Holding back military aid for Ukraine, not supporting Syrian Kurds are all recent Trump actions that benefit Russia.
Last night I was at Maggie Haberman's talk at Cal Performances in Berkeley, Ca. She spoke mostly about her long experience covering Trump. If I had a chance, I would have asked her if she had any idea what drives Trump's peculiar attachment to Putin. Is it purely transactional or is there something in Trump's personal history that contributes to this devotion.
To me, Trump acts with dog like devotion to Putin. If I believed in reincarnation, I would say Trump was once a dog owned by Putin. However, I have no proof of reincarnation, so I'm left still wondering.
31
Read “Collusion” by Luke Harding. He poses that Trump is compromised by Putin after being lured by KGB prostitutes (Red Sparrows) to a hotel room and filmed before he was elected President. That’s why they favored Trump to win, as they could control his actions to their benefit. The Russians have film on any rich businessman who stayed in hotels in Russia, to be later used to tame potential enemies.
10
So let me get this straight. Republicans object to Trump pulling out of Syria, but are fine with Trump openly asking foreign countries to investigate his political opponent thereby interfering with our elections, with Trump abusing his powers as President to get foreign countries to interfere in our elections.
That’s today’s Republican Party.
1975
@MCNewJersey, the republicans will complain perhaps but they will do nothing. Their fealty is now to Trump not the United States.
70
@MC
If Trump gets impeached, McConnell deserves no less, what with inventing Senate rules that benefit only the GOP.
65
@MC
Be patient, MC, and respect McConnell's long game. Give the the Senate just a little bit longer to stack the judiciary irremediably with conservative zealots —and then you can do what you will.
At that point, all the fire exits to liberal democracy will be bolted and impassable.
46
This is what happens when you have someone in power that has no idea of the situation in any part of the world other than his golf courses. He has no policy. The only thing he sees are dollar signs, but has no connection between the money and the protection of the US, which is the result of supporting allies.
977
@BigFootMN
A legend in his own mind.
13
@BigFootMN
Trump has a policy. It is whatever Putin tells him it is.
16
@BigFootMN
Great post, Trump has no coherent foreign policy, he is confused and unmoored from reality.
12
Trump sounds just like a deranged dictator, and his message to any (are you listening Republicans?) like our staunchest, most effective, and most loyal allies in the region who helped defeat ISIS--the Kurds--is "loyalty" is to me, not to you. And his comment, that "if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” smacks of the irrational, unhinged narcissistic grandiosity that should be of grave concern to the Republicans who keep defending and supporting him as well as the nation and the world.
2689
Only if the dictator lacks testosterone.
10
@Paul Wortman - that he says things like this and doesn’t realize how insane and ridiculous he sounds indicates that he is truly unwell. The fact that he is that disturbed and has unfettered power is immensely frightening.
242
@Paul Wortman "smacks of the irrational, unhinged narcissistic grandiosity that should be of grave concern to the Republicans" - well said. However, I would say this is proof that the poor man is stark raving mad. I find this truly alarming.
176
At what point are people going to realize that Trump does not and cannot anticipate the consequences of his decisions and actions, nor does he care what damage he causes by whatever he decides to do?
Maybe Trump is too lazy or lacks the imagination to do so; or he is suffering from cognitive declines and possible dementia; or he has a personality disorder (e.g., psychopathy, sociopathy) that prevents him from contemplating or caring about the risks of his impetuous decisions ahead of time before damage is done. Perhaps it is all of the above.
I am pretty sure our allies realize Trump's decision-making skills are unencumbered by solid information and wise advice, and are impulsive and reckless, if not sinister, since our allies and the treaties and accords signed by the U.S. government have been trashed by President Trump.
The Big question is: For what reason is one man, President Donald J. Trump abandoning our long-standing allies to ally himself, and therefore our nation, with world leaders who are authoritarian and do not wish the Untied States well?
The second Big question is: When is the lock-step Trump-Republican Party going to break with our authoritarian outlaw President Trump, so the United States can be trusted again?
The third Big question is: Do these avid Trump supporters even understand what is going on with Trump and the damage he is causing at a worldwide level? Or are they so nihilistic and anarchistic that they, like Trump. also do not care?
1575
@PB You raise valid concerns, all relevant. But, this may be a distracting gambit. Getting this lunatic out of office it the most reasonable thing for us to do, and we need to focus on that. It is obscene how easy it is for him to get away with this behavior, not to mention the destruction of the Constitution.
73
@PB Trump supporters are either (i) a cult whose leader can do no wrong, (ii) Repub politicians up for reelection, or (iii) both.
60
@PB , The answer to the first Big Question is easy: Mr. Trump is concerned only with his re-election next year. He promised his followers to get the U.S. out of foreign wars. This is a foreign war. Period. Kurdish allies? Promises made? The U.S. reputation in the world? Who cares, as long as Mr. Trump's re-election is assured?
50
Most assuredly, Trump has performed EXACTLY as Vladimir Putin asked him to perform. I guess only history will eventually provide the details of the dark corners of the Trump/Putin relationship. I hope I live that long enough to find out what evil lurks in the hearts of these two.
1387
@explorer08 History will also provide the names of all the republican lawmakers who supported him.
40
Regardless of whether we find out while we’re here on Earth, or on the other side, we’re gonna find out. I don’t envy trump’s judgement day one bit.
17
@explorer08 It is called money. Lots of money. Lots and lots.
25
This is their line in the sand?!?
They will tolerate collusion with enemy nations, dismantling our international trade dominance, hush money to porn stars, 12,000 lies in three years, insulting our allies while comforting our adversaries, encouraging illegal hacking by a foreign nation and then obstructing the investigation, disrespecting, demoralizing and throwing doubt at our armed forces and intelligence communities, using the office to personally profit in about a hundred different ways, normalizing white nationalism, and taking the Presidential bully pulpit right into the gutter including personally insulting their fathers, wives and families....
but backing off Syria is an intolerable step too far?
3006
@JSD Agree. They are finally speaking out against him on this, but will they actually DO anything? That's what I'm waiting to see.
153
@JSD Could this be the "military-industrial complex" pushing back at isolationist tendencies? A war or two going on here and there means real money to some.
97
@JSD Nah...They'll cave next week.
81
Any time Trump does something unexpected and universally reviled like this sudden abandonment of our Kurdish allies, I just ask myself WWPW -- What would Putin Want? Short answer: Putin wants this, yes, it sets him up as the king-maker in the region.
Also interesting how inflamed the Republicans get when Trump does something he has every right to do as President, but when he breaks the law, again asking foreign countries to interfere in elections, the most you get out of them is Mitch McConnell's "laughable." So, jeopardizing their Defense PAC contributions is of grave concern, but law-breaking is OK by them. Disgusting.
2783
@Brannon Perkison
How can we Americans who see Trump as a traitor in alliance with Russia, reach/talk with/unite with Americans who voted for him, and even those who still support Trump?
That is the only question. Until we solve that, it doesn't make too much difference how horried we are about Trump's views and high crimes.
How can we reach out to Trump voters to give them the facts of what we know and believe, and try to undertand why they still support him? Only then can we have a dialogue that will enable this country to rein in Trump.
54
@Brannon Perkison And today just happens to be Putin's birthday.
82
@Brannon Perkison
My thoughts exactly. He isn't just abandoning our allies, he is acting against those that are helping to contain Isis and the Islamic state. What ever happened to the war on terror and our national security? Wasn't the (despicable and wrong-headed) muslim ban supposed to be about the war on terror? So now that the dictators he admires so much want something, he abandons our defense and just hands it over.
And you took the words right out of my mouth regarding the Republicans. Wow! No problem tearing our constitution apart and asking foreign countries to attack our elections. Obstruction, no problem. Emoluments, no problem. Ignoring oversight of coequal branch, no problem. Violating the whistle-blower law, no problem. Calling duly elected representatives doing their constitutional duty traitors, no problem. Disgusting indeed!
69
Trump could not demonstrate more plainly that he is an incompetent commander-in-chief. How can Republicans in Congress support him? This is way beyond partisan gutter-fighting. We have a dangerous, ignorant fool in charge of our military and foreign policy, and he should be removed for the good of the nation and the world. Republicans—my fellow Americans—where is the line?
1598
@Ludlow
Yeah, right.
George W. Bush survived calls for impeachment and was elected to a second term, even though his administration resorted to torture (international war crime) and its claims of WMDs proved to be completely cooked up. President Obama expanded Bush's 2 wars into seven, and his drone strikes in the Middle East killed 90% civilians – and US citizens in Yemen, including a 16-year-old boy.
But Trump calling to withdraw from our ILLEGAL participation in the conflict in Syria, a conflict WE started, makes Trump "a dangerous, ignorant fool in charge of our military and foreign policy".
I wonder what you think of the previous two guys that got us entangled there in the first place.
Despite all of Trump’s faults — and there are major faults –he gets credit for his reticence to fully deploy the imperialist machine and his desire for a rapprochement of sorts with Moscow; two virtues he should be cautiously lauded for.
4
@Chris
whatever we think of the other two guys, Trump reticent to "deploy the imperialist machine" and his "desire for rapprochment...with Moscow" is cuckoo talk. He does nothing for ideological reasons, he is most likely deeply compromised vis-a-vis the Russians over his grifter businesses, and Moscow has provided no compelling reasons for a rapprochement. Remain in Berlin, friend.
38
@Chris Your point isn't bad in the abstract but we're talking 1000 troops who aren't directly in the fighting, and we're going to allow the Turks to potentially attack the Kurds who have been our strongest ally in the region against ISIS. The Kurds made a huge difference in our success against ISIS. The Kurds could now potentially be wiped out. Do these points not matter to you?
45
“I in my great and unmatched wisdom...”
He must have been up all night, watching “The Wizard of Oz.”
3589
@Kathryn
Exactly my thought when I first saw the Dumpster tweet. He's the deluded Wizard and his cabinet and aides (Miller, Ivanka, Jared, et al) are the nasty flying monkeys.
341
@Kathryn
He believes this, not an ironical comment as it usually is said! How much more, how much longer can this be tolerated?
221
@Kathryn: While we try to understand, even in a humorous way, the rantings of this ,whatever he is, I am very afraid.
163
The last time Recep Erdogan visited Washington in May of 2017 Turkish security attacked Kurdish protestors on American soil. The last time - that we know of - Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Recep Erdogan in December of 2018, he announced withdrawal of troops from Syria. Secretary of Defense James Mattis resigned over abandoning alliances and warning of authoritarian advancement.
Past being prologue: another telephone conversation results in another declaration withdrawal and Recep Erdogan gets a red carpet invitation. If Turkish security forces could and did attack civilians on American soil what would they do to our allies on their border and within the Syrian border? We have existential security threat rolling out the red carpet.
1
With the exception of Rand Paul, I’m not at all surprised to see Republicans objecting to Trump’s pullback from another failed US regime change war. A war which Congress never authorized, by the way.
Republicans have little to no respect for the constitution when it is matter that benefits their interests or that of their corporate clients. What is most disappointing is that Democrats allow our unconstitutional wars to continue and even vote to provide Trump more funding for the Pentagon’s war budget.
In this case, Trump (whether you like him or not) is doing exactly the right thing by removing our troops from harms way and ending an unconstitutional intervention in another country’s civil war.
1
Trump’s Middle East policy is predicated on similar beliefs as Obama’s: the US is not the world’s police, bring troops home, let regional powers take the lead. Obama tried largely to substitute American hard power with diplomatic power, while Trump swaps hard military power with economic power. Both approaches reflect American weariness with hard military power.
Prior to 2016, US intervention in the Middle East was seen as a noble cause worth fighting, “a long, hard slog.” Trump very casually reversed this thinking. It is now widely accepted that these wars were wasteful and ineffective. Neither Trump nor Obama were tethered to the decisions that led to those wars.
As the article made clear, Trump has traveled this road before and gotten the same reaction.
"A similarly sudden decision last winter to pull American troops out of Syria prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign, and Brett McGurk, the special presidential envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, accelerated his own planned departure in protest.
The Senate, led by Mr. McConnell, relayed its displeasure in January by voting overwhelmingly to rebuke Mr. Trump over his planned withdrawal of military forces from Syria and Afghanistan."
In this instance, Trump was not magically persuaded by a stray remark from Erdogan. Rather, he's been thinking about removing the troops for months, and waiting for the right time to attempt it. Trump perhaps reasoned that since there was no person of principle left in his inner circle, there would be no embarrassing resignations. In addition, since Republican politicians have ignored his attempted criminal coercion of Ukraine, Trump assumed they would be more pliable about Syria. Once again he has been proven wrong.
1
The alarm now being expressed by the habitually supportive GOP may indicate that this misguided missile is rapidly approaching the point of no return.
They ignored Bob Corker when he warned that the White House had become an adult day care center. Partisan commitment to that "heads in the sand" reaction has allowed the situation to deteriorate to become a damage control mission of critical priority.
I'm hoping that a few better minds in the GOP can lead Congress to acknowledge that cult-like party loyalty can no longer provide political shelter, let alone justice, when the growing instability of the chief executive exposes the U.S. to vulnerabilities that provide opponents opportunities for exploitation. The Muddle East is but one example. Domestic issues pose a greater threat to our unity and defense against the power of predators.
One such better mind was Senator Howard Baker, Jr. whose gently reasoned wisdom for a healing resolution led to a just and widely agreeable conclusion of the Watergate debacle. He then refused a groundswell of bipartisan support for his nomination for the presidency... out of concern for his very ill wife. People of such impeccable character and reason are rare but sometimes appear in times of crisis. We can hope... and prayer can't hurt.
1
Without leaning outside of the known facts and into that "ether" of Conspiracy Theory, here are a couple of questions I would like answered.
1. Why was it essential in the President's eyes to leave the Kurd's so rapidly and without the benefit of consultation with staff nor Ali?
2. I think it's a fair assumption that the United States decided to pull military assistance from Syria with an agenda in mind, and not the one announced by the Administration to "get our Troops home". What was the true endgame?
3. Less than a day after announcing the withdrawal of military advisors and trainers from Syria, it was made known that Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan had been invited to The White House for a visit. This is to occur only one month after the practically overnight withdraw of the U.S. from Syria. It seems obvious on the surface that an invite would not be appropriate we're Erdoğan still the "enemy". Understanding this, I believe it fair to ask why was it so important for the visit at a very precarious time politically speaking and why was a face to face so essential for President Trump?
There are two separate questions: Whether to leave and how to leave. I agree with Mr. Trump (and agreed with Mr. Obama) that we need to reduce our commitments in the Middle East.
But the way Mr. Trump has chosen to do it is impulsive and irresponsible. If we abandon our Kurdish allies to die, who will ever trust the United States again? And to threaten to devastate the Turkish economy? Remember, Turkey is a member of NATO and our bulwark against Russian southern expansion.
Is this the new Republican vision of America's place in the world?
1
Trump's foreign "policy":
If you're looking for an ally, don't look at U.S.
Erdogan said take a hike, so Iran.
Russia has troops to Putin Syria.
I see supporting our allies Assad.
1
Turkey has a history of committing genocide - the deliberate attempt to destroy the Armenian people.
Meanwhile, Trump doesn't have a moral compass. In Trump's mind, it's either dominate others or be dominated by others. His pattern has been to cause people to become vulnerable by making them dependent and then taking advantage of them. It’s how he’s repeatedly left workers unpaid for the work they’ve performed for him. That’s how predators operate. He’s been taught how to get away with such behavior, which is the only information he’s learned from others.
If the most powerful destroy the most vulnerable, that's totally consistent with Trump's worldview -- it's what he's been doing to the citizens of the country of which he's president, when those citizens are members of historically marginalized groups.
Empathy toward "others" is strongly associated with morals and ethics. When you lack empathy for someone or some group, you are able to engage in otherwise unethical and immoral behavior and rationalize it. Empathy toward others is an aspect of emotional intelligence, the foundation of which is emotional self-awareness.
Self-awareness provides people with their moral compass. The opposite of self-awareness is self-righteousness.
People without moral compasses have taken over our government because they were elected by people without moral compasses.
Once you understand emotional intelligence at a deep and conceptual level, everything is as was expected.
3
" ... Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. “The U.S. armed forces will not support or be involved in any operation.”
No, they could not if they have been withdrawn from the area. I'm so tired of these carefully-worded statements that avoid telling the truth.
"In my great and unmatched wisdom"? What more proof do we need that this "stable genius" is neither stable nor a genius? His edict to abandon the allies who gave thousands of their lives largely on our behalf is fueled only by impulse, ignorance of facts and consequences, and especially questionable sanity. It may also be fueled, as MSNBC noted last night, by his real estate interests in Turkey; I wouldn't be surprised to learn of a backstage deal with Erdogan: "Walk away from the Kurds, we'll let you keep your hotel."
Whatever the reason(s) for this diplomatic blunder, if impeachment can't commence today, then removal in accordance with the 25th Amendment can and must. "Conservatives" already have what they wanted from Trump: packed courts and staunch religiosity. His ultra-pious successor, Pence, will ensure that "legacy" continues, but likely with probably half the irrationality we are dealing with now.
1
President Trump has substantial business interests in Turkey - is this policy which is bring pursued without proper deliberations- actually to protect Trump’s business interests in Turkey? Let’s remember Turkey’s poor human rights record; let’s remember the Armenian genocide; let’s remember that Erdogan would slaughter the Kurds as quickly as the Armenians.
1
Trump tweets, “As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” This is one promise he will have no problem keeping. We know the typical validity of Trump's promises like, "Mexico will pay for the wall!" Instead, funds destined to help our veterans and their families are being used for his wall. "I will drain the swamp!" Instead, Trump has stocked the White House swamp with dozens of critters that have been fired and often jailed.
We know Trump's destruction of the economy of Turkey will be easy... he'll simply use the lessons he learned while bankrupting his casinos and several other business ventures.
3
Looks like there are no voices of reason and experience left in the White House to try to curb our president's attempts to validate his campaign promises before the 2020 campaign heats up. So sad--diplomacy is hard to find in DC these days. The president is ignorant about the Constitution, about Middle Eastern history-- about everything except his own overblown ego. Did his supporters really vote for this lack of leadership?
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),”
What's it going to take for Americans to wake up?
1
...I, in my great and unmatched wisdom,...
Sounding more like the Wizard of Oz every day. 25th?
So very tired of Republicans and Trump's administration "trying to interpret" his meaning...just ask Vlad.
Trump has been twiddling the dials of foreign diplomacy ever since he came into power. He used to ask “what’s this one do?” before touching it. Now he just relies on his “wisdom”.
1
Trump is in bed with Putin. Also he has been calling Republican votes to arms. Here in Mpls there are Republicans calling people to bring assault weapons to protests. Target center is refusing to host Trumps Republican rally because they have to pay for security and doubt reimbursement.
Republican’s need to all stand up against Trump. He and the Republican Party are purposely destroying the United States.
2
Will our allies ever trust us again?
2
If this sounds familiar, it should. Another republican president did the same thing to allies. Nixons the one. Oh yeah and he was impeached too, after abandoning the Vietnamese and Cambodians.
1
While timing after Erdogan call is dubious, this is the rare occasion I agree with Mr Trump: continuing to invade Sryia's sovereignty is not in the US interest. Terrorism is a domestic law enforcement issue, not a permission slip to invade another country. Regional stability in MENA is, at best, of peripheral national interest. Offshore balancing with China will be important but not this.
1
He offered little sympathy for the fate of America’s Kurdish allies: “The Kurds fought with us,” he wrote, “but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so.”
Yes, GOP Senators - even allies fighting with and for us are reduced to a transaction in trump's mind. You brought us trump and refused to restrain him, now we, and our allies, are reaping your whirlwind. Good luck with that non-binding resolution - that will teach him.
