Mattis: Withdrawing US Troops From Syria Would Be a Strategic Blunder

(It is only a strategic blunder because the strategy is to overthrow a legitimately elected and popular leader.)
Speaking at NATO headquarters on Friday, Secretary of Defense James Mattis reiterated his opposition to the idea of withdrawing US troops from Syria. He said any withdrawal before progress was made would be a “strategic blunder.”
Mattis’ position reflects those of a lot of top US cabinet officials, who have resisted President Trump’s talk of a quick withdrawal. He argues that the UN peace plan necessitates an ongoing US military presence.
On the one hand, Mattis suggests leaving too soon could give “the terrorists the opportunity to recover.” On the other hand, he also says that leaving would be exploited by the Assad government and its supporters.
(That would be a shame, wouldn’t it. The democratically elected government of a country illegally invaded by the US, “exploiting” the withdrawal of invading troops. Presumably to rebuild their country from the ravages of the CIA inspired and funded attack.)
australiannationalreview.com/2018/06/10/mattis-withdrawing-us-troops-from-syria-would-be-a-strategic-blunder/