Officials said the number of American troops might actually increase in Syria, to help protect the final withdrawal — a process that is still expected to take at least four to six months.
Tag: Syria
American Boy, 16, Caught Fighting for ISIS in Syria, Militia Says
The teenager, whose capture was announced by the Syrian Democratic Forces, would be the only American minor apprehended fighting on behalf of the Islamic State on the battlefield.
Erdogan Says Turkey Cannot ‘Swallow the Message’ From Bolton
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey denounced comments from the American national security adviser, John R. Bolton, that Turkey must agree to protect Kurds if Americans withdraw from Syria. Mr. Bolton was denied a meeting with Mr. Erdogan during h…
Erdogan Snubs Bolton Over Comments That Turkey Must Protect Kurds
The storm around the visit by John R. Bolton, the American national security adviser, to Turkey showed how far apart the countries are on how to handle a U.S. withdrawal from Syria.
Bolton Puts Conditions on Syria Withdrawal, Suggesting a Delay of Months or Years
John R. Bolton, the national security adviser, said troops would remain until the Islamic State was completely defeated and Turkey guaranteed it would not strike Kurdish forces.
American ISIS Member Caught on Syrian Battlefield, Militia Says
The Houston native is said to have once sought a job teaching English for the Islamic State. The militia said it had also captured a second American.
Syria Faces Brittle Future, Dominated by Russia and Iran
With or without an American pullout, Syria is now a Balkanized version of what existed before it plunged into a calamitous civil war in 2011.
Pope Francis, in Christmas Speech, Emphasizes ‘Fraternity’
In his “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and to the World”) benediction, the pontiff declares that differences are a source of richness rather than danger.
Santa Arrested in Iraq? Social Media Says Yes, Police Say No
The Iraqi police said that a widely shared photo had been taken not in Iraq but in Syria, and that the officers in the picture with the Santa were helping distribute presents to children.
Glee in Russia Over Trump’s Foreign Policy Largess
“Trump is God’s gift that keeps on giving,” one analyst said. “Russia can just relax and watch and root for Trump, which Putin does at every TV appearance.”