3
For over seventy years the Kurds have played Charlie Brown to our Lucy. Best advice the Kurds get from Linus (Tillerson, Mattis, McMasters, etc.) is silence, when they could at least say, "Don't try and kick the football."
1
Many articles in the NYTimes over the years have pushed for the US to leave the Middle East; get out of Afganistan as civilians were being killed, get out of Syria as it was being destroyed by Assad and the US had no business supplying weapons, etc. I've always been of the opinion that you cannot just go into a country and stir things up without being responsible, at least to a degree, to work to stabilize and negotiate a treaty between factions.
However, there is no negotiating with the Middle East when it comes to peace between countries. They are loyal to their religious sect, and do not really look at an agreement as anything lasting. It seems they choose to fight vs. build an economy around secular rule of law.
No matter what, we cannot desert the Kurds. They alone have assisted the US in fighting ISIS, making major contributions. Turkey would like to annihilate them; Erdogan cannot be trusted.
1
Great and unmatched wisdom? I think evidence is mounting that Trump is a dangerous lunatic with delusions of not only grandeur, but of adequacy as well. If Republicans don’t wake up and realize that this untethered fool is wrecking our reputation abroad, it will go very badly for them in future. It’s past time to consider the 25th Amendment.
2
who speaks of themselves as having “ great and unmatched wisdom”? “stable genius”? he needs a frock coat, a curtain, Dorothy and Toto. He already is in need of a brain, a heart and the repubs in congress, courage.
1
"... the biggest lie being told by the administration,” Mr. Graham added. And what might be the other lies which the senator has in mind?
1
4 words: Weapon of Mass Distraction. 'nuff said.
It's like deja vu, AGAIN, we're throwing the Kurds under the bus.
How could they ever be so stupid to think the United States would be a reliable ally.
Just a distraction from his criminality!
So obvious.
1
Have they put the Erdogan call in the secret server as well?
Nothing will be done.
"as they tried to interpret Mr. Trump’s meaning"
Tried to interpret? Read his statement again. There is nothing to interpret. The man is totally & completely insane. That is how you interpret that. Regardless of what side you may be on - actually read that without filtering it through your personal & political biases. If hearing that come out of a president's mouth does not scare you down to the bottom of your toes and back again, I don't know what could.
We are in serious -Serious trouble.
13
There was a possibility that Trump was really focused on moving from 'balance of power' based on trading interests, to a power equation based on 'balance of trading interests'.
But his decisions in Syria expose and destroy any semblance of credibility of his actions.
If not a political pawn of Russia, he is getting paid off by any Tom, Dick and Harry for his so-called decision-making.
And if the 'common sense' of so many is inclined to implicate a President, it is a sorry state of affairs for law makers and even politicians that they lack the necessary shrewdness and bent of mind and fail in their efforts at investigation to unearth the requisite evidence and witnesses to bring this guy to the dock.
5
Is Trump creating chaos to divert attention from the impeachment?
9
I don't know why republicans are worried - after all, he was just kidding and tying to get the media riled up!
6
This entire affair with Trump and Turkey and Trump's ludicrous "great and unmatched wisdom" should be an article of impeachment unto itself. Leaving him with the ability to negotiate with any foreign leader at this point should be frightening to ALL AMERICANS from all parties, ages, genders, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations.
9
Republicans will complain but they do nothing. Sad.
6
"I, in my great and unmatched wisdom"......I've been thinking this statement was a joke until I read it here in the NYT just now.
"Unmatched wisdom"....what an unmitigated Narcissist.
8
Ironic, Mitch McConnell, Liz Cheney, Linsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney, all tough talkers who are always in favor of keeping troops anywhere and no doubt supported by the likes of Sheldon Adelson, AIPAC and the defense industry along with many armchair soldiers in America have never seen how truly horrible war is: on the other hand Tulsi Gabbard who saw the worst of what a literal bloodbath war is on the opposite side of the argument, she is for withdrawal and diplomacy as would be any other intelligent individual who does not have a vested interest like the Generals who are essentially representatives of the defense complex and often sit on their boards upon retirement from active service along with, the many AIPAC shills whose campaign coffers depend on undying allegiance to the protection of Israel no matter the cost to Americans, Lindsey Graham whose home state of South Carolina is one heavily dependent on the military and the perennial chicken hawks like Romney, Liz Cheney and her father Dick. I will say it again why don’t all the neo liberals supporting our forever wars for Israel, and that’s what it’s about today we don’t need oil, either suit up and volunteer or send your sons and daughters, because as much as many of you are supporting Israel and our “allies” such as the Saudis there is little evidence that many liberals actually do the fighting, that seems to be left up to the boys and girls from poor and minority communities or flyover country.
3
@Ted That is one breathless rant. Impressive!
You did get one thing right, that ISIS and Syria are 100% on the Republicans' "wars are easy to fight and win" since Bush junior.
So I'm not exactly sure where "liberals" come in at all?
Maybe when you catch your breath you can explain it to me? Or does your "real talk" not extend to facts?
5
Only I have the answer to this problem. Someone give Trump a big marker and a map, so that he can draw a new line between Turkey and Syria. No need to try to explain to Trump the nuances of Middle East diplomacy. Just point out on the map exactly where Turkey is located.
7
This is trump's "something shiny" to try and break the focus on the impeachment inquiry. Typical trump move. He could care less about anybody or anything unless it has to do with him directly.
7
I wouldn't call tepid criticism a rebellion.
3
Well, it looks like America finally found it's spine. It's war. When it comes to military policy, republicans suddenly listen to the generals. When he's trashing all of America daily, republicans chide Democrats for 'ranting'. But the Generals are used to ultimate respect; we love our yuuuuuuge military system. Unlike clean water or educated, healthy children, war is a priority to our nation.
4
I'm 75 years old and left the Republican party about 20 years ago. Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America was a bridge too far for me. He had no intention of working with Democrats and since then, the partisanship has only gotten worse.
Talk Radio and Fox News have indoctrinated a large percentage of our population and now they do not think, they just know because they were told what to believe.
I believe Trump is one of those listeners. That is why he makes decisions and takes actions without consultation. That phone call is only one example. His decision to abandon the Kurds is another.
He cannot be removed from office soon enough but I fear what might happen if Pence becomes president. I can only hope the 2020 election gets us back on track to a sensible government. What is happening now is nuts.
10
Turkey has probably offered to help Trump with the impeachment if Trump gets US to stop helping Kurds. Undercover quid pro quo.
2
Maybe Mr Erdogan promised Mr Trump that he’d investigate the Bidens if the US left the area and abandoned the Kurds.
5
There is nothing wrong with wanting to get out of Syria.Everything is wrong with the way he does it.
He is leader of the largest economy in the world & of the free world but he operates like he was running a hot dog stand on the street in NY .Not to minimize the complications of running a hot dog stand.
10
I think of all of Trump's moral and ethical failures, this has to be the most vacuous. It's good to see the GOP finally acknowledgeing a failure, unfortunately I believe it is too little too late for the Kurds who gave their lives for the US in Syria and Iraq. Our country has done some shameful things in the last 100 years, this may be the worst. God forgive us.
5
Maybe this should be looked at from another angle: What does Trump Inc. have to gain by this move?
4
Graham will sever his relationship with Turkey.
OK, then how about also severing his relationship with Trump?
Fat chance.
2
Give me a break with "The GOP Rebels." Republican talk is cheap. The NY Times is writing from an old storybook of supposed mavericks and other unicorns. The GOP is Trump's party. We see time and time again that the courage to rebel has long passed.
2
The comment 'The wolf has conned the sheep into itsI in my great and unmatched wisdom' should not be coming from an American president. This is something that Kim Jong Un would say. So why is anyone listening to anything that comes with those words. This is a very scary wannabe dictator. He should not be making decisions for our democratic country.
We are we letting him do this to us?The wolf has conned his way into the sheep pen and the sheep are happy that its eating them.
1
"(I) in my great and unmatched wisdom"
Swell. The Wizard of Oz is president. Pay no attention to the little man behind the curtain.
8
This tweet is another cry for help from Donald that somebody needs to recognize his mental illness.
7
"in my great and unmatched wisdom"
in your dangerously unhinged manner, you mean.
4
Megalomania: “obsession with the exercise of power, especially in the domination of power; delusion about one’s own power or importance (typically as a symptom of manic or paranoid disorders).”
Members of AMA Board of Psychiatry: Please send personal letters to Congress and the NYT. Our nation and the world need your voices.
14
Can't argue with the "unmatched."
7
Republicans have no intention of challenging Trump on anything and the abandonment of an ally in the midst of war is just another example of their appeasement. The reflexive disagreement over withdrawal is simply the GOP corpse going through rigor mortis.
8
This type of situation is not new, and it is what creates the distrust of the United States. Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, all nations where the US pledged support under one or more administration s and then abandoned or attacked under the next.
This creates distrust, creates hatred, creates terrorists
“Well done” To the Don. Keep up U S tradition
3
This is clearly part of the impeachment enquiry:
what did Erdogan promise trump in exchange for the freedom to slaughter the USA’s most excellent Kurdish allies?
Trump sold those lives for something precious no doubt.
12
Well, Trump has a twin tower in Istanbul and Turkey is friendly with Russian, plus Russia is in Syria so once again Trump has delivered for Russia the same way as delaying weapons getting to Ukraine benefits Russian and Putin.
Trump Tower Istanbul #3?
Now is the time for the former presidents to issue a joint statement of condemnation.
6
@RjW
You mean you want G.W. Bush to sign a statement condemning the abandonment of the Kurds after he did so himself for years, all while destroying Iraq, and forgetting to focus on securing its borders which all Al Qaeda militants to flood the country, AND firing all the Iraqi generals, leaving them wandering unemployed amidst Iraq's ruins, and seeing how incompetent AQ was in its fighting back against the US, so then deciding to create ISIS instead ... ?
That president?
The one who thought it was perfectly okay to launch a war that killed more than 100,000 people AGAINST the will of the entire international community and all of America's allies, and who, once America's biggest military in the world had taken Bagdad, waited for YEARS until taking the advice from people on the ground seriously and finally ordering a surge in US troops to try to stabilize the horrible chaos (which was too late to prevent ISIS from being founded anyhow ... the same ISIS that the Kurds now had to fight against for years) .. ?
That one?
Having a daughter who served in the second Iraq war for two years, I agree with President Trumps decision to pull our troops out of Syria and to try and halt our expensive “endless” wars in the Middle East.
is that “...in my great and unmatched wisdom..”.?
@Jane Killgore
When Israel needs the US to attack Iran, US troops will go back to the Middle East. The US is only withdrawing from the area until it goes back.
The decision to engage does not appear to be made on the basis of US strategic interest, rather on the basis of who in power in the US stands to gain either politically or financially. Expensive wars mean American defense contractors make lots of money. This looks to me like preparation to ensure the next conflict is set up.
This withdrawal will more likely shorten the time between US engagements. The release of Isis operatives will most likely again bring war to the US mainland.
Leaving a token force there and ensuring Turkey was prevented from the planned invasion was the best policy to maintain peace in the area and to maintain US homeland security. Abandoning a policy that is working makes one wonder who will now benefit from the ensuing chaos.
1
"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),”
These are the words of the Chosen One:In my great unmatched wisdom!
Trump never reads or listens to the staff that is in charge of a situation or General's that are in charge of a situation that know best.Trump gets his information from Russia and China and HANNITY.So he makes his decision off from what they say.Never mind the cost to the USA because he doesn't even think about that.He's right about the unmatched wisdom though.I don't think there is anybody else that thinks like him except maybe Jethro Bodean or maybe another sixth grader.We know he could obliterate the economy of Turkey because he's doing it to the United States of America.
6
“...in my great and unmatched wisdom..”. That sums up the problem.
9
His “wisdom” most definitely is “unmatched” as it’s dumber than dumb. He’s also sounding more and more like a dictator.
1
Move over King Solomon, Donald Trump has come to town. Your wisdom be damned . Donald's on the other hand, now that's another story.
3
Threatened by domestic political troubles, this Dotard with "unmatched wisdom" in the WH created another emergency in Syria to divert our nation's attention. How long must we suffer such self inflicted turmoil under this moron?
9
When the world is in chaos, Trump will escape our US outrage by fleeing to Russia. How stupid are we?
3
Biggest mistake of a large group of mistakes and missteps by the occupant of the White House! It is very difficult to understand how so many Americans still support him. His decision making process is totally lacking- in making decisions one should always realized there are unintended consequences. This man makes decisions like a bull in the china closet and unfortunately does it in the name of the people of the United States.
4
Trump is bat blind, but so are the ones who can't recognize that he may possibly do something right.
The Kurdish cause is a fair one. Turkey has always loved genocide and the first time they haven't succeeded is with the Kurds. The Kurdish homeland straddles several countries and no one want's to give them back the lands they once occupied - and in large part still do.
Now, Trump should say to Erdogan: You let me build my hotel in Istanbul and we begin to negotiate with the Kurds for a real homeland and we will help you get rid of the real terrorists.
Otherwise, we'll help the EU block you out, we'll stop any funds, and we'll stop all trade.
He may just be on the right track. Unfortunately, the anti-Trump machine of which I'm a part needs to have a foreign policy not based on local politics.
We've been foreign policy stupid since GHW Bush entered the presidency, both parties!
“In my great and unmatched wisdom ...” He has learned from other despots. Insanity. Republicans, how much longer? What more do you need to act?
7
Maybe Turkey said they would investigate the Bidens!
2
Erdogan probably offered in return to investigate the Bidens...
3
What kind of "policy" is an overnight "pivot"? Is "Oh, by the way" the title of a chapter in the book "Diplomacy 101"?
1
Does this mean the Republicans have a modicum of conscience, after all?
NAAAAAH!!
1
This is beyond political, it’s criminal
4
We are not responsible.
How much more evidence do you need to prove that your very stable genius is, in fact, a mad man?
5
“My great wisdom....I will destroy the economy....have done before.” Are you listening to this, members of the Cabinet? Hullo, Republicans in the Senate? These are the thoughts and words coming from the mouth - and thumbs - of a POTUS. These are not the thoughts or words of a POTUS in compos mentis.
6
Trump is making millions of dollars off of TrumpTwinTowers Istanbul.
It's that simple.
Always follow the $$$
3
In impeachment we trust.
3
“I have a plan to defeat ISIS.
But it is a secret plan.”
See, even before the “I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...” Trump has already declared his mental illness for all the world to see.
If only we have an amendment in the constitution that would allow us to discard an insane president.
Oh wait...
7
It is hard to imagine why this insanity has roused congressional Republicans after they have ignored so many other stupid and illegal actions by this so call president.
I am not a fan of foreign military entanglements but entering and leaving them needs to be done with some thought and planning. From Trump all we see is indecision and random childish outbursts of pique.
Unmatched wisdom? The fact that he can even utter such nonsense proves that he is mentally unwell.
8
I do believe that the bloggers have seen the movie Wag the Dog one too many times.
I wish the GOP would worry as much about the U.S. as they seem to worry about Syria.
6
The president’s remarks about controlling Turkey’s actions in Syria are completely unhinged. He is going insane:
7
Anything to change the subject from impeachment
9
Erdogan and Trump, two narcissistic peas in a pod, corrupt to the bones and intent on destroying their respective nation’s democracies. It’s sad we couldn’t have picked Bernie in 2016, which would have gotten us out of this mess.
2
More Yo-Yo decision making. Trump at his worst. America at it’s worst. Complete idiocy by an impulsive man. Clearly, thinking tires him out quickly. Have more chocolate cake Trump. You need the glucose. We need a change at the top. Do something for the benefit of your Nation, resign.
6
Didn't Trump just open a Trump Tower in Istanbul? Just saying,
5
@Milliband
Yup, and it’s magnificent
This is something his whiny, spineless Republican cultists can speak out about without worrying about having to vote on it.
2
@ Peter. How offensive.....as a "liberal" with several immediate family members currently deployed, and not just 'sons' by the way, I invite you to close your mouth and open your eyes. That's about the only polite way I can put it..
2
C'mon GOP, when Trump was your stooge, he got you your tax cut, the only thing that truly matters to you. Now, you can no longer control him and he is going to undue everything dear to you, while you comically scramble to defend every misfiring neuron in his brain -- to what end? Even you must be exhausted by now. Trump, in his idiot savant manner, has ferreted out the weakness in everyone he deals with and can twist them around his little finger. The problem is, it serves Trump and only Trump. Now GOP, you are no better in his eyes than the innumerable contractors he stiffed. Good work Mitch!
3
This is what happens when you elect a failed businessman with malignant narcissism personality disorder to the highest political office in the U.S.
10
Does anyone in their right mind think this person in 1600 hears anything these supine cowards have to say, much less listen to it?
Really, get serious. Besides like the cowards they are , after the usual extreme radical right talking heads get ahold of this, these useless feckless folks just roll over anyway and play dead anyway
Nothing to see here. Nothing at all. Sad excuse for grown men and women.
1
“…I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I….”
This use of the first person singular as a parenthesis to set off a double adjectival blitz of self-congratulatory puff isn’t off limits. It’s off the wall.
Ay yi yi.
4
Another gift to Vlad.
3
by the way, far more than liberals, we are Americans who understand & obey our laws & constitution, something the GOP has blatantly & shockingly quit doing
4
Donald, you can't get any real assurances from your fellow dictator, Erdogan, and you have no power to assure Turkey "doesn't go TOO far." If recent history is any indication, Turkey will go too far, and there's nothing you can do about it.
3
"Great and Unmatched wisdom." I think he actually believes this. Now Trump is declaring himself superior to all. Can't people see what this man is doing; what he is saying? He is making the country seem like a scene from "Alice in Wonderland" where he is the Queen of Hearts yelling, "Off with their head!" This is madness, clear and simple. Just because Trump believes his own lies does not mean that Republicans need to believe these lies. Eventually, there will be consequences.
4
We know this playbook. After every red line crossed, they rebel for a couple of hours.
Then they swallow everything, fall in line, and forget everything they have ever said or believed.
4
All one needs to read is Trumps tweeted words "my great an unmatched wisdom"....Then it's over.
3
This seems pretty important to be stuck in the very last paragraph of this story: “Joshua A. Geltzer, a former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council under Mr. Obama, [said], ‘The release or escape of such detainees would instantly energize ISIS’s efforts, already underway, to regroup and surge again.’”
3
Bringing troops home, great, OK. Progressive speaking.
But why did diehard extremist conservatives object when Obama didn’t invade Syria when Assad crossed the alleged “red line” of using chemical weapons? Remember? Obama keeping troops home = bad (according to the right wing extremists). Trump bringing them home = good.
It’s confusing.
6
Trump's reckless behaviour will undoubtedly cost countless lives, those of our allies who have put themselves on the frontlines of the fight against ISIS. The Republicans refusal take a stand for what is right has brought us to this horrible place. Now finally McConnell and Graham are saying something, a day late and a dollar short. And what will happen to the ISIS prisoners in custody? It isn't too far fetched to assume they will be cut loose in the ensuing mayhem to commit more atrocities. How can anyone ever again trust the United States?
4
With such an irrational decision, Trump should be removed from office.
2
Um...If the Republicans don't like what Trump is doing...maybe, then there is some merit to it.
1
Jesus, if his attempt at pulling out US troops is what turns the GOP against him, by all means, pull those troops out. I always get this little feeling of satisfaction everytime I hear of some internal dissent. I mean, the whole thing is a big joke, but might as well get your kicks where you can ,right?
2
His " great and unmatched wisdom"!? Are you sure this tweet wasn't lifted from SNL?
5
So the Syrian war has morphed from fighting the terrible dictator Assad to fighting ISIS to now fighting Turkey. Can the mission get any more ridiculous than that?
