Last week, the United States abandoned its longstanding pledge to assist Syrian Kurds fighting extremist Islamic forces from within and encroaching Turkish armies from the north.
U.S. forces afforded the Kurds the necessary leverage to fight for their rich history in the hope of one day carving out a home of their own. Those dreams have now been shattered.
Without U.S. support, the Kurds faced immediate threats, and indeed, Turkish troops have amped up a military offensive, plunging deeper into Syrian territory.
Faced with no good options, the Kurds were forced to ask for military aid from their longtime foe, the Syrian government. Now, as the volatile region changes quickly, the Kurds have allied with Russia and Iran as well.
Overnight, our main partner in the fight against ISIS is now making deals with our enemies, and 4 million Kurdish lives hang in the balance. Their best hope is to raise the Syrian flag while maintaining some semblance of identity, though that is unlikely.
On Tuesday, Bashar al-Assad, Syrias ruthless dictator, said he will insist Kurdish troops join Russian and Syrian military formations.
Meanwhile, one must confront the grave risk of a resurgent ISIS. Tens of thousands of suspected militants, many high-profile, were being detained in facilities guarded by the Kurds.
With the U.S. militarys retreat, the Kurds have withdrawn from those duties, leaving some of the worlds most dangerous prisoners unguarded.
PRESIDENT Trumps unilateral decision to dump the Kurds has unnerved our allies. They surmise this betrayal is a harbinger of others yet to come.
Sadly, we can do little to assure them otherwise. By failing the Kurds, Mr. Trump has strengthened the hands of our enemies and weakened our ability to act forcefully with Turkey and the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Turkey brushed aside Mr. Trumps demand for a ceasefire, intimating the U.S. has now ceded its leverage in the region.
Mr. Trumps call for doubling tariffs on Turkeys steel exports also left President Erdogan unimpressed. After all, steel sent to America comprises less than 1% of Turkeys exports.
And still, Mr. Trumps invitation to Mr. Erdogan to visit the White House in November stands.
From where, one wonders, does Mr. Trump draw his values?
SOME THINGS in this world still cannot be bought, loyal allies and friendship chief among them. And true strength the kind that inspires nations to work together for a common good comes from keeping your word.
Our enemies see a United States that cares only about itself, leaving the world for their plunder.
