strongest in the world, by far. In addition, the US has recently become the world's largest energy producer again (gas and oil) which has enabled it to take stronger stands against countries like Iran and Venezuela (with sanctions rather than hot wars).
Most people are getting tired of these wars that never seem to end, and in the case of Turkey, they have been fighting with the Kurds for centuries. How are we supposed to fix that ?
I for one have no problem with pulling out most of our troops (no all) and taking a more strategic stance. Trump handled it poorly, but the result is the same.
BTW, future wars will not be fought with "bullets" as you put it, but with cyber.
1
All roads lead to Putin. Nancy was right.
I suspect this particular chess move with Turkey was planned by Putin for a long time.
3
This will make for excellent political history some day. How a likely compromised and / or corrupt game show host was able to con a large segment of America with "MAGA" platitudes and culture war fear mongering, while furthering the geopolitical interests of the nation's greatest adversaries.
Everything that Trump does diminishes American power and extends gifts and opportunities to rival powers. Trumpian fake strength that masks his weakness and ineptitude. How the GOP can stomach with this is an indication of how desperate their clinging to power is in light of demographic and social change.
4
I do not see any country benefiting in the longterm. Syria is very tribal and Assad has effectively lost control of his country. Russia instead of the US will have to try and influence outcomes. I doubt they will. Russia does not have the money, nor will they put sufficient troops on the ground in sufficient numbers. I lived in Russia recently and the Russians will support their military as long as they do not have a lot of dying soldiers, like they had in Afghanistan. Perhaps ISS will begin encouraging IEDs in Chechnya and Dagestan. Kurds will continue to cause troubles in Turkey. I lived in Diyarbakır, Turkey 30 years ago and the Kurds hated the Turks (i.e., Turks told me Kurds were Mountain Turks and the Kurds told me they were Kurds). Back then the Kurds would kill Turkish soldiers when they had the opportunity. Iran thinks it will be the savior for the Palestinians. I doubt it. The Palestinians will look for support wherever they can get it. However, Palestinians are Arabs and the the Arabs and Persians have never seen eye to eye. What you have in Syria and the Middle East is tribalism at its worst.
4
Oil. As we vacated Syria and the Kurds, we have secured the oil for Putin and Erdogan. thank you trump, gifts to follow.
1
Putin has been planning this for years. This is one reason why Putin threw the 2016 election to Trump. He must have known Trump never listens to his advisors.
This is bad news for ISIS - but not so bad for us, as this area will be kept ISIS free by military personnel from Turkey, Syria and Russia.
Clumsily handled by Trump but maybe it's not a bad thing for others to pick up the tab for being the world's policeman.
4
unfortunately it is no surprise that Putin and the Russians come out ahead as a result of a trump decision nor that the Senate does nothing meaningful to censure him or that his supporters continue to lionize him. Republicans have become the party of a weak and corrupt foreign policy.
This is obviously trump's gift to putin so putin will help trump get re-elected in 2020. Another quid pro quo.
Trump’s
Next foreign policy move is to invite Putin, Turkey President Erdogan and the Republican Leadership to Mar A Largo to celebrate Putin’s dominate Middle East Policy.
President Don Trump gives and President Putin takes from President Don Trump, as the Republican Leadership just applauds their leader...and they do not know why!
There is a global shift in the balance of power due to the ineptitude of the clown currently occupying the People's House. We went from having a major affect on the narrative in this particular region (Turkish/Syrian) to having none at all with Russia filling he vacuum expediently. There's no way you can convince me that trump is not a seriously compromised Russian asset. This article also makes note of the fact that 40 something African leaders were in Russia for a conference. trump doesn't even know Africa exists. The richest continent on the globe from a resource standpoint and we have very little engagement under the current administration. Meanwhile, Russia and China are making/have made inroads there. The fall of a formerly great nation in three short years. Really Sad!!!
From the Warsaw Pact to the Sochi Pact while our service men and women are pelted with vegetables as they leave Syria in humiliation as back stabbers thanks to the reneger in chief. When will Republicans recognize trump as the clear and present danger to America that he is and Putin's ally, and when will NATO realize that Turkey is no longer a NATO member anymore and has joined the replacement to the Warsaw Pact - the Sochi Pact.
America should place the equivalent of dead-man-switches on our nukes at Incirlik - at least pretend! - until we get them all safely out of Turkey. Or will trump simply turn them over to his pal Erdogan to save him the time and expense to develop his own?
It's their backyard, they should be involved. We've spent Trillions of dollars in this part of the world to what end? Agree Trump is a narcissist/ignoramus and the players in the area know this. However we need to fix our internal problems, the quicker we disengage the better. Read George Washington's farewell speech, a great leader who had his priorities straight.
3
How many of you remember the aftermath of WW II when Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin sat around a table in the Willard Hotel and divvied up the world? They drew artificial boundaries (like those in Iraq and much of Africa) and called them countries. They took what each wanted as victors.
Now, Putin is doing the same. Russia’s “sphere of influence, which used to be called the Soviet Union, is resurfacing, as is China’s. OURS IS DISAPPEARING. The United States is being progressively marginalized under Trump and rendered impotent and untrustworthy.
If I were to draw up a master plan of evil, this would be it, and TRUMP IS HANDING THIS TO PUTIN ON A SILVER PLATTER. His time in office, as an illegal chief executive, has been spent golfing, campaigning, hate- and fear-mongering and selling us out to anyone that might let him build a “tower” in their country. He is destroying our economy, terrorizing our immigrant population, stirring up hatred and division, making ignorant promises that he cannot and will not keep despite his assertions to the contrary and trying his best to silence any dissent. Those are the actions of a tyrant and a traitor.
The 2020 election is approaching and Trump will use any tools he can get his hands on - mostly illegal and false. That is the time to end this overthrow of our Democracy once and for all, and to get back to civility, competence and decency for our children’s sake.
YOUR choice. Make it the correct one!
2
Well Trump delivered thru one of his back channel swamps. The reward, let's see. Perhaps a huge hotel in Moskow? Great for his portfolio. He is playing with fire. But the ones getting burned is our country and our allies or what's left them. Enough is enough.
1
Once again... Putin's sock puppet in the white house has enabled "mission accomplished" for Russia.
Russia now owns influence and control over much of the middle east. I can't fault them for being successful in this regard.. it's what nations do. I can absolutely fault Trump for ceeding the middle east to Russia.
Israel is the nation that should be really mad at the US over this debacle. The Saudi's as well.. but the Saudi's can stuff it as far as I am concerned.. because they have had their little hands and money in all manner of influence peddling in the middle east.. some of it very definitely counter to US interests in the region.
Russia grabbing Crimea and part of Easter Ukraine; Turkey occupying parts of Turkey ; Hungary apparently having its eye on a part of Ukraine: we are slowly moving back to the time of Nationalisms.
At least Russia and Turkey are attempting to end the enduring conflict(s) in Syria, unlike the Americans, who were/are involved in: (1) “regime change”, (2) then “assuring” an “independent Kurdish territory”, (3) then arming “the insurgency”, i.e., al-Qaeda and other jihadi groups, (3) then “keeping an eye” on Iran, (4) then “protecting the oil”, whatever, (5) then...any and all actions denying the writ of the government of Syria, insuring a never-ending civil war. I say two-thumbs up for diplomacy, and throw out the troublemakers.
2
Dear Republicans,
What have you done?
The United States is now a third-rate banana republic, run by a wanna-be tin-pot dictator and his cronies.
Our word means nothing. We have no allies left. America Alone.
I get it. Mr. Trump signed off on your tax cuts, deregulation, and conservative judges. But any Republican president would have done the same thing. Is all of the collateral damage Mr. Trump continues to inflict upon the United States really worth it? And what else does Mr. Trump have to offer you, going forward?
Vote Country over Party.
If you don't, the rest of us will ensure that the Republican Party is banished to the wilderness forever -- a fate that you have brought upon yourselves by standing behind Mr. Trump.
Look, I believe that the United States should have two viable political parties, including a conservative voice. But Mr. Trump does not represent that conservative choice. Rather, he represents corruption, anarchy, and fascism.
You have one chance to redeem yourselves. Take it. You have been duly warned.
2
Spin this, Fox new et al - we're not getting out of the Middle East, we're realigning and Erdogan and Putin are showing us the tongue and throwing shoes at us. Big US diplomatic victory!
The obvious question is what did Trump and his family business get in return?
1
Remember Obama’s Red Line? Nothing happened then when chemical weapons were used. Why should we do anything now? I think the left is just good at stirring the pot and trying to get conservatives in wars.
1
You think that Trump and Putin didn't have this worked out?
An early Christmas present from Trump to Putin, his puppet master. Republicans - what is wrong with y'all? Have you no sense of decency, morality or honor? The Republican party will continue on, and all the better for it, if they do the right thing and impeach Trump.
So Putin got his blackmail, a payoff for Putin's silence on whatever trump thinks that Putin has on him. The president is compromised by foreign influence. The sooner we get rid of trump the better before he does any more damage to our strategic relationships with countries on whom we depend to deal with despotic, corrupt influences.
Russia can't run its own country and neither can Turkey.....this War of attrition will be short end along with both of their authoritarian croney leaderships!
1
The most important issue in this 8 year horrible quagmire is the prolonged suffering of the Syrian people. The author’s just carried away by which power wins or loses influence in the region. It’s the typical example of the arrogant western self absorption. The most important matter at hand’s to ameliorate the suffering of the Syrians who are humans like any of us. If they could attain some peace and resume there normal life prior to this upheaval that’s a major achievement even if they are ruled by a despot. Who’s to decide what’s good for them? This author totally disregarded the Syrians as if they are not humans. It’s all about stupid geopolitics! Haven’t we learned about the horrible consequences of toppling the regimes in Iraq and Libya?
1
Too bad William B. Taylor, Jr., who testified on the Hill today, was not present in Helsinki or on the phone call the Swamp King had with Erdogan fifteen days ago. That would have given us his meticulous notes of the marching orders given to "The Great Deal Maker", leading to the most craven and cowardly act ever performed by a sitting president, abandoning our years-long, noble allies, the Kurdish fighters, capturers and jailers of ISIS combatants.