1
Somebody else brought it up and I think it's right--the phrase " As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” sounds chillingly like the robotic Stephen Miller. If true then we now have two unhinged maniacs in the White House.
6
Seems like a good moment to build a “Trump Tower Kurdistan.” That would appear to be the best insurance...
1
What happens to the 11,000 ISIS fighters Kurds are detaining for us?
5
@Sherry
They will be turned over to the Yazidis.
Also remember there are 50,000 ISIS families in detention under Kurdish supervision.
This move by Mr. Trump is far more serious, it seems to me, than the Ukrainian imbroglio. I can only wonder what he might do as a second term lame duck.
6
If the 18-45 year olds stay home on November 03, 2020 the present President will be re-elected. To all please register and vote.
7
You want out of Syria? This is how you get there. You don’t get it both ways. He found another nation willing to take our place.
2
@George
The Turks are taking our place? That’s not exactly what’s happening.
1
Time and time again trump has shown that he will sell out America so that he and his children can build hotels and golf courses in Russia, North Korea, Now Turkey. He is a faux president who’s only foreign policy is the trump organization interests.
5
Maybe he's throwing a bone to ISIS as well. Maybe he considers them worth negotiating with, too, on a certain level if they can do something for him. Maybe he doesn't care as much as a normal President would about our security. Ample evidence.
1
“The president’s assertion that the Islamic State has been defeated is ‘the biggest lie being told by the administration,’ Mr. Graham added.”
If only that was remotely the case.
3
2829 comments so why submit one more?
Answer: The final 2 paragraphs touch on elements of profound importance examined much more carefully by Swedish-Israeli journalist Nathan Schachar in an analysis in Dagens Nyheter today 10/08.
He provides essential details about the 73,000 people in the prison camp Al Holal that the Kurds have been saddled with. 65% of the people there are the children of ISIS parents. If Turkey attacks the Kurds the Kurds must fight the Turks.
Just try for a few minutes to do something Donald Trump is incapable of doing, work out the probable unintended consequences.
ISIS may rise again. Take it from there.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
4
hey.. this is what 63 million Americans wanted. We can't forget.
1
@Two Americas
Yeah, but they also wanted ISIS gone.
The Turks have a long history of ethnic cleansing and genocide: the Armenians before and after WWI; the Greeks during the 20’s and now they’ve been given carte blanche to deal with the Kurds. The have slaughtered tens of millions with impunity in the name of defending “Turkishness” and still the world fetes them. I don’t understand why we allow history to keep repeating itself.
4
Those who are criticizing Pres. Trump's Syrian withdrawal strategy must explain what they would do with 10,000 bloodthirsty jihadist killers now being held by the Kurds.
1
Disloyal Donald. “Time to leave. Let others figure this out.” Shorthand for “promise kept”.
Anything to replace and distract from impeachment headlines!
Is he allowed to make unilateral decisions like this? Isn't Congress required to vote???
Is there no check on his crazy schemes?
1
This screams 25th Amendment!
He’s dragging us from our national nightmare to an international nightmare.
5
"in my great and unmatched wisdom"? Trump? Seriously?
4
You cannot win or make any progress when half of the country is so disturbed that they don't hear the insanity of a President who lives in a fantasy. What I'm talking about is the crazy statement he made of, "in my great and unmatched wisdom". Sounds like the man behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. To turn on our allies, to turn on those who have helped us is ugly, nasty and unprincipled.
5
With all adults, James Mattis, John Kelly, H. R. McMaster and Rex Tillerson, having left the White House, a wild Donald Trump is wrecking the United States and our allies mindlessly.
It’s the time both Senate and the House to stand up stopping this wild animal.
5
The president said Erdogan has to be responsible
for containing ISIS
Erdogan was buying stolen oil from ISIS all during the era when ISIS was in Iraq and Syria.
3
To Senate Republicans: He was joking. Remember? He’s a big joke.
3
How does this help Russia?
When you let a novice take over the Presidency and then the party, you have proven that the whole party needs to be shaken up. Many Republican Senators and Congressmen retired. Shut up or put up Party of Lincoln becomes Party of Trump.
3
I deeply share your concern, however, this particular issue contradicts your analogy. Trump is destroying our only genuine ally in Syria, these people have lost 11000 of their sons and daughters on behalf of us to eliminate the ISIS sadistic murderers. Trump is inviting the megalomaniac Turkish dictator to invade their areas and wipe out our friends, the Kurds. I am simply baffled by this ludicrous and ill conceived decision. It's important not to dismiss in this argument, that Syrian Kurds have sacrificed and assisted in knocking down ISIS murderers, which now means nothing to Trump. One would say, if in Syria, a single Kurd dies from the hands of the Turkish military terror, then Trump is an accomplice to murder. It's profoundly true though that Trump's message to the world, friends or foe, you can not trust the United States of America to uphold any level of trust or agreement.
2
If Lyndsey Graham cries foul, there must be some defense contractor on his contribution list who stands to lose money. He is loyal ONLY to himself. Hence a typical Trump minion.
2
You just can’t trust a man like Trump he is destroying USA name all over the world he is clueless in foreign policy especially
3
Quick...Someone tell Trump that the Nobel Peace Prize is being awarded on Friday, and cutting and running on allies and leaving them open to a massacre in Syria will not help him win it.
Maybe he'll quickly flip-flop thinking he can win it (just don't tell him the names are already sealed in an envelope...shhhhh)
8
Surprise!!! The GOP suddenly decides to disagree with Trump?!! McConnell and crooks probably got paid off more than Trump.
2
Study that photograph and analyze the looks he is getting. He knows nothing, no history of the US alliance with the Kurds. His laughable ignorance in this situation is dangerous. Intelligent people who voted for this inept person may have reasoned he could be "handled" or managed. They were wrong but may have had some self-serving motives his gift of lower taxes. Electing this imbecile is actually criminal, as it precipitated this international hazard.
3
Trump has always trew his allies under the bus to favor his dicator friends. Anyone really surprised?
The real question is: what favor did he got from Erdogan in return? Spots for Trump towers in Istanbul?
7
@Tristan Roy
Exactly.
Now we know that there's the moral value called "loyalty", and then "Trump loyalty", its opposite.
When the only person voicing support of this catastrophic bilge is Rand Paul, a five year old could deduce you have no clue about global politics, global balances of power, or, to be blunt - total ignorance with regard to anything that doesn’t benefit your fragile ego. President? Please... do us all a favour, resign.
5
I don't have a son who fought. However, I know from people who have fought, and who had friends die or be seriously injured, that they didn't fight in order for our country to abandon its mission and have their losses mean absolutely nothing.
11
Putting aside the ethics of abandoning allies, this move could very likely lead to all out war in the Middle East. The Turks hate the Kurds and will attempt to utterly destroy them. The Kurds are in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. They have resources from oil, are fairly united even across borders, and have been forced to militarize their entire society. In other words, they are ready to fight. Will the Turks stop with Syria or will they also go after the Kurds in Iraq? At what point does Iran feel threatened and go in? If Iran intervenes, then in goes The Saudis and the Israelis. The instability raises the price of oil and everybody else intervenes to try to stabilize it. This is just one scenario. Add the religious crazies into the mix and no one can predict an outcome. This scenario makes the start of WWI look like a simple line diagram of events.
3
Well if you don't stand with your friends who do you stand with? All Erdogan had to do is call Trump and say "We are going in" and Trump said "OK, gotta go, Bye". And the notion that if the Turks do anything untoward, Trump will destroy their economy rings pretty hollow, doesn't it? He has tried that in North Korea that continues to expand its nuclear program, in Iran which is re- establishing it's nuclear program and in China. And by the time Trump destroys Turkey's economy, how many will have been killed? I get it. People are tired of being over there. But cost-benefit wise this is pretty straight forward. How many US troops are killed every year now? Relatively few. Think back to Vietnam where there were so many the news shows couldn't keep up. The price we are paying to be able to sleep at night......that should be worth something. Now we are in support, intelligence, and training positions. Will this move make it more or less likely we will soon be right back in the thick of it? Trump wants to win in 2020. He promised to bring home the troops. So what if the Kurds get slaughtered? The Democrats will be left with the cleanup in aisle 6.
4
It’s getting hot in the kitchen so Trump has opened another controversial window to distract and divide our attention.
6
Donald Trump could not see the blowback coming when he added to the Kurd’s struggles because he lacks knowledge of history and empathy for people.
4
When are we going to get it here?! Trump is doing this all on purpose. He is moving rapidly now because he fears his authority to act is about to be limited. He should not be allowed to act as if he is ALREADY a dictator.
4
It is as if our foreign policy is run by a 12-year old. This man truly seems to have no clue. He just reacts in a child-like way. Even after 3 years, this is unbelievable.
7
" in my great and unmatched wisdom," speaks this president in his latest tweet.
How interesting : at the time of the 2016 election a group of psychiatrists sent an open letter on the behavior of Donald Trump, whom they considered as a narcissistic personality, and one of these doctors predicted that symptoms usually degenerate into despotic and delusional behavior. Only unfortunate despots of the past would talk about their ' great and unmatched wisdom".
6
He is a total disaster and my Republican Congressman says nothing. Not even" maybe he should reconsider. " I do have a son who fought in the Middle East and I dare say I am glad this man was not our commander in chief at the time.
I am all for bringing the troops home, but it has to be done in a semi-orderly fashion, if only for safety.
5
Graham said it's the biggest lie the Trump administration has told. That's really rich, and amusing. No actually the biggest lie is telling us that what we heard and read with our own ears and eyes are not what we really hear and see. His phone call to the Ukraine president that people like Graham tell us that there was no quid pro quo. Graham and company are why we have these endless wars. They are all supported by the military industrial complex that needs endless wars so their owners can live in mansions.
As for Trump's tweet basically calling himself the greatest do any of his supporters not see that the man is mentally ill and a megalomaniac? Anyone else making such pronouncements would be condemned. His supporters really want another four years of an inflated ego?
"“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter. "
4
So now we're asked to somehow reconcile the words "wisdom" and "destroying and obliterating the Economy" of an allied country.
This man is crazy. That's the only thing that is "unmatched" here, when it comes to US presidents.
3
I predict that at some point soon, like he has before, Trump will reverse this decision based solely on all the criticism he’s receiving. Never mind the Kurds, never mind Syria; his “image” is at stake. His egocentric approach to everything else in government applies just as equally to foreign and military policy.
But the damage to our already-shredded credibility has been done, the confidence and trust that our allies should have in our word is further shaken, and the ultimate consequences of this rash and ignorant action remain unknown.
If this is finally the wake-up call that the GOP has needed, so be it. Cleanup on Aisle 2020.
3
Good to read that at least some Senate Republicans are stirring from their slumber as regards Trump's careening activities.
Trump seems frantic and confused. He's now all about "keeping his campaign promises". In that vein, he's willing to jettison Kurdish lives in response to their loyalty in fighting ISIS. He's following pattern -- demonstrating ingratitude and contempt to America's allies.
"I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey. I've done it before."
Uh, yeah. Unmatched wisdom?! In his reveries.
He can destroy economies, as he's proven with his trade wars and tariffs. If making people poorer, including Americans and America's traditional allies,
destabilizing the global economy and causing death is a sign of wisdom, he's got it in spades.
Real wise men do no harm unless they must. They negotiate first. They ask experts for advice because they know that they don't know everything. They are prudent and rational, not rash and emotion-driven.
Sacrificing allies to a dictator ... is that impeachable?
2
The country that abandons its allies will have none in its future. Vladimir Putin is smiling at the disarray of US foreign policy directed by someone with "great and unmatched wisdom". Moscow Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Sycophant Graham doth protest too much but do nothing. Maybe the "great and unmatched wisdom" will pull U.S. troops out of S. Korea to appease his good old buddy, Kim Jong-un? What harm could it do?
4
We can go on from now to doomsday on the rational reasons why we can’t just desert the Kurds and give Turkey the opportunity to kill the Kurds. But everything that Trump does is all part and parcel of the same thing . Trump knows nothing because he cares to know nothing . He cares for no one because he has no desire to care for anyone. He does what he wants to do for himself , not as the president of the United States but as Donald Trump , the civilian businessman. I would not be surprised if Erdogan promised Trump a sweet deal on his Towers in Istanbul and more building of his hotels. Everything and anything is only for his own financial benefit.
This man is un American and is destroying everything that comes before him . But Republicans are right behind him , the un American Republicans calling the shots for this country is reckless and dangerous .
2
An American academic interviewed by Al Jazeera (better MENA coverage than many will admit) pointed out that the tiny US contingent are basically acting as human shields for the Kurds rather than being a force capable of repelling Turkish (or Syrian) incursion. Trump, given Erdogan's ultimatum, and being adamantly against building up the deployment, seems to have perceived it as a choice between packing Americans (military and civilian) up or having them smashed or captured.
There's nothing in this piece concerning Trump's little financial conflict of interest, namely Trump Tower Istanbul and his relationship with Erdogan. That is why he caved in to Erdogan in just one phone conversation. Include this in the impeachment inquiry. Out very loyal Kurdish allies will suffer.
5
“I campaigned on the fact that I was going to bring our soldiers home and bring them home as quickly as possible,” Mr. Trump said."
There it is. Everything, everything he does is in his own self interest.
2
Trump has simply created a diversion to impeachment and the GOP must not stand idly by on either issue.
4
A classic Trump diversion tactic to change the conversation from impeachment, well for a few days in any case.
2
This is not about good decision making, but rather about redirecting the news cycle away from the impeachment inquiry, plain and simple.
5
It was only a matter of time before this utterly inept president stumbled into territory that was so unacceptable to some Republicans that even they spoke out. This man has never been in the military and won't listen to people are or were. While he lives in a tweet bubble whose walls are reinforced by piles of cash, the men and women of our military live in harm's way. They deserve more stable leadership than is being provided by Trump.
4
“In 20 years of writing about the military, I have never heard officers in high positions express such alarm about a president,” writes Mark Bowden in the latest issue of The Atlantic. His compelling and timely article is very relevant in connection with this story.
4
That Trump is so ready to consign Kurds to certain destruction is kind of reminiscent of American abandonment of the Armenians during WWI, although Wilson had his heart in the right place, the Senate was full-on isolationist until 1917.
The world (meaning the U.N.) ought to redraw the boundaries set forth by Sykes and Picot. The Kurds need a homeland; Iraq is both Shia and Sunni, which guarantees they'll never get along.
7
It appears well known by all except Trump’s base that he has no impulse control whatsoever. He thrives on fighting for the sake of fighting about anything, anytime without an informed position or strategy on an issue. Trump makes a monumental decision regarding the Kurds based on a phone call with their enemies’ leader. Despite Trump’s self regard as being a “stable genius” and possessing “great and unmatched wisdom” his reckless impulses always conclude in chaos and disaster. By the way, where is that “beautiful” healthcare?
22
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),”
" I, the Great and Powerful Oz, have spoken!"
2
I can't understand why all the Republican senators are so afraid of Trump .They are all wealthy men so there is no excuse that they need the money. Their thirst for power so strong that they will surrender their decency , honesty and reputations to stay in office.
23
@JCH4197 "Surrender their decency" assumes they had any to begin with.
1
If this isn’t a sign that the man is wholly unfit for office, I don’t know what is. What could be more dangerous than a man in charge of the armed forces playing like a child moving troops on a whim. Imagine how frightening this must be to the rest of the world.
20
‘... in my great and unmatched wisdom ...’?
Never mind impeachment. It’s time for an intervention. This is a seriously ill individual, endangering the nation.
33
As Trump said, we have no permanent friends or allies.The Kurds have to realize the United States motto is “what have you done for me lately”.
8
I could understand Trump wanting to get us out of the mess in Syria, but giving it over to the Turks and selling out the Kurds is not the way. Trump has no understanding of what got us into this mess. I commend him on wanting to get us out of it (the only commendation that I can give him). His acting on his "gut reaction" is dangerous.
6
Follow the money from these spineless republicans who all of a sudden speak out against the right thing to do. I’m betting they have millions in donations from the military manufacturing complex so called lobbyist. Nothing more then bribes. Bring our troops home let them fight there own wars.
6
"...I, in my great and unmatched wisdom..." Trump's become a parody of himself.
23
One more time, the world sees that America cannot be relied upon for protection and help. I am so ashamed of this farce of a president.
14
When you think about Trump's awful decision from his warped perspective it makes perfect sense.
Impeachment has been dominating the media headlines and gaining traction with the general public, despite Fox News and the Republicans' barrage of "spin". How to push it off the headlines and get the focus on to something else, knowing the immediate firestorm it would create? Aha -SYRIA! He knows how it played last time when Mattis resigned over it, and how to easily walk it back. Never mind the chaos it creates, it's actually a benefit.
Now throw in some extra crazy remarks in your tweet to let the media dwell on, have Lindsey Graham and other die hard supporters cry for your "leadership" to reconsider your decision and - BINGO - walk it back to where you were on SYRIA.
Leadership demonstrated, impeachment momentum thwarted, problem solved!
Think it's too far fetched? Look at the articles on the top of the Times' home page. See impeachment? Nope.
11
There are many different opinions about whether US leadership over the last century was good or bad overall for the world. Regardless, we are now clearly entering a historical phase where our leadership is waning and we are rapidly withdrawing from that leadership position. It started before Trump and will likely continue after Trump, as many on the left also agree in broad terms with this. It remains to be seen what kind of world we end up with.
3
All the terrible things - and worse - most people have foreseen 3 years ago have come to fruition upon the election of Trump. The GOP bad karma will continue.
HW Bush betrayed the Kurds. W made a mess of the Middle East. And now Trump. Why anyone would still believe the Republicans have a strong foreign policy or some superior military records is beyond comprehension.
22
Could some wise commenter answer this question:
Why do Republicans in Congress, who are so petrified of Trump on every other issue, suddenly seems find their spines on this one issue in the Middle East? I doubt it's really a case of suddenly growing spines, but more a case of having less reason to fear the wrath of Trump and Trump's base. But I can't figure out why.
15
Letting "others 'figure the situation out'" means ceding authority to Russia--and Iran--as usual.
Trump's threats of economic sanctions are toothless, because the world has just witnessed ample evidence of Trump's pusillanimity and reluctance to act.
With Trump, it is always the bottom line, the power of the almighty dollar.
What's a few Kurdish lives when balanced against billions of American dollars and armaments?
9
A Trump supporter’s go to argument is always “he does what he says he would do”. My response is always, “that doesn’t mean it was a good idea”. Betraying allies is a bad idea. Not listening to military advisors who know the real situation on the ground is a bad idea. Listening to the Turkish President over your own military leaders is a bad idea. “Great and unmatched wisdom”? The overwhelming evidence to the contrary would suggest otherwise.
19
Could this be a lesson to the republicans that they can push back and survive if they do it together? No individual profiles in courage but they can effect their constitutional authority.
6
Like many here I’m appalled by Trump’s action. It certainly had its intended effect- focusing the media’s attention on something other than impeachment.
But this latest shiny object is going to have real- world consequences for the Kurds, our most consistent, and practically only ally in the region (in destabilized Iraq and Syria). The damage this does to our reputation among our allies everywhere will certainly be far-teaching and long-lasting.
So Trump wants to let up on authoritarian Erdogan, with his atrocious human rights record, so he can say he’s bringing 50 special forces soldiers home. His math doesn’t add up though, because 1,000 US troops would still remain.
Trump is erratic and dangerous. Congress should demand to see the transcript of Sunday’s call with Erdogan.
19
Not only do we now know the line in the sand for the Congressional GOP, we now know which brown people the GOP will stand up famd tweet for. Spoiler alert: they don't live in the US/aren't US citizens.
