Trump's letter to Erdogan and his ineffective 'ceasefire' is just the beginning of our humiliation. So how will other Republicans react?
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump's letter to Erdogan and his ineffective 'ceasefire' is just the beginning of our humiliation. So how will other Republicans react?

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For all of President Donald Trump's bluster about "strength" and his admiration for international leaders who rule with an iron fist, when it comes to his decision-making on the international stage, he shows a propensity towards weakness. Trump's most recent flub was a phone call he took from the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who announced his intention to cross the Turkish border into Syria. National security expert John Noonan said of the phrase on Twitter, “'Endless Wars’ is much catchier way to say ‘yeah we have a brigade or two out of a 1.2 million man Armed Forces helping local militaries and militias do the heavy lifting trying to keep some really bad people from coming to power’." Trump lives in a reality television world, believing high-profile displays with world leaders — whether it's Erdoğan or Kim Jong-un — and transactional, real-estate type manoeuvres will work on the diplomatic front.

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History of this topic

Erdogan’s White House visit renews tensions over Turkey’s aggression
5 years, 4 months ago

Erdogan’s White House visit renews tensions over Turkey’s aggression

LA Times  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the White House drew sharp bipartisan criticism from Congress and rallied protesters across the capital on Wednesday who decried Turkey’s recent military foray into northeastern Syria. Erdogan arrived at the White House under heavy security and was largely shielded from the view of the several hundred demonstrators, including Armenian, Kurdish, Jewish and Christian …

Trump, Erdogan Have 'Frank' Discussion About Syria
5 years, 4 months ago

Trump, Erdogan Have 'Frank' Discussion About Syria

NPR  

Trump, Erdogan Have 'Frank' Discussion About Syria Enlarge this image toggle caption Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Updated at 5:15 p.m. ET President Trump had what he called a "wonderful and very productive" meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, at the same time as House impeachment hearings got underway on the other …

Trump lifts Turkey sanctions, quits ‘blood-stained’ Syria
5 years, 4 months ago

Trump lifts Turkey sanctions, quits ‘blood-stained’ Syria

The Hindu  

President Donald Trump ended sanctions against Turkey on Wednesday, drawing a line under American involvement in "blood-stained" Syria, as Turkish and Russian troops seized territory previously held by US troops and their beleaguered Kurdish allies. "Let someone else fight over this long blood-stained sand," Mr. Trump said in a White House speech that formalized the ceding of power in northern …

Trump lifts US sanctions on Turkey, says ceasefire permanent
5 years, 4 months ago

Trump lifts US sanctions on Turkey, says ceasefire permanent

Al Jazeera  

US president says Turkey has informed the United States it will make the ceasefire in Syria ‘permanent’. US President Donald Trump announced that Turkey said it is stopping combat operations and making a ceasefire in northern Syria permanent, prompting the United States to lift recent sanctions it imposed on Turkish imports in response to the campaign. Trump said some troops …

Trump lifts US sanctions on Turkey, says ceasefire permanent
5 years, 4 months ago

Trump lifts US sanctions on Turkey, says ceasefire permanent

Al Jazeera  

US president says Turkey has informed the United States it will make the ceasefire in Syria ‘permanent’. US President Donald Trump announced that Turkey said it is stopping combat operations and making a ceasefire in northern Syria permanent, prompting the United States to lift recent sanctions it imposed on Turkish imports in response to the campaign. Trump said some troops …

Trump touts Turkey cease-fire, even as it appears shaky
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump touts Turkey cease-fire, even as it appears shaky

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump punched back Friday at criticism that his Syria withdrawal is damaging U.S. credibility, betraying Kurdish allies and opening the door for a possible resurgence of the Islamic State. Calling his Syria approach “a little bit unconventional,” the president contended that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as the Syrian Kurdish fighters the Turks are …

Erdogan says Turkey will take necessary steps against Trump’s ‘disrespectful’ letter
5 years, 5 months ago

Erdogan says Turkey will take necessary steps against Trump’s ‘disrespectful’ letter

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Trump news: President hails disputed Syria 'ceasefire' as White House appears to confirm quid pro quo with Ukraine
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump news: President hails disputed Syria 'ceasefire' as White House appears to confirm quid pro quo with Ukraine