How many readers remember American concerns about the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan? It was thought to be a stepping stone to their further expansion in central Asia. Instead, it turned out to be a morass that ultimately forced their withdrawal nine years later, and almost certainly contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
I long ago learned to ignore the handwringing of the liberal establishment. I urge you to do so as well. Let the Russians be responsible for containing ISIS for awhile. I guarantee at some point, they will invite us back in.
5
Yeah, good thing the West learned from The Soviets’ mistake and stayed out of Afghanistan
This is a predictable conclusion. I'm not getting all of the pearl-clutching dismay, either. Russia and Syria have been allies since the 1940s, including throughout the regime of both Hafez al-Assad and his father.
So I find it bizarre to hear the Russian role characterized as imperialistic. The Russians are there by invitation of the national government. Unlike the US troop contingent in Syria, which first showed up in Syria as part of a wider multinational force deployed to defeat the Islamic State and then set up housekeeping on Syrian soil (halfway around the world from the US) as a more enduring presence- an open-ended force commitment in a nation with which the US has no diplomatic relations whatsoever, much less anything like permission from the host government.
It's also worth noting that the US troop contingent put bases in the far-reaches of Kurdish rebel-controlled Syria instead of just over the border in Iraq- the nation that originally invited the US military to return to the region as a fighting force, to combat IS- because the Iraqis won't allow the US to build those bases on Iraqi territory.
4
Will not be long before Putin does the same to the US as Regan did to the Soviet Union. The new Soviet Union will be the #1 superpower thanks to Don Corleone, oops, Don Trump.
10
As long as the Soviet Union gets back together to go on tour,
and Erdogan gets lots of Russian nuclear weapons like North Korea,
fearless leader Vladimir Putin will be pleased with his Oval Office puppet.
7
How long until Putin arranges for Turkey to permanently annex northern Syria?
9
After
GW Bush invaded Iraq, it took Obama years to reestablish the US's reputation around the world. How long will it take Elizabeth Warren to do the same after all of the damage Trump is doing to our reputation? Given Trump's behavior over his lifetime, it is obvious that he really couldn't care less about his actual reputation. Sure, he's got 40% or so of America's population fooled, but I think of most of them as American Idiots (shout-out to Green Day). I wonder what it's like for those who voted for GW and Trump to be on the wrong side of American history. Or, is, as they say, ignorance is bliss?
8
I'm tired of winning.
10
Trump made Putin great again. What did Trump get? Maybe 2020?
7
Since Eisenhower, the repubs have degenerated into a corrupt aristocracy.
They lie constantly, enrich the wealthy at every chance, have no concern for the common good ... and now have tump as the embodiment of the party of greed, ignorance and selfishness.
Clearly they have no principles or morals, or they'd have removed the puppet.
They're clearly fine with a bone spur in charge -- who can be manipulated like a 6 yo if you massage his massive ego -- who gives up what influence we had in a fraught region, abandons one of our few allies there, and turns it all over to the dictator Putin.
It's up to the rest of us, clearly, to get rid of this disaster.
10
The question is:
1. Is Trump a Russian asset?
2. Is Trump simply an ignoramus?
I vote #2.
6
@David G.
Both. He is useful to Putin BECAUSE he is an ignoramus.
1
Both.
1
Both.
1
There are apologists for Trump who peddle the nonsense that he’s militarily retreating from the Middle East because of his concern for the “troops”. I almost choked on my oatmeal over that one. There is no more cynical and dishonest a clown than Trump. Nothing he does is free of the taint of self serving corruption. There’s something in this for him or his family beyond pleasing Putin and Erdogan. Something that republicans would rather not know. How pathetic is that eh.
4
As Putin's puppet, Trump is doing his damndest to make Russia great again. Not only should he be impeached, he should be exiled. Forget about Greenland, he could buy a Banana Republic and live there for the rest of his life, acting out his fantasy of being a great dictator.
4
Outer Siberia.
1
Let them have it! Who cares anymore.
3
I suppose when Trump looks in the mirror he sees a strongman. Like his pals Kim, Orban, Erdogan, MbS, Putin.
3
Trump’s allies Putin and Erdogan are celebrating today.
2
Have we not got enough evidence to finally realize our president is a Russian asset? Our lying eyes are not deceiving us. For whatever reason if it salacious or financial Putin owns Trump. We as Americans just can not get our arms around the fact that our president is compromised. Maybe it is time for us to wake up and smell the coffee that is being spiked by vodka poured by Putin.
6
Boy, Putin got his money’s worth with Trumpy Bear. First slat of the new Iron Curtain goes up in the Mideast—and it wouldn’t have been possible without Putin’s Puppet.
3
I don’t understand why this isn’t impeachable. For this man to betray US allies this way. Imagine helping the US one day, and then being abandoned the next day and the Russians moving in!!! This man, Trump, as Beto ORouke has said, is likely a Russian asset!
5
@Freak If a Democratic President had sold out the Kurds, then the GOP would immediately drawn up articles of impeachment.
Who is to say that Trump is not a naïve agent of Putin's plus any other dictator he envies.
If it looks like a duck....etc.
5
As Nancy Pelosi said, all roads lead to Putin with President Trump.
7
Where’s the outrage over having a president who never does anything abroad (or at home) that doesn’t help Russia, and his puppet-master Putin, and never helps us? It’s insane the way Americans just sit there like cows chewing their cuds as Trump ruins them and their supposedly beloved country.
8
Congressional Republicans have enabled Trump at every step and are complicit in this outcome. They can offer the Kurds all the thoughts and prayers they want, but their willingness to support Trump despite every attack on our allies and our friends made betrayal of the Kurds possible. All roads lead to Putin, and every Congressional Republican has helped pave the way.
6
Boy, that Donald J. Trump is a real nutso, ain't he? But you know who's every single bit as nutso as Trump? Every single American leader in the last 57 years (at least) with a foreign-policy or military portfolio:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-h-bombs-in-turkey
Of course, if Obama had tried to pull 'em out, the Republicans would have called him soft on Russia.
4
Putin MUST have something on Trump...
7
Paraphrasing LBJ: He ‘has him by the balls and isn’t going to let go to get a better grip.’
1
@Tucson666 ...maybe Putin has figured out that Trump is so stupid that he doesn’t even need to have “kompromat” on him in order to manipulate him.
The photo at the top of the story - they all look like ghouls about to devour a corpse.
1
With our President, “all roads lead to Putin.”
4
Great job Trump. You are literally a criminal, having violated numerous laws and our Constitution, and you have clearly sold out America to our enemies with the blood and lives of our allies punctuating your treason. Trump should be prosecuted for the traitor he is.
4
Is this treason ??? Come on ! Trump should be arrested right now .
5
Soon Putin will enjoy and savor the Havana cigars. Poor Donald can’t smoke with Putin.
1
The useful idiot strikes again.
2
Lindsey Graham.... your sucking up to Trump has been a complete failure and has simply empowered him to do things like this.
Lindsey Graham.. you have Kurdish blood on your hands here.
3
Protectionism leads way to globalism for access to larger markets and business bottom-line boosts. Local economies lose jobs and prosperity and don't find ways to rediscover themselves. They become angry and demand protectionism.
Those who appeal to and stoke their emotions gets their vote. Who better than a guy who has consummate mastery of swaying the public's emotions with his clever messaging.
Isn't putting someone like this guy as President in White House a reflection of who we are as a nation. Its a test of nation's character and constitution's resilience. Blaming an individual is not enough. Are there enough checks and balances and more importantly enough values in society that will be our safety net in the worst of times?
Trump's Presidency is an opportunity to ponder and rejuvenate the debate on what makes the nation stronger and what needs to be done to fortify those pillars.
2
It's easy for Putin to give up territory that he doesn't control. As for being "the dominant force in Syria", the Assad regime will have something to say about that.
This, together with Trump's disdain for NATO generally, will radically change the balance of power in the Middle East in favour of Putin's Russia. It concerns me that Trump's move out of this area of influence will have knock on effects with his remaining ally Israel.
2
Given Trump’s business interest and priority for personal financial gain, one has to wonder on what basis he may have been interacting with Putin and Erdogan ... and how that may have influenced his sudden “patriotic decision” to withdraw American military presence that protected an ally, the Kurds. (True, Trump, after the fact, has tried to minimize the Kurds as an strong ally, if not their inherent integrity.) As for Putin and Erdogan ... and even Assad: Putin’s a player, a very shrewd and calculating one, and surely knows where he’s headed. The easy part for him may have been getting Trump out of the Middle East picture, Syria first.
2
In the almost 75 years since the end of WW2, America has slowly and painstakingly constructed an agenda that believed engagement was in our interest. This president feels the opposite, he see any engagement as the path to permanent war. His foreign policy is about selling weapons and keeping everyone else out.
You can tell the entire Trump clan have never sacrificed for anything other than themselves. The president's worldview perfectly reflects that selfish upbringing.
7
Forget impeachment. It is time for the 25th Amendment.
"Throughout his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off. Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business. God help us. I'm a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one! " - Michael Bloomberg 2016
6
So this is trump's idea of winning. I wonder what gifts he will hand to his good friends, the dictators of N. Korea and China. We can only hope trump has finished savaging our national security.
2
Mr. Erdogan should be careful. He should read some history of czarist Russia. They were always wanting to conquer Constantinople.
3
@Cheryl And Constantinople always wanted to conquer Russia and they did conquer parts of Europe which became part of the Ottoman Empire. Will history repeat? And what about NATO?
Now, it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople. So, it’s all good!
The uneasy feelings aroused by Trump's unwillingness in early 2017 to take seriously or to act upon the convictions of the US intelligence community re: Russian hacking of the 2016 elections have only grown in the intervening years.
Mitch McConnell's unwill
It i s ingness to pass funding to strengthen the security of our ballots, coast to coast, is equally unsettling.
The stomach turning events of Trump in Helsinki with Putin have further fueled suspicions that Trump is either the witless or the willing pawn of Putin and other forces. And then there is Trump at play, fawning and preening, with the likes of Kim Jong, Xi Jinping, Mohammad bin Salman. Not necessary to review every unchecked, foolish or grifting move by Trump and his family.
And here we are today, with Trump outsmarted so easily by Erdogan, in a feckless and impulsive move that has disrupted the world order -- at least in the Middle East. Left behind are our allies, the Kurds, about to be massacred, and of course, scores, if not hundreds of US nuclear warheads left behind in Turkey.
Who is the winner here?
It is not surprising that so many comments reference The Manchurian candidate in relation to DJY.
