Post
Region: Israel
It is interesting to see the reaction to Trump’s decision from both sides of the aisle. Republicans seem to be condemning it, which I think is principled, because they were similarly against Obama’s abandonment of the Kurds in Iraq.
Democrats, too, are upset with the decision - but they weren’t with Obama’s abandonment of the Kurds. They even welcomed it. Which is annoying for at least a handful of reasons.
I’m against Trump’s decision. But then, I have always advocated for greater American presence in the Levant (and the Gulf) to, first and foremost, deter Iran.
But to speak of the Kurds specifically, I am very much puzzled by Trump’s decision. Truthfully, I think it was a very bad one, for a few reasons:
1) I see the Kurds like I see myself - and Jews generally. I want them to have a state. And I think they’d be a good ally, perhaps another bulwark against Iran.
2) It seems like a real betrayal to these people, who shed their blood before ours, and I want American foreign policy to reflect our values, rather than merely our interests. Our operations in Syria were cheap, too, in lives and in treasure.
3) We didn’t get much out of this retreat. Turkey didn’t give us anything. If they had, I’d be somewhat more understanding. At best, they’re a reluctant ally. At worst, a perpetual nuisance, and an enemy of Israel. If they didn’t house our nukes, I’d be even more dismissive of their interests.
4) Still, Trump is doing exactly what he said he would. This wasn’t surprising. In fact, he’s doing precisely what the Left has been asking for. Which is why I’m surprised by their reaction. It’s not principled. It’s merely a gut reaction against Trump. And if Obama had done this - and he did! - they’d be congratulating each other for it.
Late note: The abandonment of Kurdish allies may make the acquisition of future allies more difficult. The Poles have, at least privately, referred to American promises of backup as a “dangerous delusion,” and a false hope.
My worry: Would Israel be wrong for coming to the same conclusion? Would Saudi Arabia pursue nukes, believing our guarantees of security to be fickle? Maybe. America doesn’t have a great history of supporting our allies (Vietnam, Cuba, Iraq). There are thousands of men and women, buried in shallow graves across the earth, who were foolish enough to trust us.