President Trump said Tuesday he is not abandoning American-allied Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria who could be exposed to Turkish wrath by the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
He also combined flattery with economic threats toward Ankara, as U.S. Republican leaders warn that Turkish President Tayyip Recip Erdogan may see Mr. Trump’s decision to bring troops home as an invitation to purge their Kurdish rivals.
Mr. Trump said the U.S. is still providing weaponry and financial assistance to the Kurds.
“We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we Abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters,” Mr. Trump said on Twitter.
“Likewise, our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and Trading partner, has been very good,” he added. “Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully understands that while we only had 50 soldiers remaining in that section of Syria, and they have been removed, any unforced or unnecessary fighting by Turkey will be devastating to their economy and to their very fragile currency.”
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See Also:
(1) World leaders ready for war as Turkey set to clear ‘terrorists’ from border
(2) America’s Good Intentions in Syria Have Led to This Dismal Outcome
(3) Trump threatens Turkey after greenlighting Syria invasion
(5) US Allies Face Slaughter by Turks After Trump Retreat