The Independent  

✕ Close Italian interpreter reacts to Trump's assertion Syria has 'a lot of sand' Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

US President Donald Trump writes a threatening letter to Erdogan, 'Don't be a fool,' he says
5 years, 5 months ago

US President Donald Trump writes a threatening letter to Erdogan, 'Don't be a fool,' he says

Op India  

US President Donald Trump warned his counterpart Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an extraordinary letter sent to him after his decision to invade Syria. President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling on him to “work out a good deal!” and warning him not to be a “tough guy” or “fool”. “You don’t want to …

Trump dismisses Syria concerns; Dems walk out of WH meeting
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump dismisses Syria concerns; Dems walk out of WH meeting

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Washing his hands of Syria, President Donald Trump declared Wednesday the U.S. has no stake in defending the Kurdish fighters who died by the thousands as America’s partners against IS extremists. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham called Pelosi’s action “baffling but not surprising.” She said the speaker “had no intention of listening or contributing to an important meeting …

Erdogan Adviser On Turkey's Attacks In Syria
5 years, 5 months ago

Erdogan Adviser On Turkey's Attacks In Syria

NPR  

Erdogan Adviser On Turkey's Attacks In Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet with a U.S. delegation to discuss Turkey's incursion into Syria. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Gulnur Aybet, senior adviser to Erdogan. STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: We have a senior adviser to Turkey's president on the line. INSKEEP: Gulnur Aybet, senior adviser to Turkey's president - …

Donald Trump letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns of Syria offensive fallout
5 years, 5 months ago

Donald Trump letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns of Syria offensive fallout

ABC  

Donald Trump warned Recep Tayyip Erdogan he would be remembered as a "devil" if Turkey invaded Syria, telling him "don't be a tough guy" in a letter sent to the Turkish President two days after US troops were ordered out of the country's north. Mr Trump told Mr Erdogan he wanted to "work out a good deal" and threatened that …

House rebukes Trump, approves measure opposing his Syria decision
5 years, 5 months ago

House rebukes Trump, approves measure opposing his Syria decision

Al Jazeera  

An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Sergio Mattarella as the prime minister of Italy. Washington, DC – The United States House of Representatives voted 354-60 on Wednesday to condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from northeast Syria, effectively clearing the way for Turkey‘s military operation against Kurdish forces there. The House resolution opposes Trump’s withdrawal decision …

Donald Trump's call for a Syria ceasefire rejected by Turkey as Russia-backed forces move in
5 years, 5 months ago

Donald Trump's call for a Syria ceasefire rejected by Turkey as Russia-backed forces move in

ABC  

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slapped down a call from US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire in north-eastern Syria, as Ankara faces growing condemnation over its military offensive there. Key points: Mr Erdogan says he will never agree to a ceasefire or negotiate with Kurdish forces Syrian forces, backed by Russia, have arrived in Kurdish towns The US …

The Latest: Erdogan rejects call for ceasefire in Syria
5 years, 5 months ago

The Latest: Erdogan rejects call for ceasefire in Syria

Associated Press  

CEYLANPINAR, Turkey — The latest on Turkey’s offensive in northern Syria : 12:50 a.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he rejects a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to declare a ceasefire and halt Turkey’s military offensive in northeastern Syria. Erdogan said: “They say ‘declare a ceasefire.’ We could never declare a ceasefire.” Turkey’s leader also told a group …

Trump’s Syria announcement blindsided many GOP supporters
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump’s Syria announcement blindsided many GOP supporters

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — For once, Republicans and Democrats in Congress were in the same place: out of the loop. For Republicans, it was a reminder that having the president’s back can be a one-way proposition, especially with a commander in chief who likes to make decisions from his “gut.” Even as Turkish bombs fell Wednesday on northern Syria, Sen. Lindsey Graham, …

Turkey's military gets into position at Syria-Iraq border, anticipating withdrawal by US
5 years, 5 months ago

Turkey's military gets into position at Syria-Iraq border, anticipating withdrawal by US

ABC  

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack there following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials reported. Key points: Turkey says it is ready to advance into northeast Syria now that the US has begun withdrawing troops Donald Trump has denied he abandoned the Kurdish …

Trump shifts tone on Turkey in effort to halt Syria invasion
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump shifts tone on Turkey in effort to halt Syria invasion

