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Senate rebukes Trump over Syria, Afghanistan pullouts

26 Comments
By Jim Watson

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Trump doesn't give a rat's tail about what any of you think. He has one master, and one master only... Putin. Why else would he be pulling back America's defense shield? The basket full of deplorables that support him are too stoopid for the most part to know that the troops placed around the world are not there protecting the states they're in, they're projecting US power and influence. Do any of those countries want them there? Funny how it's turned the tables on a lot of left-leaning thought. Bringing home the troops used to sound like a great idea, but now that we see it's Putin that is pulling the strings, and Putin wanting the collapse of the "global police force", perhaps it isn't such a good idea, right? I for one would like to see it, just to see how it all plays out. Bring them home from Korea. Bring them home from Japan, from all of their almost 800 bases worldwide. And what will all of these returning troops do once the juicing of the economy has fizzled out and there are no jobs? Start more wars, cuz that's what America does. Rinse and effing repeat.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Saw the headline and thought for a second Congress had passed a declaration of war...they certainly have the power to put (keep) troops anywhere they wish. America and its undeclared wars.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Trump doesn't care -- he takes his orders from Putin.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Nobody seems to worry about the fact that it is totally illegal for American troops to be in Syria in the first place.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Slick: Every soldier’s life is endangered in the Middle East. Trust me. They know the risks. It's what they do.

I understand that. But we don't have to be in Syria and Trump understands this and he cares about our troops and that's why he's getting them out. You may not agree with that but a majority of Americans want us out of Syria and the entire Middle East.

We cannot leave Syria in the hands of the Russians and Assad.

We can and we will.

Assad should have already been taken out. 

And have who replace him at this time? I agree with Tulsi Gabbard on this one, Assad, the dictator he is, is better than the so-called freedom fighters over there who are really little better than terrorists.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

It's hilarious how many rightists have suddenly popped up on these threads. In the sown of just under a month we have witnessed this proliferation.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@commanteer.

Come on in. Welcome.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/foreign-aid-is-helping-these-countries-transition/

No not all attempts end in failure. And this is just the aid part.

The USA cannot force countries to become democracies. Who's forcing? Not the U.S.A.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

We cannot leave Syria in the hands of the Russians and Assad. Assad should have already been taken out. The man uses chemical weapons on woman and children. There will be always someone to fight. I know. But the Syrian people deserve an opportunity to live in a Democracy. We are the great ambassadors for Democracy.

While I respect you putting your life on the line with a commitment to your ideals, I cannot agree with your conclusions.

The USA cannot force countries to become democracies. All attempts so far have been disastrous. In fact, I would rather the troops come home and fight for democracy in the US, as that's not looking too good lately.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Serrano.

We are spending a fortune in deploying and maintaining our troops in Syria, not to mention endangering the lives of our soldiers.

endangering the lives of our soldiers.-When I lifted my right hand and took an oath to protect and uphold the constitution of United States. I knew the risks in a war time situation. I knew when I awoke on the battlefield every morning (various locations) or awoke by the sound of gunfire. I knew my life could end at any moment. But I also knew. I was right where I wanted to be and who I wanted to be with. I have known war and I have known peace. I knew if I fell. I would not be left behind. Every soldier’s life is endangered in the Middle East. Trust me. They know the risks. It's what they do.

As far as the economics of war. Yes, war is costly. I wish they would spend more and getting our soldiers better and modern body armor.

Here is a question Serrano.

Name me one single conflict the United States was in that presented an exit plan like Trump is proposing in American history? Honesty. I do not think there is anything we can look at. We cannot leave Syria in the hands of the Russians and Assad. Assad should have already been taken out. The man uses chemical weapons on woman and children. There will be always someone to fight. I know. But the Syrian people deserve an opportunity to live in a Democracy. We are the great ambassadors for Democracy.

Nope, it's not childish, Trump has made the right decision.

If it was a sound and moral decision made by this President to pull us out in this manner. So quickly. The government would not have overturned it overriding his authority. But they did. It was obviously the wrong decision and @Crazy Joe explains why in his comment.

is repeatedly at odds with his intel chiefs, something is dangerously wrong.

Trump is compromised. Or Mattis would not have quit on him. From what? I do not know. Russian influence? Maybe. I cannot say. But he has time after time exercised poor judgment and poor decision-making skills.

Why? Because he is not a politician. He is to emotional and we see that on Twitter every god damn day!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Federal prosecutors subpoena Trump's inaugural committee

https://www.yahoo.com/news/federal-prosecutors-subpoena-trumps-inaugural-011753201.html

LOL! I predict a distraction coming soon! HAHAHA!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Dead: I'm all for getting the troops out but it does need to be done in a way that is structured and thought out

Good. That's what's going to happen.

To support Trump on this is to also spend most of your days acting without thinking. Childish, immature, and usually, the road to failure.

Thanks, OK, let me consider that... If we accept the logic of those who support staying in Syria we will never leave that country. It is that what we want? We are spending a fortune in deploying and maintaining our troops in Syria, not to mention endangering the lives of our soldiers. Nope, it's not childish, Trump has made the right decision.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

@lincolman.

But Trump has to go - send him back to his boring reality TV show...

I honestly feel the same way. He needs to just step down. Please simply step down. No shame.

He is the President and I was raised to never disrespect elected officials. You can disagree, vote against for sure. Yes. Democracy. Purity!