2
Did our leader have anything to do with their win? It all happened after he decided to bring the troops home and betray them. Could it have been part of a plan on all of their parts?
1
The Persians allegedly have thousands of
missiles pointed from Syria at Israel
Snafus happen if not deliberate attacks
Either way a lethal missile is chaotic
Turkey and Russia do not speak the same language
Turkey and Syria, same language or different?
Iran and Syria, same language or different?
The things that hit Saudi oil storage are ominous in that automatic patriots apparently failed
The White House’s unthought, unstudied retreat from northern Syria was a geostrategic blunder of colossal proportion. We can expect many more of these blunders behind the scenes, hidden like Easter eggs to be discovered by the next administration.
3
Moscow's emergence as a player? Hello! Russia has ALWAYS had designs on the Middle East, learned that from my college International Relations Department Chair who specialty was, what? "Russia in the Middle East"... Thanks Trump for helping play Russia's long game...
5
Does anyone still question that Trump was compromised by Moscow?
Oh yes, almost any Republican.
Sad to think of what history will say about the US under Trump.
Sadder to think how much more dangerous the world is becoming.
3
@Jerry Spiegel Trump helps us with our oil independence that makes us strong and Russia weaker.If Trump would be a Russian asset he would do what Obama did stifle the oil industry and put us at the mercy of the oil producers.
Is there any thought that Trump is playing his hand out thinking that his cards will be taken from him in 2020?
1
Is it not clear why Putin stated, on camera, that he wanted Trump to be President of the United States? This is much worst than collusion. Donald Trump needs to be removed from office ASAP.
4
Good.
Our troops are no longer in Syria; Turks and Sryans have to get along or get smacked down Russia, an army not constrained by feelings and sweet thoughts for the enemy; ISIS is surrounded by enemies on all sides.
Russia has been a player in the Middle East since ever, let’s not start this ridiculous group aberration that ‘Russia just showed up’, they simply stepped up and took control of their area of influence.
This is how the Syrian war finally ends, and ISIS dies.
And that is good news for everyone.
3
@AutumnLeaf... You ARE being sarcastic right?
I had always thought that everyone going into politics and getting elected to Congress is eager to serve their country and make our lives better. It seems that Republicans have the opposite goal. They support and incompetent POTUS and enjoy seeing everything fall apart as long as they can stack the courts and reduce the taxes for the superrich. Never would I have believed that they could sink that low.
Pelosi said it best - with Trump all roads lead to Putin. I want someone to put together the chronological on Trump's play to Putin. Benedict Arnold gave West Point to the Brits in exchange for money and job. What does DJT want? Off the hook for the 100M that Russia leveraged his Florida holdings & new golden T Tower in Moscow? Give #45 an ultimatum to produce the secret meeting transcripts with Putin and all the phone calls stashed on the secret server. I hope the codes to the missiles are not in DJT hands.
I believe this was done in order to prop up Trump who is getting
losing his battle with America, so that Putin can keep Trump in the presidency and continue his overall plan to lessen American power. Putin needs this weak little man in office
Great Britain spent a century and the United States 70 years trying to prevent the Russians from gaining a foothold in the Middle East. Trump undid this all in 3 years by handing the region to Putin on a silver platter.
1
Benedict Arnold once tried to hand West Point to the British. He failed.
Trump now hands the Middle East to Putin.
He succeeded.
Which is worse?
3
This whole debacle is like a bizarro-world Suez Crisis, with us in the role of the British and French, and Turkey (!) as the United States...
So horribly sad ... acting on "our" behalf, little Donny John has made our country one who sacrifices its allies. Beyond the national humiliation, there is the worse realization of the lives already sacrificed, the families destroyed, and the children traumatized, just like the children abused at our southern borders. What kind of adults can we expect them to become when their childhoods has been destroyed?
1
Assad and Erdogan have only the objective of exterminating all Kurds. And Trump has made the USA complicit.
4
@John✅Brews The Kurds did fine in Syria so did the Armenians and other Christians under Assad Assad did not tolerate any opposition and was harsh and undemocratic.Wish Obama and HRC staid out of it.They have more blood on their hand than any dictator in the Middle East.
How do Trump supporters not understand this yet? It couldn't be plainer Trump does Putin's bidding.
2
Trump supporters, turn on that Lee Greenwood now.
But then, Trump has never really cared about America or Americans.
What did American troops dedicate their lives to over there, just to have it all cut down by an impulsive, Kremlin asset? I seriously doubt if American troops will fully trust their Commander-in-Chief anymore.
3
After Trump betrayed the Kurds, they were forced to try and form an alliance with Assad.
Now, Assad and Putin are going to help Erdogan eliminate the Kurds.
Erdogan and Putin and Assad are going to murder every single Kurdish man, woman, and child.
And Trump, has made all of these Crimes Against Humanity possible.
Yet another example of Trump's incompetence, or perhaps, Putin's ability to blackmail him. Yes, Trump has Barr "investigating the [Russian] investigation," searching for proof that poor Trump is the object of a hoax perpetrated by evil Democrats.
This country is imperiled - by disenfranchised and uninformed voters who naively soak up whatever Trump says, and by Congressional Republicans who withhold the truth. They have the power to alter what is happening. All they need to do is tell their constituents that there is no liberal conspiracy against Trump - the only conspiracies are committed by Russians or crazies, or White Nationalists. The major media organizations are telling the truth. Voila!
1
Putin has been well rewarded for his interference in American & European political processes & elections. Anti democratic forces have arisen under the banner of populism and with the assistance of Russia. Whether it is Le Pens French National Rally fascists or Trumps reactionary republicans it’s pretty much the same. You’ve got nationalist movements with authoritarian leaders undermining liberal democracy for the benefit of themselves and Putin’s Russia. This is the collusion republicans like to disparage and deny & it has handed a significant victory to Putin, Iran and Assad. How’s that for “ winning” eh Trump? Thanks for nothing pal.
2
When is somebody finally going say what is obvious to anybody who is not in a coma. This whole farce was plotted by Putin months ago and enabled by his asset in the White House. Trump has done everything possible to undermine the US Constitution and our democratic institutions, our strategic interests in the Middle East and the viability of NATO while supporting every two-bit autocratic leader on the planet. This guy has sold out the US at every turn for whatever Putin is paying him. What should be obvious to all of us is that he is not only a security risk, he is a traitor.
1
get used to it ,Russia is a power in many ways. If the U.S.A. aligned with Russia ,combined the 2 could control the world. No we pushed the Russians away and now they are aligned with China/Turkey/Iran /Venezuela/Syria/ and anybody else that wants to join them
2
@walt
You are displaying an astonishing lack of knowledge with this comment. And you are apparently regretting that the US is not aligning itself on a list of countries with serious issues regarding human rights. I guess one can find “greatness” wherever they can.
Modern American greatness for you, ceding power to Turkey and Russia at America's expense. That's what I call a model of American leadership... if you're into promoting Russia more than the US, at any rate.
Make Apparatchiks Great Again. That is what MAGA really means, right?
1
When the Russian president appears more reasonable and, dare I say, presidential than the American one....
2
Everyone keeps asking when will the Republicans wake up, stand up, do their duty, etc. I believe the answer is never; they sold their souls long ago, sold us with the deal. They are in on it; they serve another master -or- masters, if you will. No doubt in my mind Putin has them all by the you know what’s-they answer to him. If you want to throw in the devil and the dollar go right ahead. The holy trilogy for the traitors I suspect.
...and the other shoe drops.
Is that ok Mr Trump! you lost ground for the US enemy and can not be reverted. One day you realize that you did inhumane and unforgivable decision by leaving the most nice and esteemed people on earth.
4
I remember our glory days of being in the Middle East: Iraq 2006. Afghanistan 2011. Now our influence and power in the region is gone overnight. What have we become?
2
@Tim S Thanks for putting up those dates. Are you suggesting we stay in Iraq, Afghanistan forever ?
1
So long as we don't control any of it. Thank you President Trump. This was a campaign promise. Not sure about all the surprise and phony outrage.
4
@CJ, it's just another gift from trump to Putin. Not phony outrage, just outrage at yet another blunder from the big blabbermouth.
2
When the escaped ISIS prisoners start their terror attacks once again, then maybe you'll get it. Not sure though...
1
@CJ
You don’t care about the slaughter of our Kurdish allies? I lot of the “America First” crowd didn’t care about Hitler’s concentration camps on the 1930s and 1940s either. Look it up! That isn’t hyperbole.
May we now conclude that after all this Turkey need not entertain any pretension to be a NATO member any further? If Erdogan can spend 6 long hours with Putin to discuss how to jointly oversee the former swath of land occupied earlier by Kurds, he is a buddy of Russians if not already their client-state. Could someone give us one reason why Turkey should be in NATO?
8
Hmmm - I remember at least one other NATO member’s president who spent long hours talking to Putin, without anyone but a translator in the room. Should that country also be removed from NATO?
2
@Alec If I recall the duo didn't exactly carve up their domain of interest between themselves. True that it was something to be frowned upon, and it was not exactly kosher - but, it did not as yet lead to a major diplomatic setback.
With this move, though, Erdogan removes his sine qua non for his membership for NATO.
The men who presently rule the world are getting nervous and know the only way they can retain control is by avoiding the thoughts and even aspirations of the people they rule. They are thoughtfully bankrupt and are now resorting to solidifying what they have and seeking to retain that power by whatever means it takes.
Mr Trump is not a tool rather one of the men who are using their power to deny basic human rights and it looks as thoiugh they are succeeding.
Some of the youth throughout the world are finally getting the picture that they, like their mothers, are simply being lined up for exploitation, but I'm afraid it is too little too late.
Men rule by force of arms and they have no thought of relinquising that control to reason.
1
Regular NY Times readers who post here have known and been saying this for years, that trump is working in Russia's interests, not ours.
25
@J. Alfred What happens when Russia's interests and ours coincide or is that never possible?
1
What about our nuclear weapons in Turkey?????
15
@Janine
Thank you for bringing that up.. Trump and his sycophants have said nothing.
Are Russians really occupying our abandoned facilities?
I can hear it now.. You give me some permits for hotels and resorts; I will give you some military installations and equipment.
Quid meets pro quo..
And falls in love with tit for tat.
They live happily ever after..
Until someone cuter comes along.