9
@D
Any idea about how allowing ISIS to grow again would somehow make white old American citizens living in the US any safer ... ?
Because that's what ALL experts, across the political spectrum, know what would happen if the US no longer guarantees a no fly zone at the border.
And by the way, that no fly zone was Trump's main campaign promise here, so why do you support him flip-flopping 100%, all of a sudden?
Can we just stop for a moment to consider the phrase “I , in my great and unmatched wisdom” coming out of the mouth of Donald Trump?
51
@Amy C
Watch the SNL Michael Che Weekend Update bit about Trump being.... "Strong..."
Maybe Trump's just... Strong. Like Lenny from Of Mice and Men. And Che's cousin.
1
@Amy C I'd rather not, I just ate breakfast
1
To get to the root of everything in this country just always follow the money. So, how much real estate does Trump have in Turkey and Russia...or how much does he want to have? I going to trust House democrats are checking into this conflict of interest.
... that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...King of Kings am I
17
We need to leave Syria - Allied bombing raids created a wasteland by destroying several cities and making millions homeless. ISIS didn’t even cause as much destruction to the civilian population. The hawks in Congress and the Defense Department have involved us in several meaningless wars costing US taxpayers trillions of dollars. It’s time to pull out of Syria - pull out of Afghanistan- pull out of Iraq - pull out of S Korea. There is no threat to our Country.
3
It should be noted that when Trump promises to “totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey” he is talking about indiscriminate collective punishment against civilians and military alike. The Turkish people are generally good and have little-to-no power over what the government does. Also, sanctions are the modern version of siege warfare and generally spark a “rally around the flag” effect. Trump’s sanctions on Iran and its formerly pro-American population are a perfect example of this.
Here’s what should happen instead: Trump should reverse his decision outright. I’m not generally a hawk, but I believe that we should keep or promises to our allies, especially those who depend on us for their survival. Our military should stay and remain at full readiness.
In any case, Solidarity with the Kurds. I only wish I had more to offer.
11
@Matt F
You forgot to mention that he's done it before. Whatever that means. Sounds like he's talking about ruining a country's economy, but maybe he's just talking about his own failures in Atlantic City, NJ.
I am disappointed to see the Times echo Turkish propaganda by publishing an image with the text "proposed zone for returning Syrian refugees". This doesn't match with what Turkey has done in the part of Syria that it now occupies. The only people resettled there are some rebel fighters. And they get the houses of Kurds that have been ethnically cleansed. Turkey hasn't built one extra house.
So the net effect of such an operation is an increase in refugees as inevitably some houses will be destroyed in the fighting.
4
Our POTUS has only one unmatched talent: the ability to turn every friend into an enemy.
31
Republicans: there's only one way to stop this tawdry charade of a presidency: remove the man from an office he is not fit to hold.
28
Unfortunately the typical Trump supporter has no clue of the consequences of this move nor do they care.
25
“I, in my great and unmatched wisdom”
“will destroy and obliterate the Economy of ..... (I’ve done it before)....”
Well, if these two statements does not show Republicans and Trump Supporters alike, how truly delusional this man is, nothing will.
But why wouldn’t he have some sort of deity omnipotence complex. So far he has acted with impunity. He has abused his position time and time again. Republicans have completely abdicated their responsibilities up until now in order to build this man up.
And now, Republicans are in turmoil over Syria? Why now? Why this issue over everything else?
Well, better now than ever I guess ....
20
Trump owns twin Trump towers in Istanbul that in a 2015 interview he said were his most profitable assets. This decision of his give Turkey what they want, and that is Kurdish blood, is based on protecting his Trump Towers, nothing more.
I am sure that Trump is unaware of the Turkish ongoing persecution of the Kurds. The Turks will massacre every Kurd they can get their hands on, men, women and children. All the rest is commentary and distractions.
The man is heartless, uneducated, clueless and dangerous.
25
Abandoning the Kurds is offering the whole area to Assad, Iran, Erdogan's Turkey and ISIS, to Putin's Russia too.
Impeachment is urging.
7
The Kurds, were very very important, in defeating ISIS. One could argue that without the Kurds, ISIS, would not have been defeated. Trump's, impulsive decision to abandon and betray the Kurds, is just one reason why he needs to be removed from the Presidency.
He is a threat to our Constitution and our national security.
He simply does not know what he is doing.
22
He knows very well what he is doing. He is protecting his investment in Trump Towers in Istanbul Erdogan is blackmailing him. Got it? Good.
1
Republican politicians have long known that Trump is completely unfit to be President and Commander in Chief. Now they are pretending to be indignant when he demonstrates just that.
28
This is no mistake. Trump likes to wake sleeping dogs to deflect from his own machinations. He needs something really big to distract from the now very real and serious impeachment threat. He does not see the world in reality, it and we are mere pawns or whatever he needs us and the world to be to play his mind games with himself. If he sets the world on fire, to him it's only the means to an end, to not have to ever be held responsible for what he does.
22
“...if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),”...
This is terrifying - and it will probably be ignored by everyone except talk-show comics.
We’ve grown so hardened to Trump’s madness, no one will note his deteriorating grip on reality.
We’ve ignored, probably forgotten he was laughed out of the UN General Assembly last year.
How many US presidents have ever made such remarks?
How many dictators or “kings by right of God” have ever gone so far?
Not even King George III in the bouts of a porphyria-induced rage.
No one.
A few weeks ago Trump had declared himself Savior.
Now he’s openly declared himself God, the all-wise.
Words Stanley Kubrick didn’t even put in the mouth of “General Jack Ripper” after he launched an atomic attack in “Dr. Strangelove”, the blackest comedy of the Cold War.
More frightening, he thinks he has obliterated a national economy before.
He hurt the broken economy of Atlantic City when he bankrupted the Taj.
Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman and other economists says he has pushed THIS nation to the brink of financial collapse.
He’s never destroyed a country’s economy - but he thinks he has.
This isn’t comedy anymore this is deadly serious - and Trump must be taken out of the Oval Office immediately.
But his cabinet of loyal yes-folks won’t think of ordering a trip to St. Elizabeth’s for tests and observation.
21
The failure of GH Bush to protect the Kurds in 1992 was bad. This is worse. This is right up with the betrayal of Poland in '45 and Hungary in '56. These are people we made commitments to. It won't be forgotten, and it will have consequences. Every enemy of America is now wondering - just how weak is that big baby.
16
Trump throws Middle East into turmoil by drawing back seized territory. It’s almost like the past 20 years hasn’t happened. The US is Turmoil incarnate, the bane of peaceful life for a very long time.
5
Turkey under Mr Erdogan is not an ally.
Erdogan continually undermines the USA
He is more aligned with Russia than wikth America.
Turkey should be cut loose from all western alliances including NATO
7
doesn't matter, it's about Tower$. The empire grows and democracy flickers.
5
Nah. Won’t happen
Incirlik USAF Base
Clearly, impeachment is becoming a national emergency. The "great and unmatched" wizard is now a security hazard to his own country...
17
There is a new Sense in the Universe.
I feel It.
There is a new Spine, developing in the Replubiconos. Some are becoming self-aware.
We shall see how ths develops.
3
I understand that Trump campaigned on bringing troops home but this is insanity.
5
Trump's unilateral choice to withdraw troops from Syria proves he's indebted to Putin and/or is trying to stupidly achieve a campaign promise. Coupled with election interference, Republicans have to confront Trump alongside Democrats or they're unAmerican.
Trump didn't consult with his advisors, America's allies in the Syrian conflict or Congressional Republicans, all of whom would have told him to reconsider since that withdrawal allows Turks to slaughter our Kurdish allies. Remember American-supported Kurds successfully defeated ISIS in this region.
When Donald tried this unwise move previously, Congressional Republicans pushed back hard enough that he changed his opinion. Now Trump is acting like a maniacal autocrat who seeks personal gain regardless of national or international harm...just like asking Ukraine and China to investigate his political rival.
The GOP made this monstrosity called President Trump. They now own his illogical behaviors like suddenly pulling troops from Syria or violating election interference law 52 USC 32101.
If Congressional Republicans are not willing to impeach Trump considering his illogical foreign policy (benefiting Putin) AND violating the law, then they clearly demonstrate they care about their party more than what's good for America.
8
This certainly ranks up there among history's greatest stab in the back moments. Among the others that quickly come to mind: Czechoslovakia taking it from France & Great Britain; Poland taking it from the Soviet Union; the Soviet Union taking it from Germany.
Back in those days between the two world wars, the U.S. was staunchly isolationist. And if you read Rand Paul's comments, I guess the U.S. wants to return to that position.
So I guess the "America First" foreign policy of today means America with no trustworthy friends or allies. Watta Shame!
4
the legacy of King George III was that he lost America. the madness of King George. so, history repeats itself.
2
Trump once said he wouldn't announce troop withdrawals in advance or give a specific ISIS plan because he didn’t want enemies to know it. No, I suppose he thinks it's better to just take his ball and go home, leaving allies that worked alongside American forces to take back ISIS controlled territory, to be destroyed by that terrific Turkish government. America has lost her soul under this person.
7
We should never have gone into Syria on the ground. As a general rule, we should seek to disengage from the middle east, except as contributors to a UN peacekeeping force. At one time, Turkey going into Syria might have been an excellent idea. Refugees now in Turkey should be returned to Syria. But when you make promises, as we have done, you have to keep them. Becoming a promise breaker is not giving the mugger your cash, it's handing over all your passwords. You've sacrificed something unlimited.
2
Did I read “In my great and unmatched wisdom “tell me it isn’t true that anyone would make that statement but the Bible quoting God .
We have many knowledgeable people to come together with the President to make mayor decisions like this one . That’s why this is a democracy not a dictatorship.
7
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!)”
Everyday I am more convinced that reading George Orwell's 1984 must be a mandated in every school... This "situation" is defying common sense and logic.
20
Trump has abandoned the Kurds, a steadfast American ally. So he continues to bankrupt American credibility and honour, just as he bankrupted six of his own business schemes. This damage will take 20 years to repair, if it is successful at all.
4
25th Amendment
It’s time.
This guy is cracking up in broad daylight and it’s dangerous.
28
He said „“WE WILL FIGHT WHERE IT IS TO OUR BENEFIT, AND ONLY FIGHT TO WIN. Turkey, Europe, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia and the Kurds will now have to figure the situation out.”
Well, ISIS was born and went strong as a result of the US war in Irak and the many strategic errors that were made in this war. From the beginning, many countries i.e. in Europe refused to join the war in Irak for very good and widely known reasons.
The Kurds helped the world to fight the cruel ISIS people down, and we are all happy about their success, because ISIS was and is a big thread to European and international security (just think about the terrorist attacks in Paris alone). Furthermore Turkey and Europe have taken millions of Syrian refugees that were leaving the destabilized region (not to speak about the million refugees from Afghanistan, Irak and other destabilized countries in that region for which Europeans and Turks pay significant money while giving them shelters since years).
Wouldn’t it be the minimum to clean up your own mess, before leaving the region and telling the world that you do not see benefits in doing so?
5
I ran on this and let the middle east take care of itself are poor excuses for betraying our allies the Kurds. Erdogan is now free to go after them and cares nothing about the coming humanitarian crisis as Isis regroups. He calls and Trump obeys.
America is the most powerful country and like it or not, has a responsibility to protect the oppressed and "smite the oppressor with the rod of justice"
3
The following Twitter post from Trump shows just how delusional and unconnected to reality he has become:
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter.
Republicans need to step up to the plate and show Trump to the White House door through impeachment, 25th Amendment or just pressure and encouragement of him to resign and return to NYC.
13
With Trump's egregious pandering to foreign autocrats, I am utterly astounded that Congress and the Cabinet have not worked for impeachment and/or invocation of the 25th Amendment long before now.
Most of the nation abides by the Rule of Law; Trump abides by the law of what suits Trump and those to whom he, at the moment, pledges his allegiance.
I, as a retired military officer, am gravely concerned for the well-being of our nation and its alliances. I am disgusted by Trump's consistently incompetent performance and behavior. I am appalled by the inaction of those charged with the checks and balances of Executive power as designed by our Founders.
13
This is all quite amusing. Trump has a point, though not quite in the way he thinks. The greatest source of instability and destruction in the Middle East for the past several decades has been the US. The US has, consistently, been nothing but a malignant influence in that region. From its mindless and destructive support for Israel (and its corresponding support for the oppression of the Palestinians) to its overthrow of democracy in Iran (which eventually led to the Iranian revolution) to its devastating and illegal war against Iraq (which was the single most destabilizing act in the region and directly responsible for the creation of ISIS) the US has been nothing but a curse to the region. The endless wars are, of course, virtually pointless. At the same time, Trump's willingness to abandon the Kurds should not surprise anyone. The US has abandoned unlucky allies before. The reasons for the hawks wanting to stay in Syria are manifold, but they don't really have much to do with showing loyalty to allies. If that were the case, the various trade wars the US has embarked upon never would have happened.
5
Trump is smart. If we are talking about the Middle East, we are not talking about impeachment. He has used this tactic successfully many times in the past.
2
Mitch McConnell and the Republicans are wrong.
We need to be out of there.
Sorry, but Trump is right on that one.
1
Trumps' flip-flopping is the reason the US is considered a dangerously unreliable partner. The EU is making new trade deals with Japan, India and China and creating security networks with other NATO countries.
Wonder if the US will ever recover what Trump, in his infinite wisdom, will lose in 4 (maybe 8?) years in office?
PS ... the US is the only NATO member that has ever asked for military support ..... which is why so many nations have fought in Iraq and are still fighting an American war in Afghanistan.
2
"...FIGHT WHERE IT IS TO OUR BENEFIT...."
The president leaves out of his rant the definition of the word "our". He always leaves that out. What does "our" mean in this case? If he is referring to the lives of the American people in general rather than, say, the benefit to himself and his family, could he explain the benefits of skyrocketing gas prices (does he suddenly support the Green New Deal?) to the American people that would result from escalating conflict in the Middle East? "Let them figure it out themselves." If that's a viable alternative, why should the Russian gov't be allowed to stick its nose into the Middle East? If he wants to withdraw American troops, he should persuade his chum in Moscow to do the same. Except persuasion between Russia and the USA occurs in only one direction, doesn't it? If the president were the slightest bit interested in peace in the region, he would be making a quiet but forceful diplomatic effort to persuade the two American allies, the Turkish gov't and Kurdish leadership to build trust, rather than each hinting at doing precisely that which scares the wits out of the other side, and eventually broker a long-term agreement between them. Does the name Carter ring a bell? Want to be remembered for something good around the world, Mr. President? How about, in the year 2060, you are still remembered for brokering peace between Turkey and the Kurds? No, it doesn't get you a Trump resort built in Northern Syria. Sorry.
1
As a Kurd, I can only beg the American people to not let this happen. Almost every Kurd I know has someone in the family that either fought against ISIS or lost someone in the fight against IS. We’ve lost of 11 000 brave men and women in the fight against ISIS, who fought alongside brave men and women from the US army to defeat these terrorists, and this is just really painful to see..
We’ve tried hard to rebuild Northern Syria, to make it a peaceful place for all communities, whether Kurd, Arab or Assyrian, whether Christian, Muslim or Yazidi, there are five million people of all these communities that call Northern Syria home.
Turkey wants to resettle four million Arab refugees who are not native to the region and come from mainly Western Syria, so 200-300 miles away, so he can replace the native Kurdish population in Northern Syria with Arabs, as he has previously done in Efrin.
For Mr. Trump it is just a “decision” he took, for Kurds it means mass displacement, mass murder and their livelihoods being destroyed.
Please do not let this happen!
16
The policy of Joe Biden has long been that the Kurds should have a nation of their own and share in oil revenues. Such consideration would never be broached by Mr Trump because it would give a rationale for a state for Palestinians that Mr Netanyahu would disapprove.
3
Various thoughts concerning this story:
It takes the focus away from the Whistleblower Scandal. Haven't we seen this pattern before? Throw the Kurds to the wolves to save himself from Impeachment. Loyalty is not a two way street for POTUS 45.
If that is not the case, then perhaps it is time to invoke the 25th Amendment. Of course, that requires the type of courage heretofore not seen in individuals associated with POTUS 45.
What would it take for Mathis to break his silence? Is he more loyal to his concept of the Chain of Command or to his oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic?
The same question is raised about other former administration insiders. Tillerson, McMasters, even Kelly. They need to speak up or are they silenced by a NDA?
Did he really say "great unmatched wisdom" ?
8
Hey Repubs, i always wanted to agree with you on something, maybe this is it. I'm a dem, and i don't thing we should let our heroic Kurdish allies, who did so much to fight isis, get slaughtered
by Turkey in alliance with Russia and its allies syria and iran just because trump is bored with them.
A bipartisan moment?
27
@Robert not one republican agrees?. Huh.
I've been reading all the articles here on this situation. Sadly, I realize I've already read more about this than the president has.
48
Considering his blind support to Trump, also the latter:'s close secret ties with Russia, Senator Mitch McConnell's questioning of Trump's Syria policy on grounds that it will give free hand to Russia-Iran-Turkey alliance and also to the ISIS appears like shedding crocodile tears with little real pain for the US interests being sacrificed by Trump as usual.
17
It is official.
Trump only wants to ally with dictators who suppress personal freedoms.
Is this really what we want our country to stand for?
30
"A senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under administration ground rules said Mr. Trump told Mr. Erdogan that if he did send in troops, they would be responsible for securing the prisoners."
That sounds like a green light for Turkey to slaughter Kurds. One can only wonder what, in his "unmatched wisdom" he would consider over the line. It sounds like Trump doesn't care what happens to the Kurds, as long as Turkey "secures" the prisoners. We are discovering on a daily basis that here is no bottom to the depth of his depravity.
29
Where do Sec'y of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stand on this? Were they also on the call to Erdogan? Why are they silent?
23
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!)
Is that the evil Bond bad guy Vladamir Scorpus, or the PRESIDENT OF THE USA.
12
In their phone call, Trump and Erdogan probably giggled together over this upcoming statement.
It's almost as if he doesn't know what he's doing.
42
@Chicago Guy -
“It’s almost as if ...”?
“Almost”?
Almost?
Trump is like the Bourbon Dynasty of France, kings who had “learned nothing, so they had forgotten nothing”, according to Talleyrand.
2
@Chicago Guy - I needed a laugh. Thanks :)
2
The message Donald Trump is sending to the Kurds and everyone else is clear: never trust the Americans.
And with friends like Trump...
22
@Chicago Guy -
Trump betrays our Kurdish allies the same way that he used then betrayed suppliers, vendors, lenders, customers, contractors, investors and partners during a business career marked by multiple insolvencies, bankruptcies, under-the-table fixes and payoffs, fraud, misrepresentation, involuntary conversion of assets (corporate and charitable) and constant civil litigation.
4
Is it possible that the man in the White House is starting his war-mongering efforts to then declare a national emergency and "postpone", perhaps indefinitely, elections thinking that this will enable him to remain ad infinitum?
10
@Allsop:
In the Real World this scenario would never become a reality.
Then again, The Very Stable Genius is wholly and perpetually infused with his own toxic (and comedic) self-delusion.
Sad. Bigly Sad.
At what point is enough?
At what point do we start taking action when our elected officials, continue to dance around the ugly dumpster fire that this third arm of democracy has morphed into?
This is not normal. This is not America. We - most of us - are better than this.
This 'Emperor' has no clothes.
35
@isotopia:
I absolutely agree with your sentiments.
Unfortunately -- tragically -- a significant proportion of our citizenry *actually* believes in -- and backs the Cretin-in-Chief. That this is the case is the harbinger of significant and potentially fatal cracks in what once was a united republic . . .
