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The U.S. Military: Proud Owners of One-Third of Syria
Moved to Page 4: Opinion because the writer is arguing for his point of view.
[NationalInterest] How many American citizens even realize the U.S. military now occupies most of the eastern third of Syria? There's been no new congressional authorization of force and scant debate on Capitol Hill. Contrary to effective strategy and sound policy, expansive war and military occupation is the default solution championed by the Washington establishment.

The problem with holding territory in Syria is quite simple: people live there. Real, live folks the U.S. military -- like it or not -- is now beholden to. These Syrians' hopes, dreams, sustenance, quality of life, gripes and complaints -- at the expense of domestic concerns -- become the responsibility of the U.S. government according to local perception. I've seen this movie before, experienced it, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It doesn't end well.

Furthermore, Washington is being sucked ever further into the Syrian abyss for no strategic benefit to the United States.

Rhetoric aside, many of Trump's campaign statements were eminently reasonable. But contrary to his clear-eyed observations, his administration is doubling down and staying put in Eastern Syria.

A plea for clear-eyed policy to
cut our losses and sensibly redeployed our troops based on sober strategy and U.S. interests rather than reacting to a crisis merely because we can.
Thoughts?
Posted by: Alistaire Clunter7986 2018-04-11
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=512216