Republican Senator Mitt Romney this week discussed President Trump’s withdrawal of US troops from Syria calling the cease-fire between Turkey and the Kurds “far from a victory”. Speaking on the floor of the Senate directly following Vice Pres. Pence’s announcement, Congressman Romney said “Serious questions remain about the decision reached precipitously to withdraw from Syria and why that decision was made.”
Cease-fire was announced following a meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and Vice President Pence, the agreement stipulates a complete halt to any offensive taking place in Syria. The concession allow Kurds pull back to a safe area 20 miles South of the Turkish-Syria border.
All Turkish forces will halt their advances better known as “Operation Peace Spring”, the Turkish military will remain in their current locations entirely should the Kurds complete their withdrawal from area.
Presented by President Donald Trump as a great day for civilization, that did not stop congressman Romney from claiming that the US had abandoned the Kurds.
“Adding insult to dishonor, the administration speaks cavalierly, even flippantly, even as our ally has suffered death and casualty,” Romney said. “We once abandoned a red line. Now we abandon an ally.”
He further remarked: “The decision to abandon the Kurds violates one of our most sacred duties. It strikes at American honor. What we have done to the Kurds will stand as a bloodstain in the annals of American history.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had ordered the invasion of Northern Syria directly after American troops withdrew from the border. Pres. Trump’s decision had sparked outrage from both sides of the aisle, officials argued the move could end with a reemergence of ISIS placing America’s previous allies the Kurds in a dangerous situation.
Despite backlash the President has held his position claiming on Thursday that the invasion of Syria is between the two respective countries Turkey and Syria.
Pres. Trump added “It’s not our problem the Kurds know how to fight and as I said they are not angels. We are not a policing agent..it is time for us to go home.”
This is a great day for civilization. I am proud of the United States for sticking by me in following a necessary, but somewhat unconventional, path. People have been trying to make this “Deal” for many years. Millions of lives will be saved. Congratulations to ALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2019
Mitt Romney in his speech to Congress asked that the Trump administration testify in front of Congress to explain his decision. He also claimed the Senate committee on foreign relations was not informed of the administratrions move at any point. Said Mitt Romeny, “I might be forgiven for wondering why our committee even exists.”