I have come to believe that the manifestation of this wholly inept manchild -- and the surreal adoration of his supporters -- heralds the beginning of our republic's slide into the dustbin of history, a la ancient Rome.
Sad. Bigly sad.
1
"in my great and unmatched wisdom" POMPUS Magnus ( not Marcus Aurelius.)
So bring the troops home, but don't expect any "coalition of the willing" for your next frolic in Iran. I agree with Peter (Albany), they should never have been there in the first place.
3
As a German I have to say: It's not a good thing to be an US ally anymore. America is losing all trust in the world, we feel betrayed by your countries policies. The Kurds fought against ISIS, I don't recount many US soldiers dying in Syria, but thousands of Kurds. So what is this nonsense? You're also abandonning Afghanistan, even trying to deal with the Taliban, a terrorist organization. People will die, but you don't care anymore? It's not about the US ruling the world or whatever, it is about compassion and being a counterpart to murderous regimes, that are killing their own people. Like Turkey, they kill Kurds since decades, even the Iraq and Syria wars showed, that where the Kurds rule, it is safe and peaceful. Tirkey under Erdogan is a racist regime, one that supports islamistic forces, so you really let them invade and kill your allies? Will that happen to Europe, too? Will your president let his friend Putin invade? We can't trust you anymore, soon you will be on your own. It's time for a change. If you won't change, we will.
45
@Davian The majority of Americans agree with your points and many are working to change course. I never thought I would see this in a president during my lifetime. But here we are. Our fate depends on what we do now and in 2020. We will continue to work hard for change and hope for the best. Please keep a light on for us.
18
@Davian
You have Russia to worry about, but are not really in the likely immediate line of fire. As an AmerIsraeli living within easy reach of Hizbollah's rockets, Trump's turning on our Kurdish allies, who are probably among the most cost-effective investments in foreign military activity, makes me very nervous.
4
I was tempted to say that the Syrian decision is yet another example of Trump's uncomprehending idiocy - the Kurds have been on the right side of history in recent Middle Eastern conflicts and they deserve Western support.
Trump does not define the 'others who will figure the situation out' for him but we know who they are and in fact Trump knows exactly what he is doing - kissing up to his Russian buddy to secure his luxury dacha.
13
Terrifying, but true. You wouldn't think it would be possible in the modern world. Yet, here we are.
IQs lower by the moment here in the US, apparently.
2
So much for making America great again. The Kurds were truly heroic allies of the US. Now Trump throws them to the mercy of their sworn Turkish enemy. This is making America duplicitous and unprincipled and cowardly.
20
“It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.” - Henry Kissinger, 1968
21
Hey Trump. Why so cheap with U.S troops, when you keep pushing for increasing Pentagon funding? I guess it all goes back to pleasing your boss, Putin. (Can anyone figure this guy out?... SHP-Send Him Packing)
9
How long are we going to stay? We have been at war in the region for a very long time. Some of our troops fighting today were not even born when our present blood letting begin. What is our goal,and what is our exit strategy? What shall we do with our Kurdish allies? We know what Dick Cheney did for them. He abandoned them to Saddam's tender mercies. Shall we bring them to America to reap the benefits of heroes who have given their blood for our cause? There are small towns all over America that are loosing population as young people move away Plenty of room if we have the will to help out those who have fought for us Leaving a 75000 man Kurdish army on Turkey's border may not be the best solution.
6
We don't bring home the fighters and translators from those regions to whom we promised citizenship for their service. It is a great cause of emotional trauma to the US warfighter that we continue to make empty promises to real humans who bled real blood fighting with us. Without them, our losses would be far greater and our victories none. Empty promises are what WE know fighting with America means. This nation is the penultimate backstabber. Betrayal is what we do. Trump just did it on the global scale in a way that is so monstrously dangerous as to be almost incalculable.
We have enemies alright. They are not located abroad.
3
Clearly this is a distraction to shift the news cycle from the Ukrainian debacle. I assume it also gives Trump virtual leverage over the GOP to support him on impeachment.... reminding them how quickly he can make a mess of what they may hold dear.
31
Exactly this!
7
I don't see it. These GOP senators are the only thing between him and a jail cell.
He won't give us even one day without chaos. If he feels the chaos meter is only moderate, he thinks of another thing to do to whip us all up again.
I hope congress is ready to stop him. Isn't their job to remove him when he cannot function.
26
@sheila - Chaos is right! As Jeb Bush said in a Dec 2015 Republican debate -
"Donald, you know, is great at the one-liners. But he's a chaos candidate. And he'd be a chaos president. He would not be the commander-in-chief we need to keep our country safe.”
"Low Energy Jeb" (sigh) called it. Those words have stayed with me ever since.
3
Alright so I think we cracked this. Americans just need to become allies with the United States, so that when Trump sells out the American people, Republicans will react like this.
4
I'm embarrassed that your Marquis de Lafayette was our great champion in the American Revolution and we clearly are making a mess of France's every investment of Alliance with us. I am truly ashamed of my country. The US owes France a debt of gratitude for our very existence. There are those of us who remember. And we do so hope that, when "We the People" of these States need you again, you'll remember us. Together we were in WWII, and alone it seems, America shall be here in the dawning of WWIII. Come back for us, France. Please do. But YOU must remain united! Do not let England Brexit! You must stay a Union. You must. World security depends upon it. Do not allow Britain to stick to the US. Strategically, you've all got to stick together and abandon us first. If we cannot play on the global field, by the rules, you put us on the bench.
We WILL wake up. But perhaps not unless you force us to.
And, yes, I am laying out a military strategy for you.
This was much needed. The United States needs to start strategically allying itself with countries that will help it out in the long run. Yes - the Kurds need and deserve to be helped - and the U.S. should do a public show of support of them in Iraq for their independence. Getting into the muck of Syria was a huge mistake given that Assad had given up nuclear weapons and exiting it now is a great time as any. The region needs to feel the consequences of its actions and step-up. If they know the U.S. will always come to the rescue with blood and treasure they will behave irresponsibly. The Syrian crisis is a European matter - one that the Europeans need to solve. Their calculous towards Iran would change drastically if it were there troops dying on the streets of Aleppo.
2
Great military strategy.
It is time to try sometining new. The US should leave the Middle East and stop sending over weapons or supporting one faction against the other, and see how it goes. I dare say the US/Europe are the cause of all the endless conflict. The moment you signal support for one group an impetus is created for conflict. You have to leave, turn-off and they will work it out.
3
You're speaking in logical terms as if these terrorist sects are organized nations in the Middle East. I wish there was that logic possible, but there is not. We are talking about fractious, non-state actors that do not rely upon a central authority for their military actions. How many times did Islamic State (not a state) go through name changes? Started out, in the public eye, as 'ISIL' - Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Taliban. Al Qaeda. et. al.
Reality check: These are not foes over which there can be any victory militarily... ever. Theirs are ideologies and for their, unlike us, they will die willingly.
The states in which they act will or will not beat them based on their capabilities which are any combination of factors from economic to political stability and beyond.
When you fight on the ground, you learn that ideology and loyalty are keenly interwoven. Those Kurdish fighters are among the few Allies our forces have anywhere in the region. Without that, the destabilization is really inestimable.
These conflicts are not of the variety where one can make a "Battleship" or "Risk" game in their likeness. There's no one who can give us intelligence on situations such as these who isn't military and from commands not only region-specific, but recently so.
Until we're up close and personal with the actual fighting and literally the politics local to that area, we do not have sufficient intelligence to make calls.
The LEAST qualified person on earth is Trump.
1
The middle east "countries" are lines drawn on maps by colonial powers. In the case of the Kurdish people, the lines on the map cut across their nation. Kurds are an Iranian ethnic group native to Western Asia. This mostly mountainous area includes southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northern Syria.
6
Excellent point! This should be posted at the end of every article about the situation. Many Americans dismiss the Middle East as a pile of irrational tribalists quarrelling interminably.
The Kurdish people, and their land, go back thousands of years. Their modern struggle for self-determination in any section of their ancestral homeland is understandable and tragic. They should not be punished for betting on America as the good guys in the region, even if we continually disappoint.
1
His quote "his great and unmatched wisdom" is what really scares me. That sort of megalomania and recklessness should be enough to scare his friends.
37
The Kurds were instrumental in ending ISIS. Now we run a risk of ISIS re-emerging. Even Lindsay Graham is appalled and has publicly stated that ISIS is not ended now. And what will happen the next time the U.S. needs an ally's assistance? I don't think they'll be so willing to fight if they know they may be stabbed in the back for all their troubles. Yet another black stain on our reputation. But I'll bet Putin is happy with his ROI.
10
A true demagogue is not satisfied until, like Caligula, he has exercised and demonstrated his personal control over life and death.
Congress has denied Trump that power. He cannot unilaterally and recklessly throw young American lives into the breach, so he has to appease his demons vicariously by being the agent of destruction of a beleaguered and vulnerable people.
The world should take note of this, for he will be neither satiated or satisfied. This will only whet his appetite for more.
Each day Trump's appetite for outrage grows in lockstep with his power to inflict it. He is a dangerous juggernaut who is outgrowing the ability of any remaining people or institutions to constrain.
11
Maybe it’s been too easy for me to lapse into ridicule of Trump; your message rings a true and somber tone.
1
The G.O.P in turmoil? If only; Today’s Republican Party is Republican in name only. At best, they are nothing more enabling ciphers. Their feigning outrage here is insulting, and emblematic of their duplicitous, self-serving behavior. And the tragedy here is that people will die and this situation was entirely avoidable had the “G.O.P in turmoil” grown a backbone and exercised some ethics beginning about 3-1/2 years. They are hollow.
10
The Trump foreign policy doctrine on the surface seems confusing and sometimes contradictory. However, it all makes sense if you just ask the question “What would Vladimir Putin want.”
10
Unfortunately one cannot easily pick and choose battles in the Middle East. The West has played in to this mess and is largely responsible. The real losers are the people sitting on top of all the oil. The West fueled ISIS and then we complain when disenfranchised migrants go west bringing their scars and injuries along.You can bet what the situation might have been when at the time of Israel’s creation, Kurdistan would have also been created
2
Someone, please, invoke the 25th Amendment. Trump has gone off the rails.
15
It is never too soon to withdraw from a pointless war.
4
And be sure to reject all the desperate refugees we create in the process.
They “protest” but will they convict this existential threat to our democracy?
Are we to become a satellite of Putin’s Russia before the Republicans wake up?
6
Is America a democracy as we were all led to believe, or not. How is it possible for the President to avoid all professional advice and other arms of government and rule by edict. That way you risk having an unstable and /or venal individual with the power to cause catastrophe. Oh! Wait a minute. That's what you have.
4
It is clear- everything Trump does ultimately benefits Putin. Syria and Turkey have been drawn to Russian deals- and now Trump colludes as well by betraying the Kurds.
Rex Tillerson was supposed to grease the lifting of sanctions for Arctic drilling pairing Exxon with Putin, Ukraine as real meddlers in 2016 gets Manafort pardoned and Russia's FSB cyber attacks on the election 'exonerated' as well as reassuring Trump that he really did win bigly & fairly.
Yes it is wild con man double talk to pretend all this is for US interests and against 'corruption' as Trump serves himself & Putin's leverage over him.
Hopefully key Republican senators cannot stand Trump's strange deal with Turkey now and will try to get him to walk it back. Worst of all is that Trump is alienating his allies at home (not just globally) by losing Graham & McConnell just as impeachment investigations close in. Tax returns next...revealing Russian ties.
Trump snarls like a cornered animal.
5
Trump does not have a Middle East Policy.
Everything he has done in the Middle East is by direction of Putin.
This latest move is bad a lot of innocent people are going to die but sadly things are going to get even worse and soon.
Putin and Trump will make sure of it.
4
I am curious as to the source of his “great and unmatched wisdom”. It hasn’t been all that apparent during the course of his public life.
9
Oil. Kurdish territory.
President Donald Trump is correct. The USA has no business there and cannot continue wars indefinitely which have no material benefit to the US in the end. If the US was to "win" the war, what would it gain? Territory? Wealth (gold, or something like that)? Oil? The answer is a definite NO. It would gain nothing. So, there will be no spoils of war and, in fact, the USA would have spent its wealth and blood for no good.
I will add a bit more to my reasoning. If all the Kurds, Syrians, Turks, Palestinians, Egyptians etc... were mixed up and given a place to live in USA, Canada, Australia, England, or anywhere in Europe, they all would live comfortably, engage with each other, marry amongt themselves, socialize amongst each other, ad infinutum.
So, why can't they live where they are from? WHY? I know why because they hate each other and that because one cannot stand if someone from the other group is in the ruling position. And this is because the LAWS of the country (Shariah or otherwise) are not applied equally. The first question one asks the other is: where are you from? What sect do you belong to? I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN IT.
so, has the US done anything to avoid these questions and such discrimination among groups? NO! It hasn't. Will the US do something about it? NO. Therefore, the best thing to do is for the USA to get out, and President Donald Trump is correct about it. Let them sort it out.
5
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter. He did not explain what would be off limits, but aides insisted he had not given a green light to an invasion."
Wise one, find Turkey on a map. I'll wait.
6
And the Kurds got money and equipment to do the direct fighting against ISIS. We would have spent the same money and the dead in that fight would have been American soldiers. All thrown over so the Trump Organization can keep a multi-million dollar annual licensing payment for the Trump Towers in Instanbul.
6
Forget Russian meddling. Forget the constitution. Forget all the lies. Forget our European allies. But the Kurds is where the Republicans draw the line. Well at least they drew a line. Now let's see if they can hold it...
8
In his past, Trump has betrayed the kids at his Trump “University” where he was forced to return $25 million to the kids. Trump has betrayed American tax payers through his “foundation” which he was legally forced to terminate. Trump has betrayed America by siding with the Russian government against trusted American agencies. It’s no surprise that Trump would betray our brave loyal ally the Kurds. Trump is letting the Turks commit genocide against our Kurdish ally. If we look deep enough, will we see that money payments connect all of Trump’s betrayals?! It sure does look like it.
7
Wondering if the Silent Republicans have considered that Trump may be attempting to provoke isis into a terrorist attack upon America, as a teaser for his envisioned ' second season '.
4
*In December 2015, Trump stated in a radio interview that he had a "conflict of interest" in dealing with Turkey because of his property, saying "I have a little conflict of interest, because I have a major, major building in Istanbul ... It’s called Trump Towers. Two towers, instead of one. Not the usual one, it’s two. And I’ve gotten to know Turkey very well."
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_Towers_Istanbul
11
If the Kurds had looked at the US's treatment of the Iraqis who acted as translators, scouts and allies of the US during our murderous incursion into Iraq under bush the younger, they would have learned a valuable lesson into how the racist republican party treats nationals of color who do our bidding.
We have now been so obviously untrustworthy on the world stage that no thinking national leaders will come to our defense.
Shame on the republican tyrants we have elected over the past 4 decades.
Vote these traitors out of office in 2020.
7
“In my great and unmatched wisdom?” He is so entirely unhinged that he apparently thinks he is the Wizard of Oz. But the sad truth is that, in this case, he more resembles Dorothy’s Scarecrow than any man behind a curtain. “If I only had a brain” is a massive understatement and when applied here should be sung to the tune of a most mournful funeral dirge.
The sad fact is that his move concerning Ukraine and this one in Syria both benefit one man and one Country. The man is Putin and the Country is Russia. It’s as if Putin is giving him orders and he is so beholden that he just obeys. Whatever it is that Putin is holding over him, it must be earthshaking.
He must be removed...ASAP.
4
@Bodyman - but he has a ‘very, very large brain’ and is a 'very stable genius' -- so I suppose it follows that he has great and unmatched wisdom. He has told us he knows more than anyone about anything. It just keeps on getting crazier. Sigh - yes, hopefully he can be removed before he destroys this country and possibly the world.
1
"The president’s assertion that the Islamic State has been defeated is “the biggest lie being told by the administration,” Mr. Graham added."
don't I wish THAT was the biggest lie...
5
"I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!).”
OK, it's official: we are living in an insane asylum run by this narcissistic sociopath. He's gone totally over the edge into full-blown psychosis. He's hallucinating that he's the Wizard of Oz, the Great and Terrible Oz.
Bring out the 25th Amendment before he destroys us all. And while we're at it, take away the right to vote from all his supporters, who are either as delusional as he is, or as morally bankrupt.
11
Trump, like all bullies, backs off at a rate of knots when you stand up to him. Why don't serious Republicans do it more often?
2
I thin that we have to selected our leaders wisely;drop Trump
1
The Senate and House Republicans
= The Coalition of the Willing”
3
why doesnt he just let putin release the photo's. They cant be more embarrasing than his policy decisions.
3
To Erdogan (and Trump?), the best solution may be to send thousands of Turkish troops to “secure” (slaughter) the 10,000 Islamic State fighters and their families in the makeshift camps in northern Syria.
1
The president is clearly crazy and must be removed from office. How hilarious but ludicrous it is to watch the republican senators and congress members attempt to make sense of his behavior, as though he's some kind of genius we all are incapable of appreciating or understanding. He's off in la la land, and these fools can't even figure that out.
2
“In my great and unmatched wisdom...” defend that language Trump supporters! Can’t wait to hear you explain that....
5
He actually said "in my great and unmatched wisdom".
Gosh. What a fool. But at least Republicans are finally forcefully calling something he did dangerous.
4
"...I, in my great and unmatched wisdom,..." Donald Trump.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. oh, uh, I am the Great and powerful, ah, oh, .....wizard of oz"
If only it were that simple.
3
@Greg - I'm just waiting for "I'm melting ..."
Raise the heat.
2
Thank God the Republican Party finally objected to one of Trump’s heinous acts. His plans with Ergodan would have had disastrous results in the Middle East and annilated our Kurdish allies.
Not only is Trump an aggressively corrupt individual but he knows nothing of the world situation now. He is just a stupidly crude big mouth who has shamed our country before our allies.
He should resign rather than be impeached.
2
Putin won got his puppet Trump to give in and Europe needs to watch out . Russia will take over each one without the support of the US. Trump truly is allowing Russia and China to keep on being evil and not daily commenting on it . At least the Dems Obama caused sanctions right away like in Crimea . That is the only language those countries know. Impeach the traitor now. He can’t be trusted.
2
Land of the thief,
Home of the slave.
And 40% believe some version of this, generally thinking themselves the thief as their nation dies. Themselves bemoaning the demise.
Fools on a little boat to oblivion.
The rest of the planet wants to live. And are doing something about it.
There is no dignity left. A sure sign the end is coming for the king. Shakespeare.
1
“...in my great and unmatched wisdom...” Can anyone honestly doubt that Donald Trump is a deranged and delusional sociopath? His ignorance is only surpassed by his pathological narcissism. His presidency would be a tragicomedy if it were not for the fact that countless lives have been and will continue to be shattered by his reckless and impulsive actions. And to what end? The “show is Trump.”
6
Our president is nothing if he's not a fool. When asked why we're taking this step, he says lamely, "We're bringing the troops home. I ran on bringing the troops home. I'm keeping my promise."
Never mind the catastrophic, global impacts of such an ill-considered move. Never mind the betrayal such a move represents to allies around the world - the Kurds in particular.
In a stark reminder that President Trump is completely ill-equipped and unsuited for his job, he consulted with nobody else but the Turkish President Erdogan before making his pronouncement.
Then he goes on to state, "...I, in my great and unmatched wisdom..." Blah, blah, blah. His wisdom is unmatched, alright. The deficit of any sign of intelligence is simply breathtaking. The guy's a moron.
7
When Mitch McConnell tells the President to "exercise American Leadership", it looked like Mr. McConnell is a citizen of another country. Like he has no idea what is going on here.