1
Nice...I guess Trump will get his hotel/resort endorsements in Sochi and Istanbul now...
14
Mr. Trump should have been there, so that he could walk out and take a bow. Perhaps in front of a banner reading "Mission Accomplished."
25
Who would have thought a US President, could make Russia and Turkey great again?
46
it seems like hello she is right! every Trump action leads to the same, advantage Russia - disadvantage USA! Trump really seems to be a Russian asset selling out America!
11
This gives Trump another opportunity to play with his favorite toy - the weather map Sharpie.
He can redraw Syria as always having been part of Russia and Turkey.
16
Completely unsurprising. So how long before Turkey itself questions the value of its membership in NATO? Will it be after they pressure Trump to turn over Fethullah Gulen? After all, he stood up so strong for Jamal Khashoggi. Maybe they will play us along for a while, until they see what Putin do for them.
It would be hard to see how Trump could do worse if he tried. Which leads to the question: Is he trying to do exactly what he is doing?
4
If the rest of the NATO nations were to decide that Erdogan's recent aggressive action relieves them of their collective defense obligation vis-à-vis Turkey, all of a sudden Putin would not seem like such a great pal to Erdogan. Russian forces would march in and grab whatever oil-rich Kurdish provinces of Turkey they want, just like they grabbed the Crimean peninsula.
6
Hopefully it is now dawning on the Trump administration how real-world realities go far beyond Trump-style diplomacy. An unmitigated catastrophe for the United States in the region.
8
So, was this withdrawal even mentioned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff beforehand. Come to think of it, do we still have a Joint Chiefs or was that part of the swamp drainage?
9
Just FYI: Trump’s decision was made known to absolutely no one. Not the Pentagon, not The State Department, not his aides.
9
I keep thinking that Trump's penultimate blunder would have been the straw crushing the camel, only to be astonished at the public reaction. If this doesn't sway a significant portion of his supporters America is lost forever.
11
@Disillusioned: his supporters don’t access actual news. How would this sway them?
Russians may patrol the area but they don't have enough mercenaries to do the job. They will rely on Syrians loyal to Assad, and those Syrians will not be friendly with Turks. Putin is taking on what we tried to do in Iraq, and we all know how easy herding people with tribal loyalties and religious differences went. The Kurds will side with Assad to protect themselves and animosities will erupt. Good luck Vlad and Recip.
5
@jeremyp Russia does not have any 'job' left to do. There's no one there to fight against them but for a few 'tribal' headmen. The US and Turkey were Russia's only real impediments, and the US has taken a powder while Turkey has become their ally.
There's no other way to slice this (and please tell your Q-Anon friends)--this is a big loss for the US and a big win for Putin.
2
If Putin is looking for mercenaries, I hear Trump is already renting out American soldiers to Saudi Arabia.
1
Trump has either been played like a child’s recorder or he has deliberately given this to Putin.
Putin wanted him in power and he got it.
Was this Putin’s plan since 2016? To put Trump in power, destabilise the West’s strongest power, cause distrust in democracy and undermine the rules of law and trust before starting to move into land that could be profitable.
If Trump wants a conspiracy theory, and he does seem to love them, maybe he should explain that one.
15
Our dear NATO ally, Turkey, joins The Warsaw Pact a little late. I guess Erdogan knows nothing of the centuries of Russian rulers lusting for the Bosporus and Dardanelles and Istanbul. The Crimean War was so back then ...
8
Oh whooppee, the new peacemakers of the world. What, was Kim too busy in North Korea lobbing missiles?
6
BTW-- Now that Turkey understands that the American leadership is weak and lacking any strategic planning, I wonder of Iran and Turkey will set aside their differences and come to mutual accommodations -- which would be a stable regional order made in their likeness.
As was pointed out in an article about Turkey and Iran "Turkey has been willing to facilitate the transfer of Iranian gas to the Western markets and sees a commercial opportunity in helping Iran to overcome the adverse effects of international sanctions, given that both Turkey and Iran need alternative modalities for economic growth."
Just wondering how this situation will accrue benefits to the Iranians as well. They must be overjoyed.
1
So Russia and a NATO member are jointly controlling territory in a war zone?
I'm really at a loss to think of what else Trump might possibly do for Russia.
7
With Turkey siding up with Russia, Iran (Hezbollah's sponsor), and Syria, isn't it disgraceful to even think that they belong in NATO? Why would NATO risk even defending them in any attack if all three decided to expand and take territory from Turkey? It would be great if the Kurds would be the beneficiary. Otherwise just what will the Kurds get as far as land from an alliance here? Protection from Turkey doesn't guarantee them any autonomy.
1
Being outraged at his abuse of the word "lynching" is exactly what he wants. Let's not fall for this well-worn trick for once, shall we? How about we not get distracted, just take for granted that he continually says offensive things, and keep our eyes on the prize: his abuse of the Constitution and his ouster from office.
13
“The upshot, Russians now say, is that while their country lacks the West’s economic might, it can be counted on to keep its word.”
Wow, just wow! Any nation or group of nations that have a mutual defense treaty that the United States is a signatory to should be gravely concerned.
Additionally, given this development, the United States should start making quite plans to retrieve the 100 or so tactical nuclear weapons that are stored in Turkey. If not, it will be by theft that Iran or some other entity in Southwest Asia will acquire nuclear technology and weapons.
9
I traveled through Syria as a young student in 1964, and was struck by a billboard advertising a new Czechoslovakian sugar refining factor, outside Aleppo I think. So Syria was in the Soviet sphere at the time it seems. So Trump just handed Putin a piece of his Soviet Empire back to him, and fulfills his actual pledge to "Make Russia Great Again."
4
This will be known as one of the largest foreign policy blunders of our time -- if it was a blunder. This brings the "Trump as a Russian asset" conspiracy into the realm of credibility.
A horrifying and pointless betrayal of US allies and interests.
9
In this era of rampant conspiracy theories, and given the reputation of the players, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that Putin, Assad and/or Erdogan could secretly conspire with ISIS and/or Al-Qaeda to launch terrorist attacks in Western Europe and North America.
5
@Phillip Usher it seems the far left enjoys a good conspiracy as much as the far right.
What a smooth move by the Master of the Deal. So much winning!
3
It's almost as if Trump has been brainwashed into thinking that ceding our interests to Russia is the right thing to do. When he ordered the withdrawal of our troops from the border on the grounds that "the Kurds know how to fight," it sounded like he was mouthing something someone had just said to him. It didn't make any sense at all (like raking the ground in California forests to prevent fires). This has become frightening.
6
@dutchiris It's actually people like you who have been brainwashed into thinking that Trump and Russia are linked.
"Turkey and Russia to Jointly Control Part of Syria, a Victory for Putin."
This is just one of hundreds of victories for Putin thanks to Trump. Trump's idea of making America great is to destroy it from the inside, while simultaneously enabling American enemies, like Putin, in destroying it from the outside.
3
That photo is reminiscent of the "Blue Shirt Special".
Such a very odd and eerie situation for the U.S. to be in - solely resting on the shoulders of the president.
1
It's all very sad, but the US withdrawal from the Middle East has been on its way since Obama, in reaction to the Iraq blunder, and Trump has no interest in that region's constant quagmires in any way. I'm from there and believe there's nothing much you can do except let them find their own way out of their messes (which they blame the US on anyway whether we intervene or not), and protect US interests where it matters. Leave the rest to whoever else would like to give it a try. Cynic
1
It feels like we're hauling down the flag and folding it up.
It feels like we're all being had, and that Putin's got the reins.
It feels like our Senate bears zero resemblance to what the founders intended-- as Trump has led this nation on to the rocks, they care only about their own, personal lifeboats.
It feels like we're being dumbed down by the 'reality' craze, where anything outlandish or scandalous will always get the headline over something wise and true.
It feels like folks are so tired of raising hackles over the latest tweet, they've come to view them as merely mildly amusing or irksome--cut off somehow from the real damage Trump's daily lowering of the bar is actually doing to our political discourse.
It feels like we're being readied/massaged/worn down for a Trump who refuses to leave office...readied for a contested election...for wolves at the door...for siloed tribes with stacks of guns deciding it's their turn...
It feels like typing those kinds of concerns is a real stretch...right?
Like it's a stretch to imagine that 2020 will bring something very dark and ugly...right?
Like just because all the political winds are blowing that way, and all the historical evidence points that way, and Trump has no non-felon exit strategy from the WhiteHouse ...let's not over-react, right?
Watching this cavalcade of corruption unfold on a daily basis,
I'm wondering just exactly where that line is...you know... the one you can't see until you've crossed over it.
6
The great deal maker, making America Great Again.
2
Turkey will be out of NATO by next summer.
2
That would please Putin to no end. Trump, the gift that keeps giving.
This all went exactly as Putin planned.
8
Our president is the Manchurian Candidate. No longer a far-fetched conspiracy idea. Probably why only he and Putin - with one translator accompanying - met in Helsinki. Impeachment inquiry material? Only after years of, ultimately, Supreme Court litigation. Oh, the horror. The horror....
11
I look forward to the photo of Mr. Erdogan & Mr. Putin together w trump at the opening beautiful, excellent, perfect trump towers in downtown Damascus. I hope the GOP senators & representatives & trump's base all get to vacation there--permanently !
8
You mean peace?
Wait, wait, wait, do you mean that if Trump insults Erdogan personally while at the same time announcing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, that will encourage Turkey to invade Kurdish-controlled Syria and do a deal with Putin to divvy up Syrian territory? Who knew that international relations could be so complicated? (Does the 25th Amendment apply to a President who is incapacitated by stupidity?)
3
As long we have a Grim Reaper for a Senate Majority Leader the injustices will continue, our country’s leverage will continue to dissipate and the bodies will continue to pile up. It’s now clear to see the Republican Party has been annexed in some fashion by Russia. If this latest event is not evidence of that, nothing is. Trump is a vengeful, malleable and dangerous hand puppet.
3
MAGA!
Make Autocracy Great Again!
A vote for Trump is a vote for Putin, in case anyone still hasn't figured that out.
8
Remind anyone of The Suez in 1956?
And as for trump's "dont be fool " letter ...Erdogan threw it in the "bin"....The made sure that the world knew that he did so... The only thing not clear is whether the letter went in the garbage or recycle .
