With the US withdrawal from Syria, Russia, now the dominant military power in the most consequential conflict in the Middle East, will have a freer hand to do as it pleases. This will likely include reinforcing Iran's influence and keeping Assad, who stands accused of numerous war crimes, away from international courts.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Wednesday criticized President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, saying the move would be an "Obama-like mistake."
"If these media reports are true, it will be an Obama-like mistake made by the Trump Administration," Graham wrote in a statement. "While American patience in confronting radical Islam may wane, the radical Islamists’ passion to kill Americans and our allies never wavers."
“Today, President Trump announced that we have won the war against ISIS in Syria. Our troops are coming home. Thank you, Mr. President. The Syrian Civil War is largely over, but Syria's a mess and desperately needs reconstruction. These sanctions will delay and possibly prevent reconstruction of Syria and the beginning of a healing time. Now is the time for diplomacy. There are many actors, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, the U.S., and others, but this is the time for diplomacy, not for new sanctions. So I object,” Dr. Paul said on the Senate floor.
. . .
In another speech on the Senate floor earlier today, where he also called for greater oversight of the Deep State, Dr. Paul addressed the Washington mentality that has weakened our national security and led politicians to keep U.S. troops perpetually tied up in conflicts all over the world, saying, “Most of the voices around here like to stay everywhere for all time, and they believe that it doesn't work unless you go somewhere and stay forever.”
In contrast, Dr. Paul observed that President Trump “has the courage to say, ‘We won in Syria, and we're coming home.’” On multiple occasions, Dr. Paul has encouraged President Trump to focus on an America-First policy, which would include bringing troops home from multiple locations in the Middle East, including Syria and Afghanistan.
“Today, President Trump announced that we have won the war against ISIS in Syria. Our troops are coming home. Thank you, Mr. President. The Syrian Civil War is largely over, but Syria's a mess and desperately needs reconstruction. These sanctions will delay and possibly prevent reconstruction of Syria and the beginning of a healing time. Now is the time for diplomacy. There are many actors, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, the U.S., and others, but this is the time for diplomacy, not for new sanctions. So I object,” Dr. Paul said on the Senate floor.
. . .
In another speech on the Senate floor earlier today, where he also called for greater oversight of the Deep State, Dr. Paul addressed the Washington mentality that has weakened our national security and led politicians to keep U.S. troops perpetually tied up in conflicts all over the world, saying, “Most of the voices around here like to stay everywhere for all time, and they believe that it doesn't work unless you go somewhere and stay forever.”
In contrast, Dr. Paul observed that President Trump “has the courage to say, ‘We won in Syria, and we're coming home.’” On multiple occasions, Dr. Paul has encouraged President Trump to focus on an America-First policy, which would include bringing troops home from multiple locations in the Middle East, including Syria and Afghanistan.
Trump is starting, just a bit, to fuck with people who don't like to be fucked with. Are the fags like Linsey and Little Marco enough to fight back for them, or will the B team have to step aside?