Mr. McConnell must explain to us all what he is doing with all those Bills sent to him from the House. One item in particular, the Bill on gun control. He is still waiting to be told what the president has to say, and only then, he would act.
49
@citizen
Mitch is clueless.
5
What I find most interesting about Trump's comments is the fact that he's probably aware that most Republicans believe in God. Trump has proclaimed his wisdom to be "unmatched". Technically he did not say that his wisdom is "unsurpassed", but that does seem to be what he is implying. He didn't say his wisdom is unmatched by any person. He said it is unmatched, period. He has just openly proclaimed that he is wiser than God, who is all-knowing.
The saddest part is that Trump will continue to elevate himself to the status of godhood in his tweets and speeches, because he knows this is what his base wants. They already worship him as a god. When it comes down to a choice between God and Trump, his followers will ultimately choose Trump.
Trump has transformed the Republican Party by forcing them to abandon conservatism. Now he would have them abandon religion as well. In all likelihood, he will succeed.
15
How many times we have to left our brothers in arms to fend for themselves. How many times in history have we done this? Sadly, too many to count. Why should anyone should ever trust us. We have no integrity.
16
@Tom , exactly.
Trump has badly damaged the U.S.'s soft power, now he is going about wrecking the U.S.'s hard power, in the form of undermining important alliances.
2
I am definitely not a fan of President Trump. I am also not a supporter of our continued participation in the wars of the Middle East. I am surprised at the sudden support by liberals for our continued involvement in the wars in Syria. Do we dislike Trump that much? We will not accomplish anything good in Syria and when we leave as a financially broken country the fighting will continue. Leave now. Nothing good long term is going to be accomplished. The Kurds have been engaged in carving out a country that has caused them to be labelled as a terrorist group. We may be using them but they are also using us. We have lots of challenges in the world that we need to address. China and Russia are adversaries who pose real financial and military dangers. Oh, and maybe since climate change is a real existential threat perhaps we should work to get the republicans to take it seriously.
7
Mitch McConnel seems the only check on the imbalanced. Be that as it may.
5
@Rob
If he is the ONLY check, then "checkmate."
Game over. What are we gonna do now?
Mars flight sounds pretty tempting...
2
Mr. Trump, being a sleazy snd shallow strategist, is behaving within his charm remit to the great, tremendous, beautiful, various, entertainment-hungry portions of American voters.
This episode, surprising and sad only to rational and responsible portions of American voters, is being played out to secure the voters above to stay with this sleazy person to stay in White House. Republicans aware of this and its danger choose to stay with Mr. Trump to get votes from the same pool. Some seemingly rational comments about this episode from Republican upper echelon are, I believe, just noises.
4
Carl G. Jung was correct in saying, “We live in a time when there dawns upon us a realization that the people living on the other side of the mountain are not made up exclusively of red-headed devils responsible for all the evil in this side of the mountain.” However, if Jung were alive today, I’m sure he would agree that trump is responsible for all the evil on both sides of the mountain!
5
If you disagree with Trump’s policy on war, write your congressmen. Only they have the power to declare war.
3
If Turkey wipes out the Kurds, our most reliable ally in the fight against ISIS, then the blood will be on the hands of the senators, representatives, and voters who enabled this incompetent, immoral, unthinking person to do whatever he spontaneously decides with no imagination for the potential consequences of his action.
21
"I in my great and unmatched wisdom..." stated like a king.
We don't have kings in the United States of America.
Time to enact the 25th Amendment.
36
Did he actually say that. What do psychiatrists say about that.
2
@Sydney Kaye
Yeah, he did, into a microphone.
1
@Sydney Kaye
Even better, he “said” it on Twitter.
2
Surprise! Surprise! A sudden military crisis has risen it’s ugly head in Syria and Turkey! We’d better forget about President Zelensky, frozen military aid to Ukraine, and Trump’s attempt to get some dirt on Joe Biden.
Our extraordinarily stable genius crisis-starter used his great and unmatched wisdom to put yet another desperate plan in motion in an effort to distract public attention from his latest obvious impeachable offense. How many times has he used this transparent ruse in the past thirty-three months? How many distraction crises has the master-of-convenient-disaster created when his back’s been to the wall? It’s a hard number to calculate, as the Trump administration is viewed by so many voters simply as one unending, mutating disaster.
Imagine the Trump-initiated crises we can look forward to as we get closer to either Trump’s impeachment or the 2020 election if Trump is the Republican candidate. Stretch your imagination.
Trump is neither intelligent nor clever, but he’s very, very desperate and completely lacking in any sense of proportion or decency.
Hold onto your hats, folks! Anything can happen on Donny T.’s Distraction Crisis Derby!!!
34
"great and unmatched wisdom" Trump is delusional and he works for Russia.
28
This decision is another policy distraction from Trump's Ukraine debacle. By now we should understand the pattern: Trump gets himself into hot water by being unpresidential and foolish. Then he distracts to change the subject--and the news cycle--with outrageous policy decisions, sound bites and talking points.
17
100 percent spot on.
2
One thing for him to get himself in hot water. Another thing for him to get other people dead.
Were these conflicts more clear cut, and were they "wars" -- in this instance with the Kurds -- his actions would be treason on this go around here.
1
Wasn’t he supposed to be the only one who can fix it and who has the biggest brain and is such a genius and has a secret plan to fix Syria?
And now he is saying “time to let others figure it out?
He has done nothing. He cannot do anything. He is ultimately beholden to Putin
15
I can see Mitch and Don colluding about it now:
“Ok Don you say something crazy about national security and we’ll forcefully object and you back off a little, then when your impeachment stuff comes up we can ignore it for you but still pretend we’re not gutless suits.”
17
Just another thoughtless, random action to distract attention from his other vile deeds. To heck with the security of the American people?
12
Trump, more and more sounds and acts like El Supremo in EM Forester's novel Beat to Quarters. Or perhaps, like Caligula in his last days, just before he was lured into the basement and killed to put him out of Rome's misery.
4
After the ill-minded 'conquest' of Iraq by President Bush (W), the Middle East is in constant turmoil. Tribal forces seconded by opposed islamic roots went wobbly. Shi'ite minorities gained positions and strengthen themselves. Iran was one of the benefited by the changes. And took credit for that. On the other hand Wahhabi Sunni, backed by Saudi Arabia and originally by U.S. pushing for regime change in Syria went also aloof claiming for their own goals morphing into Al-Qaeda and ISIS. This put the Saudi / U.S. alliance in storm forcing them to change cap. Neither Saudis nor U.S. has 'boots on the ground' so U.S. opportunistically asked Kurds for help. The Caliphate gone it's now the time of reckoning. Kurds became an embarrassment and Turkey is asking for their scalps. Better luck next time...
@José Ramón Herrera
Those prone to read history could interject here that the Middle East's Muslims have been at war, often with each other, since the time of Mohammed.
It's basically been seething nonstop since WWII and the re-creation of the State of Israel, averaging a major war per decade.
Ask any Muslim of any time or branch of their faith whether the caliphate is gone. This will be a great excuse to use your time travel device.
3
Actually:
1. We have a thousand or so troops in Syria.
2. So...your argument is that we should stick it to our only stable allies in Syria.
Great thinking.
5
@L osservatore
In fact it's History which has reached me precisely after WWII... with the Kurds left each time behind.
1
As pointed out in the article, Trump made a seat-of-the-pants decision last December to draw down US troops in Syria. That caused uproar and the exit of Defense Secretary Mattis. After a vote on Capitol Hill to oppose the withdrawal, Trump didn't quite do it. Still, there was quite a bit of uproar.
It's possible that Trump is repeating the Syria withdrawal ploy to create the same kind of uproar and distract everyone from the impeachment inquiry. He didn't like the national conversation about impeachment and now he's managed to change the subject and the headlines.
19
The same senators who started the incursion want the US to stay and the questions are what is the goal of staying and for how long. The US loss credibility by withdrawing and we will be stuck even deeper into the mud with no goal to accomplish if we stay. Why has the US is making the same mistake in foreign policy and interference time after time? It is because no one has ever held responsible for it and many of the same people who got us into the mess are still in power. In the name national security and maintaining world hegemony, the foreign policy does not change regardless of which party is in power and the consequence of these decisions has made us a weaker nation and the world a less safe place.
2
"The French and Germans issued statements expressing deep concern..." Seriously!! Why don't they send soldiers to secure the Syrian borders if they have such a deep concern? They each have a military capable of that. But no, they don't want to spend their money and precious lives fighting in the Middle East. They expect the United States to do all the dirty work when they are most affected by the situation. Trump is right, we are being taken advantage of.
And how long have we been in Afghanistan? 18 years. And we will still be in Syria 18 years from now. Why? Because there is never a good time to leave. These places are in permanant disfunction and no amount of military presence will change that. Time to bring our soldiers home.
8
@av35...You really don't get it, do you? So let me explain what the real problem is. Our president, Donald Trump, is mentally unstable. Therefore he is incapable of formulating a cohesive, effective, plan to bring our troops home from places like those you mentioned. In the absence of such a plan chaos will quickly fill the void resulting in the very real risk of igniting a world war. Are you aware that "The draft came to an end when the United States Armed Forces moved to an all-volunteer military force. However, the Selective Service System remains in place as a contingency plan; all male-at-birth citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register so that a draft can be readily resumed if needed" See Wikipedia.
This could mean YOU. If not, then surely you must know at least one person it would.
Do spend some time thinking before you rush to praise the very person with the power, authority, weaponry, and sick mind, who is capable of plunging the world into an unwinnable nuclear holocaust.
15
Just so’s ya know, the Kurds have been getting our support because that way, we don’t have to send a bunch of troops.
And if you’ve really got to be told why we care in the least, get a map. Find Syria. Then find the Gulf through which all the oil goes, find Israel, and find the Suez Canal.
By the way, wanna guess what happens to nations that run out on their allies like this?
15
The only things I'd add are that WWIII has already begun and that the only nation likely to launch a nuclear armament is our own... only if there's a chance that La Donalde can push the button. There are no other nuclear rookies on the planet. He's the only individual who doesn't know how to play. Which is why he's outmaneuvered at every turn.
Venezuela. That's where Putin is. Watch the southern borders that no one realizes are wide open. And that's where Putin and the Venezuelan gangs are coming on in.
You see, Putin is an absolute master. Trump is no brain surgeon. He takes instructions well and acts brazenly stupid.
The question is: when will Trump tire of being Putin's puppet... and what will he do when he is?
And how will we contain the damage?
I daresay that what has been done to the fabric of our American society and global stability is already worse than a nuke could ever be. The bomb would just be the most surreal of icing... everything else we thought wasn't possible is happening.
When Trump is long gone, whether from resignation, impeachment or after serving a full 4 or 8 years. I hope we will fix the system that has allowed him to act with such wide attitude on International affairs. This is too important an area for a madman to do whatever he wants.
23
Kim a I have to agree with you. The past 6 decades have seen a march towards an Imperial Presidency (with a few steps back post Nixon).
An executive branch needs genuine checks on aspects of policy (foreign policy and the ability to wage war in particular). What we’re seeing now is the culmination of this process when put into the hands of someone not fit to be making these decisions. Unfortunately the likely response will be to move on after Trump with no real fundamental reform.
5
Hey, maybe we can make a deal. The Democrats would like to dispose of Trump. The Republicans would like to keep a Republican President. The Kurds and the few remaining other contemporary fighters for a society that respects life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are entitled to avoid being thrown into the maw of the Turkish/ISIS crocodile. As the crocodile has just been given a classic Cosa Nostra signal by our commander in chief--a signal that is contrary to our interests, to the interests of the Kurds who have helped us immensely in keeping ISIS at bay, and to the interests of all who aim to prevent the premature blossoming of Armageddon in the Middle East as Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, ISIS, and Russia converge to reinstate 7th century barbarity with 21st century weaponry and cruelty, there is no time to wait for impeachment to take its (anticipated nugatory) toll on said commander in chief. Instead, let Vice President Pence with the requisite set of other officials declare under section 4 of the 25th Amendment declare that "the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." This should satisfy the Republicans and the Democrats as an expeditious but appropriate way to dump Trump, while also sparing the blood of a faithful ally that it would be an atrocity to abandon, while also buttressing the foundering reputation of our country, in which no foreign power should be expected to have faith so long as the current incompetent sits in the Oval Office.
8
This is pure, calculated distraction, and I would not be surprised if the Republicans like Lindsay Graham are in on this piece of theater. Trump will back down on the troop withdrawal as soon as this story chases the impeachment story off the front page. THEN he will take a victory lap for solving the crisis he himself created. How many times has he done this now?
We are like Charlie Brown and Lucy and the football. We fall for it every. single. time. And we end up flat on our backs and demoralized.
Stop letting Trump gaslight us. He isn't serious about anything except stopping people from criticising him for his crimes.
25
It is absurd to think that the SDF will calmly transfer responsibility for ISIS prisoners to Turkey while fighting a war with Turkey along the far away Syria/Turkey border. It is absurd to think that the SDF would allow Turkey to send in people to guard ISIS prisoners at the same locations they are in now, far beyond the safe zone. Senators, Congressmen and other US leaders will either step up to the plate and force reversal of this decision or the SDF/SDC will have no choice but to surrender the region to Assad, Iran, and Russia. They will know what to do with the imprisoned ISIS fighters.
4
How do we know Erdogan didn’t threaten to release the transcripts of previous telephone conversations with Trump that reveal other instances of presidential abuse of power? Trump is the most compromised politician in the history of this country. I don’t trust him to put American interests above his own, or change policy, including the sanctioning of war, under threat of exposing some new scandal or level of criminality.
12
Simply put, Trump says he will pull out of this war. But he needs to start another, or try to impeach Pelosi and his enemies to distract as his presidency is in danger. Looking like conviction on treason rather than mere impeachment is the remedy for Donnie. Now, about those tax returns.
7
Pelosi is a Representative and impeachment doesn’t apply to her at all. The only way to remove her would be expulsion from the House of Representatives or a recall election in her San Francisco district. And neither of those options will ever even be attempted.
Moscow Mitch and the Unmatched Wisdom at odds? No doubt Putin will make sure they kiss and make up by tomorrow.
8
This decision is not the only very bad one President Trump has made.
Why are so many Republicans extremely upset by this one?
3
I never liked our Syria policy, but I also don't like the fact that we have a president changing that policy simply because he's owned by Putin.
7
These soldiers are there in an advisory role. We have special forces in many countries all over the world performing their duties in similar circumstances. You're only hearing about this because Trump needs a sound bite that isn't impeachment related.
Wake up, people. The news isn't *just* what you see in the NYT, CNN, or (goodness forbid) Fox News. America has a military presence all over the world. If you want to "get the troops home" from Syria, then let's get them home from everywhere.
5
Tomorrow we will hear that his “great and unmatched wisdom” was a joke. He’s just kidding, folks. I wonder how long republicans will pretend they believe this.
6
While I disagree completely with the President on this decision, it would be dishonest to say that he is the first to throw the Kurds under the bus. We have disgraced ourselves in our relations with the Kurds again and again. This is merely the latest in a long line of betrayals.
6
Commander in Chief vs. the deepstate. Republicans wanted an anti establishment president and we continue to reap the whirlwind.
Yet more allies thrown under the Trump bus. Trumps only allies are our enemies. Let that speak loud and clear.
6
How many percentage points off the interest rate for his next property purchase in Moscow?
8
@Stefano445
No, it's a bump in the licensing fees he gets for Trump Towers in Instanbul.
Trump's reverence for Putin, and the "base's" reverence for Trump, are equally baffling.
5
@Cal
The smart money’s coming in on either “chronic glue sniffing” or “mass hysteria of unknown origin.”
“Logic and reason” are a VERY bad bet, even at
100 to 1.
3
As Trump conitinues to push the boundaries of democracy -- remember, that ideal America stands for -- only a newly bulldog U.S. Congress seems to be annoyed by it.
1
Well it’s not like we didn’t warn the Rs he was a Russian agent. They didn’t want to face it. Will they now?
7
So Trump on a whim talking to Ertogan crafted this spur of the moment pullout......no talking it over with the military, no thought for Kurdish allies who he has been told previously will be attacked by Turkey, no thought for NATO who will be wondering if the US will ever be trustworthy again as a partner.
Trump....truly is unmatched in ignorance and lack of leadership.
5
Trump is toast. His betrayal of our Kurdish allies combined with his crony Ukraine connection will do it for him and Pence and Giuliani. He will not survive until the end of the year.
The best Pence can do right now to save his own skin is convene the cabinet and invoke the 25th Amendment, letting them know he will personally pardon them for their criminal activities, and then immediately designating a VP who will do the same for him.
It's that or hello President Pelosi.
5
With Trump, you get the whole package: incompetent foreign policy and danger to national security, and his looney base. If you care about national security, you can’t have Trump. Or his base. Republicans must choose.
3
Trump outmatched and outwitted over and over again.
4
Donnie must be getting behind in mortgage payments he owes to the Russian banks, so Vladimir is getting pushy and wants the Dardanelles,as a "quid pro quo"..
3
What does Israel have to say about this? They would likely have an interest in Trump’s decision.
4
A sad day when trust in the United States boils down to trust in Trump.
2
I appreciate Lindsey Graham trying to give this some context.
“the biggest lie being told by the administration.”
Wow. How scary is that thought?
2
Boy, have the Republicans got a problem.
8
His Excellency's plan would help Russia? What a surprise.
5
When are we going to have a conversation about the President"s twin tower conflicts of interest in Turkey; or the approval he's given Erdogan and his thugs to operate freely on US soil, given carte blanche to beat up American citizens-including a policeman, not once but twice while all multiple charges dropped?
3
"...in my great and unmatched wisdom...".
Yeah, right. I suppose we are all to cheer his great and unmatched wisdom, or call it for what is really is-moronic wisdom, or, imbecilic wisdom, or, you get the picture.
3
If you ever needed more proof that Trump is a Russian asset look no further than today's decision to turn our back on the Kurds. I wouldn't be surprised if very soon a conversation leaks from that covert server between Putin and Trump where Putin made clear his desire to withdraw troops from Syria in the near future so that Russia can gain a stronger foothold. Putin is probably stepping up his list of demands from that conversation or a similar conversation because he knows Trump's days are now numbered due to impeachment.
23
“I am a stable genius”, that says it all. It would seem he took a liberal hope of ending wars, to stop policing the world and leaving nations to govern themselves, and turned it into the justification for abandoning the Kurdish fighters, our allies. His justification seemed to really be its’ their problem, lumping Middle East countries together as if ‘they’ have to solve it despite a complicated history of existence and a history of foreign occupation and proxy war. Of course, selling arms to Saudi Arabian and trying to give them nuclear power to insure their regional influence. Oh, and Russia too gets whatever they want. And Israel too. There all fixed, said the stable genius.
6
Those like Cruz and Graham should explain under which mandate gives the US the right to keep forces in Syria. It is certainly opposed by the legal government of Syria, the Assad "regime". In fact, Russian and Iranian forces are in Syria in compliance with international law. The US is once again in violation. This is a fact that cannot be denied.
5
Glad you're feeling safe on the left coast but as you're no doubt aware, international law doesn't mean much to the US, the salient argument being that it doesn't mean a lot to ISIS and Syria war criminals either.
1
Ominous shades of the "secret war" in Laos and how we enlisted the support of the Hmong minority in Laos only to abandon them at the end of the Vietnam war. An estimated 30,000 Hmong were summarily slaughtered during the war and after the CIA pulled out.
"Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." George Santayana
9
There’s a bigger picture here that people are not seeing. If trump allows the Turks to push the Kurds back to Iraq, the subsequent Turkish withdrawal from northern Syria will leave a power vacuum. This vacuum will attract Syrian gvt forces but will also allow a resurgence of ISIS, especially if the Kurds release their thousands of prisoners (and why not?).