1
Never mind the sandbox. Trump says. "There's lots of places in the World where people really want us...such as...hmmm. I better ask Mike about who that might be...hmmm. Who cares! Who needs 'em. America will be great again, without them!"
1
Let me summarize the many comments I've read here:
Trump 2020! Make Russia Great Again!
I'm printing 100 of these for distribution as bumper stickers. Maybe I can start a movement. :)
2
Great work Mr President, now we can rest easy because we know the Mid-East is in the strong hands of real leaders! Really, it's all those pesky 'minorities', you know what I mean? Let them go back to their own country. Okay, the Kurds don't have a country, but I am sure that now that America is back to its own concerns, Putin and Erdogan, working together, can come up with a solution, perhaps a final solution to the Kurdish problem?
5
Russia wins so much, they must be so tired of winning.
6
How would things be different if Trump just came out and admitted he was a Russian agent?
5
He’d say, “So what if I’m a Russian agent? I’m the president! That makes you all Russians now! And you’d better keep your mouths shut about it, or it’s out the nearest window for YOU. Constitution? What Constitution?”
Trump will be happy that his master will control Syria's "äutonomous Kurdish region."
1
I don't have time to scroll through the rest of the comments here, so apologies if I'm repeating something previously mentioned.
When I think of the current occupant of the White House, two words come to mind: "Manchurian Candidate"!
2
Turkey has bought Putin’s protection to carry out its ethnic cleansing with impunity. As Fortune cookie says: May Trump be impeached many times over.
3
... BUT, the US left troops 'guarding' the oil fields east of the Euphrates ... it's always been about oil, folks.
4
Trump did this, with his lack of strategic planning and refusal to listen to experts, if not his fawning over Putin. He needs to go!
1
Related....I never got over it. Trump wins the election and one of the first things he does is meet with some Russians, one a known spy, in The Oval Office---no U.S. press allowed in...only Russian media! From the (Russian) photos, looked like they were laughing and partying. What kind of deal is this? Is this really necessary now? Honestly, can you imagine if Clinton won and did this! Any nary a peep from the Republicans. Is all this just arrogance or "stick it in your face" or what? Just left a lingering bad taste in my mouth.
8
The next time someone refers to “the Russian President” we’ll have to ask “Which one?”
6
N.A.T.O. commanders must be extremely worried at this perilous time has to what highly classified information Turkey has already handed over or might be providing to Putin and his armed forces heads. This is a story that needs to get attention from the NYT. Please do!
3
Impeachment can’t happen fast enough :(
5
It becomes more and more obvious that Trump is run by Putin. Forget the trash that comes out of his mouth and watch his actions; virtually every thing Trump does benefits Russia.
4
Trump... making Russia great again.
6
What more evidence is needed to show that Trump is a man completely devoid of honor. The evidence that he is a light weight thinker and knee jerk responder to every issue is clear enough`but it is his lack of honor is stunning.
2
The US emerged from WWII as the world's leading military and economic power. US hegemony has relied on: 1) unrivaled military power, 2) control of world's energy reserves, and 3) maintaining the dollar as the world's reserve currency. All of the pillars supporting US power are threatened by decades of neoliberal economic policies and spending large sums of money on the Pentagon and war. Syria is centrally located and bordered by Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq and Jordan and in the crosshairs of US foreign policy for over a decade, pointed out by General Wesley Clark. The goal of US policy in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Venezuela and Iran is regime change. Turkish President (aka Neosultan) Erdogan has visions of a neo-Ottoman Empire by annexing Syrian and Iraqi land bordering Turkey. This plan has been thwarted by Assad’s deft maneuvers, the Syrian Arab Army with the help from the Russian Air Force, Hezbollah and Iran. This is another indication of continuing US economic decline and waning global influence. This is why people in Congress are furious about Trumps decision to remove US troops from the area.
Notes
1. “We’re Going to Take out 7 Countries in 5 Years: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan & Iran..” Video; Link: www.globalresearch.ca/we-re-going-to-take-out-7-countries-in-5-years-iraq-syria-lebanon-libya-somalia-sudan-iran/5166
2. What’s really going on in Syria? Link: twitter.com/RaniaKhalek/status/1184516917098373122
Democrats need to actually watch what we're up against ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbqAcDDnb1Q
Figure out how to "flip" these people. I was shocked and awed (as in I thought it was AWFUL).
I am now truly scared witless.
1
This initiative of Russia's Putin interacting with Turkey's Erdogan is the last pass in a much more elaborated move by the Russians unfolding for several years. We even can say that in contrast with U.S. international policies including the ones in the Middle East, Russians don't like to improvise. Now, with the U.S. withdrawal in Syria, the reality becomes truly complex, perhaps too much for President Trump laking personal clout in this matters and also crucially laking competent potential advisors at hand. The Kurds may play a new role in the ref-flushing of the cards through an alliance with the Syrians and the Russians that may look to them at the end more reliable than U.S. Putin will want to prevent any direct confrontation with Erdogan, and for that matter the situation is instable, Erdogan wants his part in the cake, the fulfilment of his old Ottoman reflexes. And that's a very intimidating new card in the game.
DJT is incapable of shame. He is doing extreme damage to the global balance and giving millions of people into the power of autocratic dictators.
2
actually this is a victory for the syrian people. russia has the longstanding support from and cooperation of syria. it has been in their sphere of influence for decades. the united states was never invited in and our presence there was not asked for nor wanted. and now that syrians have seen first hand what american intervention has brought to their country, they are happy to have us out.
and as an american, i have to agree. there never should've have been any meddling with their affairs in the first place.
3
This is exactly why Putin wanted to interfere with our 2016 election. He knew Hillary was hawkish and that Trump would roll over and do whatever Putin wanted.
Putin is both evil and cunning. Trump is slightly better; he's merely evil.
5
Why is Turkey in NATO?
1
@winthropo muchacho - They will soon leave as will the American at Incirlik AFB. And just think-- Russia, Turkey , Syria and Iran as allies.
1
Before Erdogan Turkey was a fabulous country. It still is, the Turks are a marvelous people, except this maniacal authoritarian is ruining life in Turkey.
1
Can someone please let us know when Trump is giving back Alaska to Putin? The USA has diminished under Trump.
5
For the regular American, this doesn't really matter. Why do I care if Russia gets to roost in Syria. If that strokes Putin, well, whatever.
1
America is definitely the land of opportunity… for Putin.
2
For a guy who exclaims he's the greatest deal maker- this time his deal making helped our enemy, Russia. He didn't try and negotiate any details to help make explainable all the lives, money and time that's been lost for the USA and the Kurds.
1
When do you suppose the Republicans will figure out Trump is a traitor?
11
Trump supporters wear t-shirts that say "I'd rather be with Russia than Democrats" now. They won't care about this one bit. Thanks Fox News.
12
@Cindy Maybe we need to start a go fund me page to raise money for one way tickets to Russia for all his followers. That would end the political divide in this country and a return to democracy.
Hillary called it. Trump is Putin's puppet, and has been for some time now. Where is the outrage, Republicans? As long as you get your conservative judges and corporate tax breaks, you are happy to watch Trump burn the house down.
11
The photo for this article says it all: No seat at the table for the US. Expect to see more of the same in the future.
4
As always, the devil is in the details. In this case, two devils. How must the Kurdish people feel, that in the penultimate minute they are shanked by America, and the prize they had in their grasp is now in the hands of these two?
3
Years of pain, suffering, billions of dollars, and American soldiers who were wounded and who died were simply blown off as Trump kneeled to Putin. Trump is not a patriot. He is a thoughtless, man in a leadership position who could care less about this country.
9
Putin has won his first battle with the U.S. without firing a shot. He was so wise to help Trump win the election.
5
And Trump supporters are just fine with this.
3
In a matter of a few weeks one inept, corrupt, uninformed, mentally unstable person has changed the course of history. Of which the fallout will be felt for years to come.
He has to go. Now.
6
And what happens to the Kurdish civilians in all of this? They are already being forced to leave land that was theirs - well, that was before the genius Trump withdrew our forces and gave the dictator Erdogan the green light to start an ethnic cleansing. And Putin and al-Assad will be only too happy to allow.
These are American values now? Shameful.
2
So what was the right move?.Attack Turkey, a NATO member? Or.simply commit to stay in the region for how many years? 5, 25... forever?
1
...and Turkey is still part of NATO because...?
3
Oh! Look who’s in the photo on the far right: it’s Donald J. Trump’s friend, Sergei Lavrov, who was received in the White House, in May of 2017, shortly after James Comey was fired for not squashing the investigation into Russian meddling in our election. The photos were released by the Kremlin. Where are we as a country? I don’t recognize America anymore. My sadness knows no bounds.
6
We can assume that Trump's "deal" to leave Syria was part distraction from the impeachment process and part of the wish list from Putin to the Donald in exchange for who knows what.
So now we have Assad still at the Syrian helm with Turkey and Russia poised to expand their influence and consolidate power in the ME. Excellent. Where was Jared Kushner during all this, our master of Middle East peace? What did Ivana have to say about it, seeing as how she's the POTUS' closest advisor? Have these supremely intelligent individuals provided comments or explanations for this disaster?
According to Trump's puerile letter to Erdogan, it is now time for the US to destroy Turkey's economy but I imagine Trump, in his infinite wisdom, would respond by saying something like, "Let's wait until after thanksgiving."
I do hope that when this incredibly shameless and obviously unintelligent sheister finally gives up and leaves, his departure will be the best departure ever from the White House. No president could leave better than Trump could do it and it will be the largest leaving ever. Some people have said it will even be bigger than Miami Int'l Airport but those people have never been to Denver, I guess.
2
Is this sort of arrangement not addressed somewhere in the NATO rule book? What's Turkey really up to?
1
The sellout is complete. The future of Trump Towers Istanbul is assured. The Moscow edifice follows ASAP.
2
Absolutely nothing more satisfying than providing aid and comfort to your nation's enemies.
Get real. They are throwing rotten potatoes at departing U.S.soldiers. After providing sophisticated weapons to al-Qaeda rebels that destroyed Syria from one end to the other throughout the civil war everyone wants Washington to get out and stay out.
Stop the lies and get in touch with reality.
3
Make America Great Again - what a joke. Make Russia Great Again - that is Trump’s true agenda.
5
Trump has said his reasoning for pulling troops out of Syria was "to end endless wars" but I find it a bit pecular that he proceeded with this despite humongous pushback from his Republican coherts and while Putin stands to gain the most ground.