This is why I have not fell into insulting the man. Or become consumed with the hostility and the fever of today’s political situation and hoopla. I am hoping for and praying for miracle or a messiah to raise up with in my party to bring us back to the fundamentals of what it meant to be Republican. I know in Texas so many think as I do. And I am from Massachusetts which makes no sense. 

I know I am diffrent.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Not saying that the president is planning this, but ...

Trump is uniting Republicans and Democrats: no Afghan troop phase out.

Trump’s response to Congress’ indignation at the above suggestion: So, you want to finish the Taliban? Okay. They pass back and forth over the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal territory as the season requires. Put an end to that sanctuary. Bomb the tribal territory (not just a la Obama era drone attacks), create a force surge and send troops in to root them out.

Anyone for a wider, bloodier, more costly war? More unintended consequences?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Strangerland.

I guess that would make me right of center. I am not sure. I just dislike Trump and always have.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

 I've gotta believe that even with the divisions we have, no one here wants to see this country attacked again.

The best thing ever said in long time.

Absolutely! I am an American regardless of party! I will stand and fight for my country with any Democrat willing to fight with me against any threat and aggressors wanting to inflict damage or death upon America or Americans or any other nationality. We all bleed red!

I do not want to see another 911. If we leave the Middle East to prematurely, we will leave a vacuum so large and a burning hatred so strong towards America. That the next attack could come with devastating consequences that could ignite a war so massive and destructive. 

We need to do the right thig in the Middle East. And we need the worlds help to do it.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

This is what I have been waiting for. I am so ecstatic and over come with great joy that my party is starting wake up and think DUMP TRUMP!

TRUMP IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNQUALIFIED TO BE P.O.T.U.S.!

I applaud your sentiments - i used to be a Republican and a conservative until the invasion of Iraq.

Now, as you've alluded to, I'm not sure there is a GOP anymore - fiscal discipline, free trade, a respectable moral lifestsyle - those are values the party, and the current far-right base, don't seem to hold dear anymore.

Republicans will have to expunge Trump and his base - let them go start their own party, the "WLP" (We Love Putin) cult. It will take awhile for the party to rebuild, but it's best to excise the cancer now, versus letting it grow and spread.

As a Democrat, there are several Republican candidates that I think are qualified and could support, if our party nominates someone too far left. But Trump as to go - send him back to his boring reality TV show...

2 ( +6 / -4 )

It's amazing that after years and years of freaking out about Benghazi, the right has let the death of four Americans by ISIS after Trump announced ISIS was ended, be left completely untouched and uncommented on.

It just shows their outrage about Benghazi was a political tool, not any actual concern for the lives lost.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

I am really all alone here on J.T. -2 :-(

Are there no other Republicans here that dislike our P.O.T.U.S.?

I think you and I are probably more closely aligned politically (I'm left of center) than you are with the extremist Republicans.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

When a POTUS is repeatedly at odds with his intel chiefs, something is dangerously wrong.

I'm not one to catastrophize after every Trumpian news story. But his recent lying about an intel panel that testified in public for all to see, is cause for alarm. I hope the GOP comes to its senses, and starts to

act on behalf of this country. I've gotta believe that even with the divisions we have, no one here wants to see this country attacked again.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I am really all alone here on J.T. -2 :-(

Are there no other Republicans here that dislike our P.O.T.U.S.?

A Republican not backing his Republican P.O.T.U.S. I know. I have heard it all from those in my party.

Shameful Slick, shameful. I know I should be supportive, but I just can’t!

 I am sorry. I just cannot do it.

TRUMP IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNQUALIFIED TO BE P.O.T.U.S.!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Democrats I'd like for you to really read this.

deep discontent caused by the policies within his own Republican ranks.

Deep is putting it midley for this Republican!

and.....

It passed by a majority of 70 to 26 -- opposed by only three of the 53 Senate Republicans.

 This is huge! I think readers here that are staunch Trump supporters do not understand the impact of this revolt against the President of the United States on the withdrawal of the troops in the Middle East.

Let me put it in words you Trump supporters can fathom.

ISIS is not defeated!

Leaving hastily is totally irresponsible!

That my fellow Republicans just sent this President a very strong message.

It was.

With all due respect Mr. President. We do not trust your judgement with the current sit rep in the Middle East. Better to let us take this one sir.

This is what I have been waiting for. I am so ecstatic and over come with great joy that my party is starting wake up and think DUMP TRUMP!

Oh goodie! What's next? *-)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@serrano No, Mr. President, don't withdraw the troops! 

Once again pushing the 'Can't upset Russia - that'll start WW3' message.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

@serrano

You do realize, Trump wanted to pull troops out of Syria because he assumed ISIS was dead before talking to the military, the secretary of defense, and probably even his Israeli pals right? And being the guy he is, he doesn't wanna look like he's back peddling or made a mistake so he needs to pursue it, right? I'm all for getting the troops out but it does need to be done in a way that is structured and thought out, rather than Trumps plan of pulling the plug no questions asked. To support Trump on this is to also spend most of your days acting without thinking. Childish, immature, and usually, the road to failure.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

No, Mr. President, don't withdraw the troops! Listen to the mealy-mouthed politicians and the media who are experts on national security! We need to keep our troops in the Middle East indefinitely!

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Expect a twitter fest.  Mitch will become "Mad" Mitch.  Declarations from Trump that no one understands foreign policy better than him.  But the truth is the crack in the dam is growing and alarms are sounding in the Trump camp.  Before long, republicans looking to save their own political careers, will turn on Trump.  He will be the first one-term president since the recently departed Bush snr.  If he manages to avoid impeachment.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

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