Who will be stuck fighting ISIS? The Syrians and their allies: Iran and Russia. Remember that the Soviet war in Afghanistan was partly responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union. If Syria turns into another Afghanistan for the Russians, it will severely damage Putin and could lead to regime change in Russia. How’s that for strategy!!
2
I really have to worry about Trump on the Kurdish issues. Does this man understand that the Kurds are a very diverse population from many different nations that include most of the religions of most of the world? Does Trump or his advisers understand this? I sincerely doubt their understanding of the underlying problems. Where are the people who are better informed? I think that they are being stigmatized, stifled and routinely dismissed.
3
Your reporting says it all. Next time we need an ally to do some very heavy lifting ( “ they were paid well to do it”- give me a break!) I really hope that Kurdish number is on hold.
2
This man simply doesn't have the capacity to be president. He simply isn't sufficiently deliberative and judicious.
10
Trump does whatever he believes is necessary to stay in office for as long as possible, regardless of the consequences for America and Americans. Forget about consequences for our allies, international relations or humanity in general.
The sooner Republican senators remember that they represent the people of their state, not DT, the better it will be for us all as we try to repair DT has inflicted on all but the " 1%" of us.
4
Does the Trump Organization have a Hotel in Turkey or any plans to build one? That might be what Trump got for giving up the Kurds to the leader of Turkey.
7
@Bascom Hill,
To answer your question, yes. I heard an audio clip from 2015 in which trump was being interviewed by Steve Bannon and he proudly talked about the existence of Trump Towers (“not just one tower, like the usual, but two”) in Istanbul. So yeah he has a financial interest in Turkey. He has never done anything that doesn’t benefit him and his bank account.
4
Of course he's creating turmoil in foreign policy. In the face of impeachment, he's going to wag the dog.
"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the country."
Republicans, if there are any good people left in your party, the ball's in your court.
7
"I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...."
Good one!
Here's some more Donald Trump could use: "I, with my tremendous and unparalleled modesty...." or "I, with my natural blond hair and eyebrows...." or "I, in my sinewy and wiry physique...."
Etc.
7
What is wrong with Republicans? It's beyond obvious that Trump needs to go. Start educating your bases and get on board with impeachment.
16
After all the truly terrible and uncouth things this man has done it’s bizarre that this move is what wakes up his GOP buddies. Though I agree with them on this one. We have become a spineless entity in world affairs and in the defense of freedom and the underdog.
5
If Lindsey Graham, Liz Cheney, Marco Rubio, and Mitt Romney all think pulling out of Syria is a grave/catastrophic mistake and a betrayal, well then I think Trump is probably doing the right thing.
Which defense contractors and agencies do these politicians represent? How many voted us into the truly catastrophic Iraq War that gave death to millions and birth to ISIS? To a country that had nothing to do with 9/11, and no WMDs? How many lies did they tell us? What kinds of lies are Dems and Reps prepared to swallow now?
6
I just want this daily soap opera, the daily chaos and the constant lies and utter ineptness to end. Soon.
11
Amazing that republicans have no issue with trump turning the USA into a fascist dictatorship-- but they suddenly bristle that he is pulling support for the Kurds. Can anyone explain this? Do they all have arms investments?
8
Pride goeth before destruction, and an Hautie spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
3
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter.
Of all the blowhard statements Donald Trump has made since he became our president, I find this to be the most frightening. Could there be more than five people on this planet who can read that doesn't understand Trump is mentally ill? Where is his wife and children? They have a responsibility to the country, and him, to see that this man gets psychiatric help.
15
This smells like the usual Trump tactic of deviating attention from other news concerning him by saying something totally insane.
5
Let the West lose the last shard of credibility in the Middle East. Abandon the Kurds. Again.
3
So when do we find out what Erdogan promised to do in return?
5
Let’s call a spade a spade. We are dealing with a president (lower case “p”) whose mental faculties are questionable at best. If only his words could be white noise to Syria and Turkey...He flip-flops on everything (trade, etc.) because he has no idea what he is talking about. It is evident that he is a sociopath and narcissist; our well being as a people (nationally, and apparently, internationally) is subject to the childish whims and tantrums of one man. When will our governmental institutions get over their differences to hedge his power?! We should all be scared witless that the stability of entire nations may be impacted by a tweet or comment from Donald Trump, whose world view and knowledge do not extend far past the latest Nielsen ratings. Americans are turning a blind eye to the rest of the world if they ride out Trump’s crazy roller coaster of inarticulate (at best) policies, opinions, etc. Impeach. Period.
6
The tweet said it all when Trump proclaimed, “..if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom...”
Trump is untethered and spinning out of control. The GOP May have waited a little too late.
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”
Shakespeare
7
“I in my great and unmatched wisdom"
That's straight from Chairman Mao! The most admired idol for Donald, the great helmsman of kingdom Trump...
Long may he reign, Amen!
2
Enact the 25th Amendment. NOW!
9
And you still wonder why the Democrats want him out of office? Because he's the worst "president" ever. End of story.
12
Congress should enact a law asap, stopping this, veto proof!
5
Trump admitted in an 2015 interview with Steve Bannon that he has a "conflict of interest" with Turkey.
He has two Trump Towers buildings in Istanbul, Turkey,
You don't want the Turks to "nationalize" them, do you?
5
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter. “
Is this The NYTimes or The Onion?
6
How typical. Let’s leave some of the closest allies in that part of the world and run with our tail between our legs. How brave how American.
1
I see a pattern here. Whatever he does seems to benefit Russia or its allies! Whateve he does!
By insulting our long standing allies in EU, he is causing damage, I hope not irreparable, to the western alliance. Who benefits? Russia.
He insults our intelligence agencies and our diplomats. I mean is he our president or our enemies'?
Withholding arms to Ukraine and telling them to settle with their aggressor. Who benefits? Russia!
Walks out of the nuke deal with Iran. So what does Iran do? Go back to building nukes. Iran is Russia's ally! Russia doesn't care if Iran has nukes!
Getting out of Syria? This is exactly what Assad wants. He bappens to be Iran and Russia's ally!
His language sounds like a wannabe thug, not in the least like a law abiding, decent human being, let alone the president of this country. Where does that leave us with the world? And who benefits?
Don't know what Putin has on him. Worse, don't know what he has on the Republicans! Every argument sounds like schoolyard bulliy's ut he is definitely laughing at the best mess he has ceeated. Willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly this potus is acting like the best agent Russia couldn't even dream they could have!
4
I think GOP support for Impeachment such ticked up . . . a lot.
3
@Clearwater Did you mean "just"? Either way, I dount it's so.
1
@kenneth yes I did. Don't be surprised.
1
This is terrible for the Kurds, loyal allies against Isis, with no warning, the proverbial rug pulled out from under them. Trump is a fool to think that this latest foreign policy debacle won’t have dire consequences. He has put thousands in jeopardy, potentially including Americans, as he again back peddles on his promises to our allies abroad. Trump has become a serious danger to our nation and the world.
5
This is another blatant proof that Trump is a backstabber of friends & allies. Disgracefully, Trump only thinks of himself. The Kurds have been such a brave, hard fighting, dependable ally to America. Now, Trump wants to let Turkey kill the Kurds. As a lifelong Republican, I think Trump is a disgraced, corrupt individual- he’s probably cut some “personal business side deal” with Turkey. Who will Trump backstab next- You? Me? America?!
5
"Trump Throws Syria Policy Into Turmoil"?
Trump has NO policy!
...about Syria, foreign affairs, domestic affairs, or anything else, for that matter!
It's all spur-of-the-moment, seat-of-the-pants impulsive nattering! An "idea" pops into his head, and out it tweets, for all the world to see.
And the idea that he then "pivoted sharply" and made belligerent, tantrum-like threats to Turkey ("I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey") sounds like -- and probably is -- the rantings of a delusive madman!
How much can our nation, and the world, take?
4
The evil war of aggression launched by the USA against Syria, a country that posed no threat to America, has resulted in the cruel deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and millions of refugees. That both capitalist political parties support this criminal enterprise, that the peace movement in America has been destroyed, are sure signs of how America has gone Fascist.
1
The sole reason that he is doing this?... to fulfill one of his campaign promises! This man has no idea what havoc he wreaks - it is all about maintaining his grip on the biggest ego trip he's ever had...and at the expense of human lives: Kurdish, and before that, because of his inane border policies: Mexican, South American, not to mention his refusal to address gun violence: school children, people in shopping malls, at concerts...what an absolutely pathetic excuse of a human being we are stuck with as commando-in-chief.
5
lakaitel pompeo doesn't have the courage to say anything to draft dodger trump. Poor trump, his foot still hurts and clouds his stable genius thinking
3
@Cholito Sutil You may be right. But I doubt most readers understood your Keitel reference to be anything more than a typo of some sort. Or a barium x-ray.
So this criminal President won’t help the Kurds, but will support M.B.S.??? Say what???
5
Here is another example of Republicans pushing back, and Trump folding. Don’t tell me the Trump Presidency and the Republican Party of 2019 isn’t one and the same.
5
The President, once again, shows his inability to comprehend the fact that a foreign policy thats truly in the best interest of the nation is one in which the US plays an active, though prudent, role in the world.
Unfortunately, it seems that much of America, both left and right, seem ignorant of how the world actually works and the actual implications that an American retreat from the world would have not only for the US but also for our allies throughout the world.
I understand that we live in an age where being skeptical of experts is fashionable, but when people who have devoted their lives to studying what is best for America on the world stage speak out against your policy, then perhaps you should take heed.
17
Colin Powell said of the initial invasion of Iraq, you break it, you own it.
I was absolutely against the Iraq invasion, when it first started and was popular. I heard on NPR credible evidence that there were no weapons of mass destruction. The general public was sold a lie. That doesn't mean we should leave the people who have supported our folly to be damaged and destroyed.
We broke it. We own it.
15
It is time for the Republicans to join with the Democrats and remove this incompetent from office. It is time - past time for Congressional Republicans to do their duty as American citizens for a change.
23
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!)”
If this is not sufficient evidence of Donald Trump’s mental unraveling, what will it take to declare him a clear and present danger to the United States of America, and the world at large? Or have we learned nothing from history? Have we lost OUR minds, then, that the unspeakable is now tolerable?
33
How can individuals contribute to the Free Kurdistan movement?
1
It is appalling that Trump would abandon the Kurds. They have been tremendous and very courageous allies. They are a very courageous people who have been gassed and bombed and attacked in every way possible for decades.
No bone spurs there.
Only heroes.
13
@Wally Bear
The Kurds have never had a problem with the legal government of President Assad. They can make a deal for some autonomy and guarantees that the area doesn't become a rear area for Kurdish fighters engaged in struggles in Turkish Kurdistan. Russia has good relations with the Kurds.
Perhaps the GOP rebellion against Trump's policies in Syria are only a substitute for his insane policies in almost every area of his presidency. in Psychological terms it is transference. McConnell and Graham may feel constrained in their ability to speak against their president as a matter of impeachment, but feel open to criticize him in this action. It may be the first chink in trump's teflon armor. Perhaps impeachment may not be far behind.
As far as the withdrawals of troops from Syria is concerned, it is just another thoughtless unilateral action that will have horrid consequences for Kurds, our allies and peace in the middle east.
4
What is the end game here? What is Trump getting personally out of this action?
Something of value I assume, its personal of course to boot.
He will get us all killed if this kind of stuff continues
4
I consider this to be one of the worst things he has done.
9
Trump and his simple minded foreign policy moves are destabilizing the world! It is time for him to resign and let the adults deal with the big issues.
7
He throws the Kurds under the bus, just to change topic. Every time he is an a corner, he comes up with something even more pathetic to change the focus of the media.
How long will Senior Republicans watch this?
8
Destroy the Turkish economy ......
This guy must have missed the part in life about how to win friends and influence people.
And to think this fool gets from our taxes, a generous salary, free house, a couple of jets, a helicopter, some limos, jobs for the kids and a staff of thousands, not to mention 200 million to play golf.
Geez
10
Yet again we (well, actually Donald Trump, but he represents us in the world) betray an ally, but this time it is leaving them in nearly a defenseless position to die while they have been the main force against ISIS. This WILL come back to bite us. As will all the other betrayals by this master liar.
5
The video clip at top of page in Newsweek reporting of meeting re Syria shows the president's concern (during what we now know is a face-saving conversation, since Turley insisted on advancing regardless) is there's no 'vast wealth' -- he says it's just 'sand and death'.
https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-official-who-heard-call-says-trump-got-rolled-turkey-has-no-spine-1463623
AS ONE EXPERT ON MADDOW SHOW TODAY NOTED, instantaneous abandonment of agreements devalues America's handshake.
3
“if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey”. Only dictators and idiots speak in this way. Trump is now as power crazy as he is stupid. Impeachment cannot happen fast enough.
26
The real issue is , Kurds will be left any moment out in the cold by Trump Entirely and They will be bludgeoned by regional powers.
Average American has no inkling, what is Kurdish struggle in the middle east.
At the same time , Turkey, Syria, Iran's land unity is under threat by Kurdish separatists which is going on almost 40 years at least in Turkey. Iraq has already established a Kurdish region.
When it comes to Kurdish people to trust some nation , Never forget Halabja 1988.
US was sided with Saddam against Iran , therefore Saddam Gas attack suppressed to reach international media.
In Kurd's mind there is not that much trust to USA, but hey they are also in desperate situation.
7
How many of us truly believe that Trump really knows where the Kurds are located in Syria, and really understand the geopolitics of the region, despite the multiple briefs that he must have gotten over the last several years?
Now how many of us believe that Putin somehow told Trump that he should get US troops out of Syria.
Finally, having a cogent and dependable strategy in the region would be a true way to honor the sacrifice of American and Allied soldiers lost over the last decades. Leaving allies to be slaughtered is not the policy of the American military, at least not yet.
22
How many of us truly believe Trump would find the Kurdish territory on a map?
6
Perhaps one more sign that Trump is really working for Russia. The evidence is piling up. This may tip a few republicans to seeing the light.
24
It looks as McConnell has finally gotten tired of playing "Moscow Mitch." How many more allies does Trump have to throw under the bus before Republicans begin to realize he is not really playing for our side?
21
@Portola
McConnell and Graham are yellow to the bone. One tweet and they will tuck their tails between their legs and run for cover. The leadership of the Republican Party are rotten to the core.
4
All I have to say is that I hope all of you elected decision makers are paying close attention and reading facts. This sure feels like prelude to global war.
4
The scatter gun nature of this presidency is a sight to behold. No doubt next week's upending of the "deep state" will be withdrawing some US support from NATO allies or accusing the EU of spitefulness for how they are causing Brexit harm, or announcing that the US won't attend the next climate conference or something else that grabs attention and headlines.
5
In my great and unmatched wisdom, it is past time to invoke the 25th amendment. In fact, I don't even need anything more than common sense to reach this conclusion. We need to rid ourselves of this dangerous egomaniac for the sake of everyone (excluding Vlad).
26
To say that “liberals” don’t have any kids fighting on the front lines is an absurd statement but is emblematic of the kind of Trump idolatry that has no basis in fact. If you mean wealthy elites, there are quite a few “conservatives” whose children aren’t fighting on the front lines. Don Jr. and Eric Trump come to mind. They don’t mind big game hunting though. Sadly, the military industrial complex gives the rural and urban poor very little choice in the matter. We protect unborn babies religiously, but once you’re born you’re on your own. Just like we have historically treated the Kurds. Do our dirty work, until we don’t need you anymore. The more things change the more they stay the same.
22
I'm guessing Trump talked with the Turks. They agreed to help investigate Biden and he promised to abandon our Kurdish allies. Of course, this is all pending Putin's approval.
16
Time to get out of Syria and stay out. What business does Washington have meddling in the internal affairs of Syria?
3
Where do I begin...?
2
@tmauel What business does Russia, Turkey, and Iran
and Israel have meddling in Syrian affairs?
2
@Fred Mueller They are closer in proximity to the Syrian border. Iran is a neighbor and like Syria being threatened by the number one imperial super power in the world, Washington, D.C.
Does Turkey or Russia interfere in Mexico or Canada?
Trump in his great and unmatched wisdom has finally jumped the shark.
7
But turmoil IS his strategy. If he kicks up enough clouds of dust, nobody can see what's really going on.
7
@kenneth
Another shiny object rolling across the floor. Gaslighting continues.. For some.
2
"“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),"
A president of a democratic country cannot speak like that. It is not only of a ridiculous pretention but in the meantime a terrible threat against one of the members of NATO. It's just not possible. How long will the GOP support that?
Sorry to say that to our American friends, but can't you call a doctor? A psychiatrist?
22
This was a late announcement on a Sunday night. Like a child sneaking in and hoping no one would see he had been out. The outrage the next morning just fed Trump’s insatiable appetite to gorge his ego. How dare any astute intelligence officer tell him what he can do. How dare Republicans question him. Isis will not be back because he is the great and powerful. The GOP will weep and wring their hands but their tribalism anointed the child who now has the United States worth nothing in allegiances. That quick....just a snap of his fingers and poof it is gone.
4
Now that we know that Trump has unmatched wisdom, let’s go back to the things that matter —
• his tax returns
• his impeachment
This is just a distraction from the master flip flopper.
15
Message to the world: "Trust the US. To stab you in the back."
It will take 50 years to unwind the damage being done in four.
15
Trump’s father, in his “great and unmatched wisdom” should have pulled out, and saved the world a lot of grief and misery.
12
What amazes me is that the NY Times and the country let pass the tweet of Trump in which he says that "in his great and unmatched wisdom" he will "totally destroy and obliterate the economy of Turkey (I've done before)!" This man is decompensating. In describing decompensation, Wikipedia states: "In psychology, the term refers to the inability to maintain defense mechanisms in response to stress, resulting in personality disturbance or psychological imbalance.[2][3] Some who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder may decompensate into persecutory delusions to defend against a troubling reality.[4]" If this is not a description of the man who is the US president and can cause untold damage here at home and across the world, I do not know what is. He needs help. His mental state needs to be assessed and taken seriously. And something done. Or we will all need help.
19
It's sad when the President of the United States trusts the word of an untrustworthy foreign leader like Erdogan over that of the American military, State Department and Congress. Is this what America First means?
10
It’s time for Democrats to stop bringing marshmallows to the firefight. It’s also not the right time to “Go High” in the face of an existential, immediate threat from the pretender in the Oval Office. The cowardice of those who have allowed this to continue for as long as it has is breathtaking. Enough!
4
Democrats think that they are still living in middle America and Andy Griffith's Mayberry.
Given his very stable genius and, now, his great and unmatched wisdom, trump is the human manifestation of Wile E. Coyote.
4
Paragraph 4 "in my great and unmatched wisdom." His Napoleonatic complex has firmly taken toot. It's time for Trump's cabinet to invoke Article 25 of the United States Constitution to remove him from office due to his insanity.
10
@logic Don't tell it to me. Write your congressman !
1
Is this some crazed attempt by Trump to change the subject from his impending impeachment?
3
And the republicans will clutch their pearls and do nothing about trump’s actions.
4
Many people protested the attack on Iraq. May have wanted us to leave Afghanistan and Syria and stop supporting the vicious regime of Saudi Arabia against Yemen, which is itself one of the vilest places on earth. I am one of them. Let the Muslims work out their problems, and pay for them, themselves.
I don't think having a madman blustering threats and proclamations is the way to do it, though.
1
“Trump is right!” (bring our troops home, we have no business there, etc). “Trump is wrong!” (American honor and credibility is at stake, people will be killed, etc).
Opposing views aside...”in my great and unmatched wisdom” should send chills and red flags galore. Trump is a narcissist and authoritarian.