Anyone else find it odd that this happening right when Trump faces an impeachment inquiry and is losing ground in the polls? Smells like another implied quid pro quo, only this time to Russia. "I help you in Syria, you help me like you did in 2016".
2
Simplified balance sheet: Trump as Russian asset- 100/ Trump as American liability- 150 and Trump as net worth to America- (50)
1
Well, so much for the art of that deal.
1
This is what capitulation looks like.
1
The betrayal is now complete. When did we sink so low? Lost our moral compass, capitulate to a thugogracy? How much lower can this once great country sink? “Is it a waking dream? Do I wake or sleep?”
2
Definition of Treason
The betrayal of one's own country by waging war against it (or by consciously or purposely acting to aid its enemies)
Now who's committing Treason?
3
500-lb. gorilla? It’s called “the balance of power,” you dumbbells. We’re looking to you for incremental but steady progress on all foreign relations fronts, and you’re just not up to it.
1) Kick Turkey out of NATO, and sanction Erdogan and his cabal as severely as possible;
2) Place Russians financial institution's membership in the SWIFT system on moratorium;
3) Sanction the wealthiest 2,500-3,000 Russian government officials and "private" citizens;
4) Start building LNG terminals on the East Coast, and tell the Europeans that we will sell to them at 90% of whatever the Russians have on offer.
Oh wait. We can't do that with a Russian aset in the Oval office.
Nevermind all that. JUST VOTE BLUE IN 2020.
5
So, wait, we essentially just stepped out of the way and allowed Russia to take a leadership role? Mission Accomplished: Make Russia Great Again.
Republicans are allowing this. Republicans are the enemy of the people and we must meet and counter them anywhere, everywhere. Fire them if you employ them. Divorce them if you're married to them. Break up with them if you're dating them.
6
MRGA. What the hats should've said.
2
Boy, we're tired of winning.
3
So predictable.
Trump is the best thing to happen to Putin in decades.
Shameful.
2
Thank you Mr Trump for ending America’s greatness abroad
1
Trump greased the rails for his BFF Putin. What does Putin have on Trump? Trump is afraid of Putin and sells out democracy and human decency to save himself, and why?
The Republican party, the strongest ally the Russians ever had.
This was always a "Make Russia Great Again" campaign. Shame on Republicans!
This may be the clearest indication that trump acted as a flunky to Putin during the entirety of his presidency. And it comes with the wholesale slaughter of the Kurds, our great allies in the war against ISIS. Literal blood on the hands of the president and his supporters and thus a stain on our nation forever. After this disgrace in Syria and today's testimony of William Taylor, trump should just resign. He can whine his whine that they're all lying against him (his appointees included) and that he can't govern. I would support him telling this one final lie to the nation so long as he leaves the White House. I certainly hope he loves Florida as much as he says: one way or another, once he leaves office, he'll be holed up there for the rest of his days.
6
The Kurds just got backstabbed twice. First we backstabbed them upon the instructions of Erdogan, who as it turns out, has been plotting with Putin all along. Then the Kurds turn to Assad, a Russian ally, for protection from Turkey. Then Turkey cuts a deal with Russia to carve up northern Syria. The Kurds are left abandoned again.
Once the Russian troops move in, this takeover is done. We are not going to go to war with Russia over Syria. Putin to Trump: check and mate.
This entire affair was not a spontaneous unfolding of events that just happened on its own and Russia took advantage of it. It had been expertly planned by all parties involved. The linchpin that had to be removed was Trump giving the order to immediately withdraw. That order allowed this sequence of events to flow.
So Mr. Trump. Why did you withdraw our troops? As fast and as effectively as events have played out in less than one week's time, it sure doesn't look good for you.
6
Is it now time to unlock those other transcripts of Trump's calls with other leaders. All of them.
15
Waiting for a tweet stating that this worked out 'brilliantly,' just as trump planned it.
7
The clever bit in Russia's approach to the Syria situation was to get involved at the side of the actual government. That this is abysmal isn't really an issue (and, truth be told, it is more than slightly disingenuous of the USA to protest this, having backed Somoza and countless other right-wing thugs in Latin America and still backing the likes of MBS in Saudi-Arabia). It makes Russia an "official and invited" participant, recognized by international law.
The US chose to support a selection of disparate "resistance groups", who can't even agree among themselves on the future they want for Syria. And, obviously, the decision of abandoning the Kurds has been duly noted by any and all who rely on the USA for (military) support. They now know what these promises are worth and may decide that Russia (or China or, why not, India) offer a safer bet.
This will not be easy to redress.
3
Donald Trump just handed our allies to our enemies. If that doesn’t warrant his removal from office, I don’t know what does...
8
Since when do ethnic minorities get all the same sovereign rights as nations? The US sort of brought this mess on itself when it contracted out its war against ISIS to Kurdish mercenaries. Bad as Assad is he’s at least a bona fide head of state which the Russians acknowledged. Obama had his chance to deal with Assad but he and Kerry chose to punt and now Russia has the ball.
2
trump should be held accountable--even by his repub base--for diminishing the strength of our country by aiding and abetting Russia. If ever there was a blinking example of it, this is it.
3
This all falls onto the feet of the Republicans. They had a chance to defeat this charlatan in the primaries, but they failed to see anything but the final prize. They had numerous chances to stop him in Congress, but they failed to see past party advantage. They still have the chance to oust him via impeachment trial.
When will country come before party, Republicans?
7
@Jeff K America deserves Trump after rejecting Romney in 2012. Democrats called Romney racist, anti-woman, anti-gay, etc; which made these charges meaningless against future candidates.
Was the last 4 years of Obama's presidency really worth it, or would you rather be in the second term of President Romney?
1
We are about to find out if Arabs are as angered by Russian and Turkish encroachment on "their" territory as they are by the non-Arab Jewish presence in Israel.
Turkish chauvinism historically has been a problem not just for Armenians, Greeks, and Kurds. It's also been a HUGE problem for Arabs, since it was the Ottoman Turks who ruled over most Arabs for more than half a millennium until World War I.
2
So what does Trump get instead of Syria? Prove that and we have conclusive Quid Pro Quo.
Victory for Putin?
No not at all.
It was a Gift from Trump.
One that should be thoroughly explored.
6
Well done Pres. Trump. Making America Weak in the eyes of our allies and enemies. MAW, it’s the 2020 Trump election slogan!
5
When are the Republicans in the US Senate and US House going to reign in this thoughtless and very dangerous man. It is time to end this Twitter Presidency.
2
So is this what it looks like when the world stops laughing at us as it supposedly did with Barack Obama?
We are nothing under Trump, I’m in Spain doing the Camino meeting people from around the world and they all feel disdainful of our country as if is now. Trump always says Patton is rolling over in his grave, well he and so many others are now.
I’m tired of this kind of winning.
2
Our military surrender here will haunt us for years.
What a disgraceful act of leadership.
2
And the GOP will still back him on everything else...
3
Please, Assad was never going to hold hands with the U.S. He's cozied up to Russia for years, and nothing this, or any, Administration did was going to change that. Assad, his father, the Sauds, Erdogan...they're all tyranical strongmen who follow their own paths. It's the Americans who are outliers in the Middle East. And we've been paying for it ever since Sirhan Sirhan shot Bobby Kennedy.
1
There you have it. The selling of an American Presidency along with America's integrity. It was payback time for a compromised Trump. Right there for everyone to see. Trump failed to make his case for Ukraine interference, not Russian, in the 2016 election with his sidekick, Giuliani, so he handed over Kurdish lives, and their fledgling democracy. Wake up Republicans.
5
And trump called this a "brilliant strategic decision." Oh, I see; he was speaking as a Russian asset. Brilliant it is.
2
One can only pray that this is not about Trump courting Putin's help for both 2020 and a Trump Tower Moscow.
@Charley Mitchell Of course, it is. We should pray that God gives us a miracle and changes enough repub senators' loyalty to country over party.
4
From a foreign policy standpoint, Trump has abdicated America's interests in peace and stability and done Russia and Turkey's work for them. From an immediate national security standpoint, risking the release of ISIS power back into the world is giving aid and comfort to an enemy. That's treason. Both should alarm Americans of any ideology. Trump does not serve America.
5
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
3
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
I suggest the picture with House speaker Pelosi pointing her finger at the President with the following caption. " All Roads Lead to Putin ". The House speaker brilliantly captures the essence of what the President has done to this country for the past 3 years.
This picture with the caption should be posted in every Federal, State and City buildings to remind all of us what is actually going on. If not now, I am confident that it will be done in the future.
3
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
all of which proves that encouraging authoritarians around the world while simultaneously abandoning international agreements and allies is self destructive. we are at the beginning of a long period of instability no matter who is in the Oval Office in January 2021.
If you need an example of the power of the USA, just note how the removal of a few thousand troops forced almost 300,000 people to leave Northern Syria, adding to the huge numbers of refugees fleeing for their lives all over the world. Don’t worry though, 18,000 of them can come here next year. Trump has so much to answer for it’s difficult to even list his crimes. He should be sitting in the dock at The Hague. Waiting to see who Trump blames for this one.
5
@Rmski77 don't forget the millions of refugees created by HRC and Obama.
Enough already. Trump's finances MUST be released to Congress for investigation. Trump must be either openly exposed OR exonerated as financially tied to Turkey and Russia and god knows who else.
Blindly keeping Trump in power another year is extremely dangerous to world order and our national security.
5
Not since the end of WWII has the United States betrayed its ideals so thoroughly and completely as it has under the Trump administration. All around the world tyranny and totalitarianism is on the rise, marching unchecked over freedom and liberty.
Trump has achieved his goal. He will be remembered throughout the ages. He's a modern day Nero, a 21st Century Chamberlain, the present day Quisling.
MAGA - Making Autocracy Great Again.
3
Shocking, we have a president elected with the help of Russian influence who just sold out our allies and helped Russia increase it's influence.
1
What is the end game here? It is clear Trump is thumbing his nose at Congress and the Constitution daring to be impeached because he is sure Senate Republicans will acquit him. Is the end game voting him out in 2020?
2
This is very simple. We surrendered to Russia, because they asked.
The self proclaimed "nationalist" who values cozying up to thugs and dictators in lieu of implementing anything resembling a coherent foreign policy anywhere in the world is now pulling the isolationist covers over his head so that he can address matters at home - infrastructure, tax reform, social justice, health care, climate control, trade and tariff issues, yes? Nope, afraid not Trump will wash his hands of these petty items and concerns, instead tweet and rant about the injustice of the impeachment witch-hunt and reminding all what a great job he is doing. In the meantime he has destabilized the Middle East a la Bush et al., probably has facilitated the reemergence of ISIS, and put a big bullseye on the American military in that unpredictable region. The Chinese, Russians, North Koreans, Saudis, Turks and Syrians (friends all) smirk at yet another tragic but predictable Trump foray.
2
Speaker Pelosi’s powerful statement to Trump,” With you, everything leads to Putin” runs as the theme of many of the NYT’s extraordinary articles these past few days clarifying Trump’s catastrophic mess in Syria and the consequences unfolding throughout the Middle East.
Three images will haunt me forever: the Russians taking photos in former US bases, Trump’s “ The Kurds didn’t help us at Normandy”, and the above photo of Putin and Erdogan carving up Syria.
The shame and horror.
5
I suspect this plan was exactly what Putin told Trump he needed to do. Thank you President of the United States of Russia, you have proven yourself as patriotic to America as any of Putin's henchmen would be.
3
The Great Negotiator, just look what he done for foreign affairs more worried about his and his family self interest.
Just what has he gotten from all those countries in his bid for quid pro quo on all foreign policy.
1
Putin drew up a play and ordered Trump to execute his part - the withdrawal of US Troops from Syria. Once Trump completed his play, Erdogan of Turkey did his part to occupy Syrian land. The completion of the grand plan was this meeting between Erdogan and Putin. Viola! Russia gains influence and a foothold in the Middle East - a long standing goal.
I step back and marvel at the genius of the strategy. All that was needed was a Russian asset named Donald J. Trump POTUS. Wow Putin appears to be the "stable genius" DJT talked about. What a play!!!
5
@El Guapo I am not a Trump supporter but how do you think Putin executed this play? How did he tell Trump what to do so - where is the evidence for this?
I think we should refrain from making accusations without evidence. We could make some inferences as Pelosi did, and note the correlation between Trump's actions and Putin's desires, but correlation isn't causation.
1
@RamS Do you remember the meeting the Russians had with trump in the White House--with no other American present--soon after the electoral college reluctantly had to choose him, and the meeting with Putin with no American interpreters, just Russians?
Doesn't that make you question where his loyalty lies at least a little?
4
Why is this article about whether Russian or American influence is greater in Syria? The relevant concern for a morally guided person should be what state of affairs is best for the Syrian people. I see little to no discussion of that issue in this Cold War-style coverage.
2
Arming/supporting PKK (archenemy of Turkey) against a long-term NATO ally (Turkey) wasn't such a great idea after all, as it just got certified.
3
This will be the moment that is described as the beginning of the end. This is the moment an American president with no regard for the rule of law, and who could have been removed for being unfit for office within months of taking it, tilted the world order in favor of autocratic despots and murderers. History will judge Trump harshly for betraying the Kurds, but the real blame for this atrocity belongs to the Republican party, who did NOTHING to stop him before he did real harm.
I have never felt so ashamed to be an American.
3
All tweet leads to Putin. Our very stable got totally our played by the pros again. let's see the spin tweets on how perfect this is....
2
Trump is losing it. Too much pressure. I mean he never had it but well. He is a diplomatic nightmare. I read his letter to Erdogan and after laughing a few seconds his dangerous banality struck me. I'm thinking about Hannah Arendt. The banality of evil. I hope this president does not define the new normal in public perception.
2
Trump has given away our power, in the Middle East and around the world.
"America First" is really "America Last."
The most powerful man in America is now Vladimir Putin.
2
I think Trump's troop withdrawal was hastened on instructions of his handler. Putin saw the possibility of impeachment and asked Trump to deliver the goods before that ever took place.
2
A victory? If that’s a victory then I am sure glad we lost. Having shared control over a wasteland. Spending endless dollars trying to police people that have waged endless war for thousands of years. What a victory!
4
As long as Trump doesn't beef up our military deployments elsewhere in the region, we could save some money by letting Putin have this mess. But I'm sure we will see no "peace dividend" from this small troop and hardware withdrawal. The hawks in Congress will clamor until we invade another country to fight ISIS, change a regime and reassert our manly power. I have no love for Donald Trump but I also have no love for those who put our soldiers in harm's way and drain our treasury for hopeless causes.
1
So much for those bumper-stickers showing an American flag beside the words "These colors don't run." Go back to the article and look at the picture of US military vehicles flying US flags as they abandon Kurdistan. Under Trump, those colors run. Look at them go!
5
Was it really Erdogans idea of asking Donald for a favor or was it worlds best pokerplayer Putin? Ending up in being the dealer with Donald leaving the table with two aces. How otherwise can it be explained that Erdogan is already in Moscow to discuss control of Syria?
3
Russia and Turkey talk about how they will divide up Syria. Russia and Hungary talk about how they would like to divide up Ukraine. After Trump pulls the USA out of the TPP China gets to decide the rules of trade in the pacific. All around, America's influence in the world is waning.
5
This turn of events is heart wrenching, but a foregone conclusion at this point. Two undemocratic strongmen have agreed to do away with what could have been a Democratic Kurdish State. A state that the Kurds were led to hope they could have, and which they expended 11,000 lives to achieve, at the same time beating back the scourge of ISIS, to the benefit of the whole world.
This Turkish invasion was all set up by another undemocratic strongman, Donald Trump. Without the withdrawal of our troops, Erdogan would never have dared to go against a NATO ally with the world’s strongest military. The world is being transformed right before our disbelieving eyes. If Trump cheats his way to a win in the next election, the United States I was born in in 1946, and believed in all my life, will cease to exist in all but name.
7
I have begun to wonder whether dismantling NATO was part of what Trump discussed with Putin in those private meetings we know nothing about. Perhaps Trump blithely agreed to help destroy the European Union. After all, what’s it to him?
4
Americans are not good at long term planning. They prefer quick fixes and instant cures. So we got one by running away from the Middle East.
Couple that with it’s tendency to prefer isolationism and neutrality and we should become our own hermit kingdom.
103
@Aristotle, a quick fix or the immature whim of a thoroughly unqualified leader would rather impress foreign dictators than the country whose minority elected him?
30
@Aristotle
Americans did not run away--Trump did.
32
@Aristotle Ask your Russia how Afghanistan worked out...we are there...still...
7
Welcome to the new world order.
5
It turns out 'get our troops out' meant 'get them out of Putin's way,' relocate them to Iraq...and commit trench betrayal on our allies...what a traitor to the US.
8
"In Syria, both Mr. Putin and Mr. Erdogan see opportunity in Mr. Trump’s sudden withdrawal this month of American forces in the country. "
They see opportunity? They ordered our withdrawal. What in the world do you think was in that phonecall with Erdogan right before Trump announced it?
Trump is handing our country's leadership position over to Putin? Why? Let's see those financial records.
6
Was Syria Trump’s birthday gift to Putin?
6
Thanks, Republicans.
9
Sept. 2016 - Trump: "Russia, if you are listening, hack Hillary's emails."
Nov. 2016 - Trump looses the popular vote by a lot but barely wins the electoral college...
2018 - Ukraine Scandal Triggers Impeachment Inquiry --- Trump Withdraws Troops from Syria, in what seems like a distraction to shift attention away from the proceedings.
Oct. 2018 - Russian Trolls increase activity attacking Biden.
Oct. 2018 - Russia takes control of part of Syria, after Trump withdraws US troops.
No Quid Pro Quo? Again? Both times? Baloney!
Wake up people! Trump has been bought twice over and the Russians are collecting. Republican Senators are letting this happen with their silence. Treason!
11
Congratulations Trump and GOP-enablers...you snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. You deserve the shame but I pray you won't have American blood on you, as well...
Russia and ISIS won.
6
Our President is either a fool or a traitor. Either way, he’s got to go. Impeach, convict, remove. Donald’s done.
11
What a tiny intellect we have in the White House.
8
another gift from Trump to Putin...
11
All roads lead to Russia
11
"Moscow's emergence as a powerful player in the Middle East" should not come as a surprise. That was the reason for Putin to help put Trump in the White House, as shown by the very first phone conversation after the election between the two, following which Russian planes carpet-bombed Aleppo. Trump serves Russian interests. Even if he could not as yet remove sanctions on Putin's cronies and Russia, he could at least give Putin a win in Syria. And also serve Erdogan's ambitions, thus paying back favors for his business interests in Turkey.
4
Do you think he is playing chess? He can’t play checkers. I don’t think he is that smart. The people behind him are the ones to look at for self dealing and treason.
@William McMillan trump is certainly not intelligent, but he does have the smarts of a conman. he certainly knows how to cheat--and, he seems to be taking every opportunity to do so at our expense.
He can't help himself. It is who he is and has always been.
2
Republican Senators, Congressmen, and other Pro-Trump politicians need to worry a lot considering their own future in USA after Trump is successfully impeached or defeated in election (even after 2nd term, hopefully not).
Putin's hand is becoming clearer in many crucial decisions made by Trump. It seems to be Russia that forced Trump to abandon the Kurds and American national interest. And it's not just Syria or Kurds or few isolated issues. Trump's pattern of decision making on many issues including the main reason for his ongoing impeachment, i.e. his Ukraine affair, also strengthen that suspicion.
5
President Obama never said he was sending troops into Syria to maintain our hegemony over the middle east. Russian was already on the ground in Syria when President Obama sent our troops in. The mission was defeat ISIS, that mission has been achieved.
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Valid, but then again, all of the isis fighters detained escaped, so maybe not.
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@Mkm That mission has not been achieved. ISIS is still active in Syria, and even if it is a far less potent force, it can now rebound. Why? No more U.S. Air strikes! A diminished SDF, and no more U.S. intel. ISIS is now regrouping in Iraq, and there are plenty of Iraqi Sunnis opposed to the Shia government. They can now move across the border and set up shop again.
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really?where are the 10, 000 ISIS prisoners that the Kurds were guarding. Have not heard that Asaad or the Russians are interested in guarding them?
How many economic opportunities, as well as straight, cold cash did trump receive for this giveaway? What contacts did he have with Putin? How is he benefiting from this arrangement? All questions the media and Congress need to pursue immediately.