4
trump desperately needs a "win".
Right now, today, to deflect from his impeachment inquiry, among other problems.
He will do anything for a "win": He will strong-arm Ukraine, or China-to help his re-election bid; or maybe he will pull support from Kurdish allies-overnight.
He doesn't consult with "his generals"-because they resigned.
He doesn't consult with the NSC or the Intelligence Community, because he thinks they are "spying" on him.
He doesn't consult with Congress, because "I alone can fix it".
This is a man that refuses his Presidents Daily Brief (PDB), according to people that worked with him. You know, the top-secret daily re-cap that informs the president of danger to our country.
The Republicans forgave the grifting, the women, the crudeness and the race baiting.
But now, our foreign policy is in shambles, and that endangers the safety and security of the entire United States:
Republicans, included.
4
"The president’s assertion that the Islamic State has been defeated is “the biggest lie being told by the administration.”
That's quite a statement coming from Lindsey Graham.
8
I wonder how many Kurdish refugees Trump will be willing to allow in? Just a thought...
5
He is nearly begging to be impeached; that way, he gets to play the martyr.
3
Lindsey Graham wont defend America against Trump but sure as heck he's got the Kurds back.
Amazing
4
The unthinking yo-yo president dictating then back stepping again. Here is the laugher, “that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits,”. Incoherent narcissism at work. Our president cannot stay out of his own swamp. The way the head alligator is progressing now, his drowning in his own quagmire would be a blessing.
1
Are we leaving Syria and abandoning the Kurds on orders from Moscow?
4
@mike witkowski "No. We just got tired of paying attention. And besides, there's great game on tonight, and I've got the hugest TV in D.C."
1
Papa Bush did this too.
1
@P&L
Who?
Did what?
So what?
2
"Mr. McConnell sharply urged the president to “exercise American leadership.”
This sentence almost had me puking. Mitch McConnell calling for "American leadership"? What a hypocrite.
6
“…I, in my great and unmatched wisdom,”
He thinks he’s Xerxes, or perhaps Saruman from LOTR.
3
Its always about money for trump or loyality (lying) or diging up dirt on biden. Hmmm?
@kirke Give the gy a little credit. He hasn't picked on Hillary for more than a week.
1
The Republican Party members in Congress are not happy with Mr. Trump's decision to pull out of northern Syria. They pick and choose, where to question the President, and to remain silent most of the time. They are fully aware, where the President is wrong, and yet, do nothing about it.
It is agreed. We have to bring our troops back home. On this Syria withdrawal, do we have a plan there? What happens if Turkey decides to cross the border, and attack the Kurds - our steadfast ally in the region? Do we go back there?
Russia is expanding its influence in the Middle East. They are already allied with Turkey, Syria and Iran, not forgetting Egypt. The Middle East has always been a region in turmoil. How it would be in the coming years, is unclear, and uncertain.
2
I just watched Richard Engels hour long special on MSNBC from last week on the rise and fall (for now) of ISIS. The last part was about the Kurds who fought and beat ISIS in Northern Syria aided by American aid, air power and a small number of.special forces. The situation is complex but from what I can see if we leave the Kurds to be mauled by the Turks and the ISIS prisoners are allowed to escape their camps we will be back in the future. When Trumph is driven from office his successor will have to send in forces many times the amount there now in order to contain a resurgent ISIS.
There is an old saying that if you have America as a friend you don't need an enemy.
4
Trump's just do it and see what happens method of developing foreign policy. It bounced back at him harder than he tossed it out.
His response was not good. He kind of reversed himself but he offered a guarantee of not letting Turkey attack the Kurdish forces and get away with it. He will slap sanctions on Turkey, a NATO ally and strategically important country in the region. In other words, it might not do much good to rely upon sanctions to deter Turkey at this point.
He should never have announced this until he'd discussed it with the Senate and the Kurds and Erdogan, and determined what to expect.
We are being played by all sides in this conflict.
The U.S. has suggested the Kurds affiliate themselves with Syria. Russia has also suggested this plan. This will no doubt happen should Turkey invade Syria. The Kurds will end up fighting for Syria against Turkey to preserve their ancestral homelands.
This could even be the first step in carving out the Kurdish homeland in the area, with the support of the U.S. and Russia.
1
The only time Republicans will object to Trump's conduct is when he tries to pull us out of pointless, expensive wars in places of little stategic importance. What has being in Afghanistan for the past 18 years achieved? Do we have any goals in Syria? None of the countries that we have intervened in in my lifetime is currently a remotely stable place. Given our track record why would we think intervening would do anything other than prolong the conflict. We could have free college and Medicare for all if we stopped blundering around the planet getting needlessly involved in every skirmish.
2
Isn't this what Democrats have been rooting for for more than a decade: An end to the endless wars in the Middle East? We're energy independent now, let them fight their own wars!
2
In his "great and unmatched wisdom", the president assumes that the fight against ISIS is over and so the Kurds can be treated the way he used to treat the people contracted to do work for his various properties: stiffed. He assumes that ISIS fighters escaping from Syria in the wake of a Turkish onslaught against the SDF would never turn up in the West, to commit terrorist acts against Americans and others.
Why on earth do the Republicans continue to defend this man? Here he has acted in a way that may endanger the American people directly. We need no further proof that he is essentially reckless. Even if he walks back this decision, what does this episode say to the world about America's reliability as a partner? How much damage has to be done before we say enough is enough?
This should not be a partisan matter, as no self-respecting conservative who remembers Reagan has any business defending the guy who "fell in love" with Kim Jong Un or lambasted John McCain's war record. Now that we have proof of his impeachable offenses, why not get together for the sake of the country and remove him from office?
"My great and unmatched wisdom". What kind of person would say such a thing? A "stable genius"? What does it say about us that, when an alternative is available, we continue to trust him with the overwhelming powers of the presidency?
5
Chase the shiny object.
For the sake of the nation, everyone MUST read George Conway’s tremendous piece: “Unfit for Office”.
3
Classic trump distraction move. Create a new outrage to shift our attention from his impeachment. Won’t work this time.
3
Please expand your front page coverage to give equal visibility to stories describing efforts at good legislation and governance.
It is so critical as elections approach. Don’t let Trump’s inane ramblings distract you from giving important stories fair coverage.
In 2016, Trump played the cowboy to excite his base, and he played the fool to everyone else. But he controlled the message, and we ate it up. Real candidates and real messages on both sides got lost in the din.
Then, he won - driving progress, civility, and equality backward. Please do not help him use the media in that way again.
Isis has not been defeated (never will be by military force alone) and the Erdogan regime wants to continue to destroy the Kurds (who have been US allies in this tempestuous region), the Kurds Are not US fighters for hire, they are protecting what they view as their homeland, none of which concerns our transactional President who is NOT a very stable genius. His rash move would empower Iran, Syria, Russia, and enable Erdogan to wipe out the Kurds. Sorry Trump, Read some history, listen to experts who understand complex politics and take several deep breaths before you bloviate. No one wants endless wars but the US owns some responsibility for the destabilization of Iraq which led to the rise of Isis.
2
Dear Mr. President,
Great and unmatched wisdom. NOT.
All the people who are crying that 'we're abandoning the Kurds!' need to ask themselves this: Is the life of a Kurd, or anything in Syria, worth the life of an American soldier?
I mean no disrespect to the Kurdish people who truly do deserve their own nation but is it our duty to garrison this area forever? Because that is what we will have to do. No other nation in the area will give up their territory to form such a nation and will crush any attempt to create one. Unless we're there and willing to die and kill for it.
The Kurds are a tough people but they are also not united. They're broken in clans/groups/etc. Some allied and some fighting the others. There were Kurds that made deals with Saddam. Some are listed as terrorist groups. Corrupt, black market, drug trafficking is rampant.
I bet most of the people screaming at the moment have protested US involvement in the mideast. They protest now because its Trump who is doing it.
Oh and the withdrawl? Its closing 2 border posts and mosting 25-50 men to different locations in the country.
@Rocket J Squrriel
The Kurds gave their lives to defeat ISIS. The ISIS who beheaded U.S. citizens. Either we stop people like ISIS in their homelands or they export it here. Is that what you want?
America first means stopping hate in its tracks. NOT letting it come here. The Kurds did that for us. Seems like we should do the same for them. This is their homeland Turkey is planning to invade, with Trump's blessing. If you support that, you are immoral. I am ashamed to claim you as a countryman.
p.s. how about if Canada invades MN. It's only 2 border posts...
1
@scott
Do you want to garrison the area forever because that is what it takes. The American are tired of war. We've been in Afghanistan long enough that troops who were born after we went in will be sent there. Time to come home.
They export it here? We export a B83 of InstantSunshine back.
Never mind MN, we would kick the chocolate soldiers of the Canadian army back. How is Cali doing with the invasion from Mexico?
Of course he’s abandoning our allies the Kurds of 20 years plus. The few pro-American allies we have in the region. In favor of our close enemies and Near dictators In Syria, Iran and Russia. Trump can hug flags, but he is a traitor that puts Russia first.
4
This incident should be the last straw in our patience with Trump's incompetence. We need a bipartisan effort to get this president impeached and out of office. The republic depends on it.
1
"I, in my unmatched wisdom," eh?
Time for 25th Amendment, Article II, Section 1, Clause 6 of the Constitution which states that in “case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President.”
Pence is a scary fundamentalist but at least he is not absolutely insane.
7
"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!). They must, with Europe and others, watch over..."
These are the words of a lunatic, not the words of a duly elected leader of a great and powerful nation. If I were a teenager in this house and I overheard an adult talking this way, I would be frightened. It sounds like a psychotic break to me. He seems to have lost any idea of who he is, where he is, who he is talking to, and what his responsibilities are. I call that a psychotic break.
6
Going down in history for crimes against humanity. The describes the US today.
2
GOP; you very likely will have the opportunity to ditch him, thus saving your own party in the long run. Do the right thing.
8
Completely unconscionable!
Makes me furious that Trump is willing to abandon our allies and collaborate with the likes of Erdogan.
2
NOW Republicans realize what a dangerous and unstable man Trump is? They let him burn and pillage the Constitution at will, but now he has crossed the line?
I’ll believe they are serious when Republicans take real steps to rein him in. Until then, it’s just posturing for the media.
4
Since Trump changed his mind about pulling out US troops from Syria (supposedly per Putin's wish?) I guess the "Chosen one with great and unmatched wisdom" has to find another birthday present for his buddy Putin whose birthday was 10/07 (today here and yesterday in Russia).
1
The Republicans inside this administration should be aware that this narcissist will not be loyal to them nor pardon them. He will dump them as things heat up. Insiders should be aware they're risking everything for this man. They may pay dearly.
1
One can only hope that Lindsey, Liz and Mitch (plus 17 more angry republicans) will vote "yes" when the articles of impeachment reach the Senate.
Short story:
Strongman-wannabee Trump is a puppet whose strings were pulled by strongman Erdogan. Hence the proposed withdrawal of American forces from their support of Syrian Kurds.
Erdogan, in turn, is a puppet whose strings were pulled by Putin. Hence his insistence on buying Soviet — oops, I mean Russian — S-400 anti-aircraft defense systems even though doing so threatens Turkey's continuance in NATO, and led to the cancellation of Joint Strike Fighter sales.
Trump is a puppet whose string can be pulled by another puppet. Putin's contempt for Trump is so complete that sometimes Putin can't be bothered to act directly.
Rather than quote/paraphrase _The Wizard of Oz_, as so many have already, I suggest looking to Kurt Vonnegut instead. Trump is no mere narcissist, no "genius," no Machiavelli. Both he, and the Republican Party remade in his image, constitute a "granfalloon" — a proud and meaningless association.
"If you wish to examine a granfalloon, just remove the skin of a toy balloon." — Bokonon, a character quoted in _Cat's Cradle_
1
Turmoil? He just gave the green light to Muslim Turkey to attack Kurds. The Kurds, formally of old Kurdistan, have been pursued for elimination for centuries. During the wars in that region, the Kurds put their lives on the line. They have been gassed by Saddam Hussein, called terrorists by Turkey and reviled by others. Yet they are our allies. Shame on Trump!
1
So, the U.S. despot gives the Turkish despot what he wants. Following the orders of the Russian despot. Is anybody surprised?
Help Russia. There you have it. The reason this president does anything-to help Russia.
After the Kurds fought, bled and died fighting against ISIS and doing our dirty work, Trump sells them down the river. I am ashamed to be an American today. Trump is a disgrace to our nation.
5
@Cliff
It is quite bit worse than that, He also said we paid them.
That is it, If you pay something, you are done.
This is a human being his moral values tied to transactions.
Nothing to the with faith, patriotism, sentiment, camaraderie etc.
But hey Evangelist are worshiping him, he is gods divine representative.
We are there ?
Everything is for sale, I remember this in another time another superpower country, USSR 1990's.
1
Now that we know he has seen the Wizard of Oz, might I suggest he watch The Madness of King George at his next movie night?
1
Trump clearly owes Putin big time.
1
Liberals are so interested in the US sending our young men and women to another failed ME country - maybe we should reinstate the draft - so their children can experience and participate warfare.
I am a liberal. My son is serving. Knock it off.
5
@dr John. Many liberals advised not to go to war with Iraq. We had a feeling the Republican administration was not telling the truth about WMD’s in Iraq. But they sent our sons and daughters anyway and there were no WMD’s. And the Bush administration had no plan on what to do after we “won” the war or how to get out, at all.
Dr John, in light of these facts, your comment above is kinda rich coming from an obvious conservative.
2
@Martin
I did not support war in Vietnam.
Or Iraq.
Or Syria.
Or Yemen.
Or Libya.
Tragic.
The shock at trump’s latest fiasco registered by his republican sycophants proves that he only confers with his lackey Stephen Miller. They hole up in the WH like a couple of spiders and make rash decisions to shock and deflect us from whatever it is they did right before this one.
How would it feel to know that you are one of trump’s “best” people, that his stain will be all over you for the rest of your life, and that he’s not slightly interested in anything you have to say?
Oh how sweet it is!
1
I wonder whether some sort of tax advantage for his holdings in Turkey were at stake. without those returns we'll never know.
10
Turmoil IS the goal, NOT, an unexpected or unwanted outcome. Rinse and repeat.
13
"Great and unmatched wisdom".
He's just playing with us.
Don't play the game.
10
" ... I in my great and unmatched wisdom ..." How bizarre is this? Trump's sheer flakiness is becoming worse by the day. This kind of narcissism is beyond any counsel or curbs that his staff can offer. Trump may need to be removed on grounds of mental unfitness before any of his unethical and illegal activities are proven.
31
“As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!),” the president wrote on Twitter.
If you are a Republican in Congress you have the power to cancel this cartoon. What is stopping you?
Signed: the mother of a US soldier who deserves a sane Commander in Chief.
75
“This is a big win for Iran and Assad, a big win for ISIS,” Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and usually one of the president’s most vocal backers, said on Fox News.
Giving aid and comfort? Perhaps not but the following (attributed to many) applies - "It is better to say nothing and appear a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
5
If President Obama was withdrawing troops from Syria, liberals would be cheering him on.
1
I’m a liberal. I would not have been cheering the abandonment of a staunch ally.
5
@RandyJ
You conservatives don’t really understand nuance. Troops in Syria were always a bad idea. The only reason they were there in the first place was to stop ISIS. The only reason ISIS was there was because of the botched invasion of Iraq.
2
However, Obama would not withdraw troops because Putin ordered him to do it, as he probably told Trump to do.
1
Is this finally the last straw to convince Republicans that Trump is a traitor? One can only hope.
10
I love the idea that the Republicans are just now saying, "It's almost like... Trump is not working for American interests, but following the orders... of Putin and Russia!"
To which the Democrats can only respond: "Um... yeah."
34
@RVC
What American interests are served by continuing to stay there? I mean besides the continued enrichment of military contractors.
@viv. The Kurdish people fought for us and did the lion share of the fighting against ISIS. We promised to stand by them and not let the Turks, who see them as less than human, overrun them. If we abandon them now it would:
1) Make us have an even harder time to make valuable agreements and coalitions like this in the future.
2) Possibly inspire individuals to wage attacks on Americans as revenge for abandoning them.
1
So all I could think of when I read this article and watched the press conference. First after I stoped laughing was to say HAIL trump. This man is dangerous. two weeks ago he called himself the chosen one, now "in his great and unmatched wisdom" he threw the Kurds under the buss. There is the rite way to leave a war zone then there is the trump way, turn and run. He knows exactly what he is doing he is a conniving evil genius. We all know how stupid they are.
2
So what's in this for Trump?
4
Hotel sites in Turkey
4
Absolutely shameful.
5
I can’t stand Trump or frankly to read anything about him or his tweets. But, when will our forever wars finally end?
2
@Moses
Not now and not because of this
1
What do we expect? Trump knows nothing about government, protocol, the US constitution, the rule of law, law, governing, public service, leadership or the office he is occupying. He says anything to be in the media, to outrage and to gain what he believes to be some advantage. He is NOT representing the interests of the US or its people because he has NO interest in the US or its people. Then he does something again and the people he doesn't care about go ga-ga.
Einstein, who had great wisdom unlike Trump, stated that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. When will the insanity of this horror of Trump's reality show be over? When he starts a war in order to avoid impeachment or losing the office he is currently denigrating -- that may mean prison time for him at some point in the future? When will all those individuals elected to serve the interests of the people of the US, honor and maintain their oath of office to protect the country and the constitution finally walk away from this insanity day after day after day? Trump demands loyalty but he has none for anything or anyone. He is not representing the US in his language, his antics and his illogical un-presidential actions. When will the GOP check him and act like the protectors of the US they claim to be; save the positioning and respect the US once held. It is quickly eroding and may become irretrievable if Trump is not checked now!
9
So, the GOP will stand up to Trump on foreign policy, but not to protect the U.S. Constitution. Interesting.
46
@Blueandgreen802 The only "stand up" the GOP does is kneeling !
1
@Blueandgreen802 According to the Constitution, Donald Trump is the President and has been since inauguration day.
@Blueandgreen802 No. How can they be standing up to him on foreign policy when nobody can figure out what that foreign policy actually looks like?
1
By tomorrow they too will be supporting abandoning the Kurds, who fought our battles for us.
6
It's official. The United States is no longer to be trusted as an ally, and the all the American soldiers who gave their lives to establish American leadership in the wars of the last century have now died in vain.
American leadership of the world is now over. I hope we enjoy the policies of whoever replaces us.
18
Betraying the Kurds is an American tradition. they should be used to it. Could someone else do the research and list the times the U.S. has betrayed the Kurds.
7
people people, he is doing it again playing the game of distraction, "Oh look at that shiny object.... let us keep on course with impeachment proceedings and avoid the smoke screens.
9
This is life and death to our Kurdish allies. More likely death. Not a shiny object.
1
@Oneguysopinion You give him too much credit.
He is not distracting; he is simply spouting again and letting the chips fall where they may. Mommy will clean it up after dinner.
Trump's irresponsible, and cruel, and dangerous move, the throwing of the Kurds 'under the bus', is preposterous. Even his republican minions couldn't stop retching in front of this outrage, a clear abuse of power to appease dictator Erdogan...and a 'carte blanche' permission to destroy the Kurds, the courageous Allies that helped stop ISIS' murderous path. This unilateral move by the vulgar bully in-chief seems the final insult needed to mount a logic rebuke to his actions. What now, a reversal, and an apology to the Kurds, from a beast proud to have never apologized for anything, ever?
6
Maybe Trump threw the Kurds under the bus, because they would not "investigate" the Bidens.
13
This is just a distraction. IMPEACH!!
This is what he does, I can’t believe so many are still falling for this.
18
With this man, America has no friends.
10