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As China and Russia continue to exert themselves globally by expanding their trade and military influence, each going to their own strengths, Trump continues to lead our retreat from the global stage. American can never be great as an isolationist country, morally or economically, while other powers replace us.
We do have potential to become that quaint country that used to make a difference.
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The irony is that after years of placing too many US troops in harms way we found a strategy that worked - that of supporting local forces with minimal exposure using small numbers of special forces as well as US intelligence technology and air power - and then abandoned it because of the mistakes of the past
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I feel sad for the citizens of all these countries. Turkey is okay but the others - man, they can't even call their leader names (yes, I think free speech is valuable, as are most freedoms we in the west take for granted).
These dictatorships need to go. No government should exist without the consent of the governed.
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@RamS
Our freedom of speech that is guaranteed in the Constitution makes it possible to criticize our "leader" as much as we want without reprisal. At least for the time being.
If traitor trump is re-elected we just might lose that freedom. trump will try his best to repeal that first amendment. Along with freedom of the press. In fact, he might try to trash the Constitution completely. He doesn't care about it now. And, being as his crooked minions in the senate are afraid to call him on anything he might be successful.
I'm not a religious person but I am praying for our once great country.
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And just like that, the Russian asset -- vain, ignorant, greedy, amoral, and in life-threatening debt to his handlers -- flips the American position in Southwest Asia from influence to irrelevance. And the Republican Party stands by, content to betray the American experiment to keep its short-term hold on power.
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@Witness
Do you think we will ever learn what Putin
has on Trump?
Trump's sudden withdrawal of American troops in Syria, and the immediate aftermath of that action, does have him looking like Putin's agent. Like the withdrawal was made to give Syria to Russia.
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@Tonyp152 Russia was already in Syria...before American troops
@Tonyp152 Putin is welcome to Syria! Assad will be asking for many billions of rubles to rebuild and maintain and Putin doesn't have it. The economy will remain in free fall for a decade or so while the Syrians lick their war wounds, and only Iran and Russia have the money to help and they're strapped. Assad will still have jihadi groups to stomp on for quite awhile, and he can't do that without Russia. If Putin stays and spends money his popularity back home will suffer.
I'm not sure why all of the blame is placed on the U.S. Where's the support from the other 29 NATO countries and the rest of Europe? Why have they not participated in supporting the Kurds? When Turkey, a NATO country, requested support from the U.S. against Syrian forces, we said no. Why are we blaming the U.S. for turning its back on the Kurds but not on Turkey, one of our greatest allies in the region who helped us immensely in our fight to destroy ISIS?
There is a lot more to this story than the simple blame Trump theme.
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I don’t think the article blames Trump. It is simply analyzing the effect of the actions we have taken of late. We have put ourselves out there as a force to be reckoned with and now we are withdrawing. It has nothing to do with what others will do. It’s only looking at what we’ve done.
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The question is about American influence not NATO influence. It was in Americas self interest to be in that region. We gotta keep looking to Europe to take care of our business. There is a price for all the benefits US gets for it's global dominance and one of them is military presence through out the world.
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Are we leaders, or are we not leaders? Supposed patriots scream about being the best country in the world, but don’t seem to want to acknowledge how that comes with responsibilities. That is how small minded tyrants think.
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I have come to the realization that Trump is not incompetent as many believe. I believe he is doing exactly what he intends. To understand what he is doing, we must look at him through a new lens. A lens of revenge. We know that he holds grudges and will exact revenge on those who have wronged him. For years American banks would not lend him money (he gets his money from Russian banks); he also has mostly been denied the recognition he believes he is due by the press and the larger elite business circles. With these things in mind, it seems clear that what Trump is doing is exacting revenge on America by destroying our institutions, our international relations, and the values we Americans hold dear. It is stunning to think this, but this is the same approach he has used against individuals who have wronged him. He is destroying America because America has not given him what he craves.
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What a disastrous outcome for what has been America as a leader in promoting stability and humanitarian values since the end of WWII.
Impotent rage is what I interpret from comments here. Do we realize how much is being broken and how difficult it will be to restore it? We live among Americans who cheer this destruction and they'll turn out at Trump's next rally. They may reelect him too. Democrats offering pipe dream programs as a response. Makes no sense.
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Who could have guessed that Trump would usher in a new era of hospitality and friendship among eastern European and middle-eastern nations? Surely NOW he deserves a Nobel for his efforts!
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@caroI s
Yup, a political Ig Nobel prize.
Chickened out, destroyed our bases and killed our friends does not sound like a winning formula to win any prize.
Putin is slowly but surly surrounding Turkey.
On her East, Armenia with a russian base there
On her south, Syria with Russian base there In Latakia
On her north, Crimea
Only Turkey’s West remains free of Russian military assets, for now.
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@New World This situation is not new; Russia tries to surround Turkey (once Ottoman Empire) since hundreds of years. The latest attempt was at the end of WWII: Russia wanted officially to take control over Bosphorus and Dardanelles. Thanks to US, battleship Missouri was sent to Istanbul to stop Russian agression.
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I would be fine with Russia gobbling up the oil. Too much of America policy and war has been devoted to it and we could lead and do better. But if this plays out all it means is that US companies will do more ruinous fracking.
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@Erich Richter With many alternatives sprouting, oil will go the way of the gaslight and horse and buggy.
Well, let's see. Turkey has at various times in the last 150 years tried to wipe out the Greeks, the Armenians, and the Kurds -- and yet NATO wanted them in.
In the 20th century, Russian exterminated about 20 million of its own citizens.
Whatever one might think of the Western world's wars, suffice to say that Russia and Turkey are natural partners -- whom for many years now we have been trying to keep apart, and for good reason.
Congratulations, Mr. Trump. The man is consummately corrupt.
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@B. Russia and Turkey/Ottoman Empire were never natural partners; on the contrary! On the other hand, there are 8-10 million Kurds living in Turkey peacefully, as well as thousands of Greeks and Armenians. If you talking about terrorists, it's another issue.
@B. Russia and Turkey/Ottoman Empire were never natural partners; on the contrary!
Trump often calls his many accusers, criminal investigations and impeachment hearings a witch-hunt.
He hit it right on the nose.
Only a witch could cast a spell over some in Congress that he is not working directly for Russia’s geopolitical interests instead of America’s national security.
Only a witch could cause some in Congress to ignore the plain fact that he has consistently tried to enrich himself and his family members at the trough of the US Treasury, or through trading cash for America’s national interests.
Only a witch could shut the eyes, ears, you get and brains of so many in his party in Congress to his fawning over global dictators, his calls for foreign election manipulation, and his utter failure to stand up for America’s allies.
A witch-hunt is an appropriate term for demagogic cult-leader with evil powers transforming otherwise sensible people.
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Please explain to me how America is being made great again when we have little influence in the world, our allies no longer can count on us to keep our word or honestly interact with them, and we are being turned inward by Trump and his sycophants.
He thinks doing nothing but withdrawing is a policy .. and it is .. but one that does not seem to be working.
Climate control, emissions, health care . . so many areas that he has turned the country backward instead of forward facing.
Of course, this keeps him from having to listen, learn, analyze, consider possibilities, hear opposing opinions .. in other words, being a responsible President and doing his job.
Spending our money flying him and his family to Trump hotels and around the world chasing business is not helping anyone but Trump and his family. They are having a great time!
Trying to undo everything that President Obama did will prove to be Trump's pit that he, himself, falls into.
His mean girls, green-eyed envy must keep him(selves) up at night .. Sad!!!
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@Mamma's child
It is clear to the world that Putin and Russia have outsmarted Trump by way of compliments.
It is a dangerous game.
Putin ( an Ex-KGB cold war agent) compliments Trump and gets whatever he wants.
For some strange reason Trump isn't allowed to challenge Russia.
Donald J. Trump is a security risk to the United States.
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@Mamma's child
I'll explain; having influence or intervening the countries that 7000 miles away from you, does not make you great.
The people you called "allies" are bunch of terrorist group. What U.S have done is nothing but making two terrorists fight.
Can you even realize that large group of mexican rebels claims southern part of U.S, they ambushes your soldiers and when you try to stop them, Russia says "Hey, don't kill our Mexican allies, they are fighting the X terrorist that we found." No, right? This is the emperialism that we cannot bear anymore.
Other things about you say about environment and Trump's life, I'm agree with you.
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@Mamma's child America;3rd rate power now. We turn our backs on allies; let them die. Treaties?We tear them up. Trust? Gone. Vote Republican for five more years of this.
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Syria, it's what Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence handed to Turkey and Russia, on a silver tray.
Call it what it is - an illegal land by Turkey, an influence grab by Russia, well-greased and facilitated by the United States.
I certainly would not want to live in Israel right now.
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@organic farmer Turkey and Russia were in Syria before President Obama sent our troops in. Your theory does not add up.
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The Russians have played Trump like a violin. They poisoned him against Ukraine probably also hinting how to use them to get Biden now they’ve used him to abandon the Kurds and expand their influence and control over Syria and the Middle East.
The winner in all of Trump’s bungling foriegn policy or whatever you call it is Putin.
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I am surprised Trump did not attend this party. This is Trump's crew.
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@M. Jones
They don't need him any more. He has already served his purpose.
Trump certainly owes his presidency to conservative Christians, and he has consistently moved along their agenda in domestic policy. Analysts seem to miss the fact that these Christians also have a "foreign policy" agenda that is, perhaps, even more important to them, and it centers on the Middle East.
There are a number of variations, but they all seem to include several constants. First was the "return" of the Jews to the ME and the "miraculous" establishment of the state of Israel. The Trump administration is moving this along by recognizing Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel, and recognizing that the West Bank and the Golan are a part of and enlarged Israel. At some point in the near future a large army is expected to descend on Israel from the north/northeast with the purpose of finally destroying Israel. This army *as I recall( is led by the "Antichrist" and battle is joined with the Israeli army at Armageddon. That will turn out to be a nasty affair that heralds the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to rescue Israel.
If one looks at a map, it is fair to speculate that the American troops pulled out of Syria would have stood in the way of such a "demonic" army. Trump who has been told, and now apparently believes that he is God's "anointed" may simply be moving American troops out of the way, in preparation for "the End". It makes perfect sense if one buys into "end time prophecy."
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