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — In a span of 24 hours, President Donald Trump moved from threatening to obliterate Turkey’s economy if it invades Syria to inviting its president to visit the White House. But Trump did not back away Tuesday from a plan to withdraw American troops from Syria as he tried to persuade Turkey not to invade the country and attack …

‘Buckle up’: Trump’s abrupt Syria policy shift
5 years, 5 months ago

‘Buckle up’: Trump’s abrupt Syria policy shift

Al Jazeera  

The latest presidential pronouncements on Syria injected new confusion over American policy on the war-torn country. Trump’s decision on Sunday to remove some US forces from northeastern Syria, opening the door to a Turkish offensive against US-allied Kurdish fighters in the region, provides a vivid example of how, with traditional White House structures largely shunted aside and few aides willing …

Even Republicans know that Trump can’t do the job of president (Opinion)
5 years, 5 months ago

Even Republicans know that Trump can’t do the job of president (Opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Jill Filipovic is a journalist based in Washington and author of the book “The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness.” Follow her on Twitter. As criticism of the decision mounted this week, Trump issued a stunning and bizarre tweet, warning that “if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, …

Syria’s Kurds stand to lose all gains from US pullout
5 years, 5 months ago

Syria’s Kurds stand to lose all gains from US pullout

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Syria’s Kurds accused the U.S. of turning its back on its allies and risking gains made in the fight against the Islamic State group as American troops began pulling back on Monday from positions in northeastern Syria ahead of an expected Turkish assault. U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to stand aside — announced by the White House …

Trump defends Syria decision amid Republican backlash
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump defends Syria decision amid Republican backlash

CNN  

CNN — President Donald Trump on Monday defended his decision to pull US troops from northern Syria ahead of an impending Turkish invasion despite criticism from top Republicans including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump also sought to downplay the seeming suddenness of his decision, saying he “consulted with everybody.” A senior administration official said that he had discussed the …

Trump speaks with Turkey's Erdogan amid tension
6 years, 2 months ago

Trump speaks with Turkey's Erdogan amid tension

The Quint  

Washington, Jan 15 US President Donald Trump on Monday spoke over phone with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan following recent bickering between Washington and Ankara, said the White House in a statement. The two leaders discussed several bilateral issues, including the US troops' withdrawal from Syria, said the White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders in the statement, reports Xinhua news …

Trump speaks with Erdogan after threatening to ‘devastate’ Turkey’s economy
6 years, 2 months ago

Trump speaks with Erdogan after threatening to ‘devastate’ Turkey’s economy

CNN  

Washington CNN — President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed “ongoing cooperation in Syria as US forces begin to withdraw” during a phone call Monday, just one day after Trump threatened to “devastate Turkey economically” if the NATO-allied country attacks Kurds in the region. “The President expressed the desire to work together to address Turkey’s security concerns …

US adviser meets Turkish officials after Erdogan pullout warning
6 years, 2 months ago

US adviser meets Turkish officials after Erdogan pullout warning

Al Jazeera  

John Bolton in Ankara after Turkey’s leader calls for carefully planned exit of American forces from Syria. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised US President Donald Trump‘s decision last month to pull about 2,000 US soldiers out of northern Syria, but said the withdrawal must be done with the “right partners”. In an op-ed article for the New York …

Trump told Turkey’s Erdogan in call about Syria: ‘It’s all yours. We are done.’
6 years, 2 months ago

Trump told Turkey’s Erdogan in call about Syria: ‘It’s all yours. We are done.’

CNN  

CNN — US President Donald Trump told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the US was “done” with Syria as the pair discussed the possible withdrawal of US forces from the country. A senior White House official said Erdogan gave Trump his “word” that Turkey would finish off ISIS. “In the call on Friday, Erdogan said to the President, ‘In fact, …

Trump call with Turkish leader led to US pullout from Syria
6 years, 3 months ago

Trump call with Turkish leader led to US pullout from Syria

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria was made hastily, without consulting his national security team or allies, and over strong objections from virtually everyone involved in the fight against the Islamic State group, according to U.S. and Turkish officials. Pompeo, Mattis and other members of the national security team prepared a list of talking …

Turkey Warmly Embraces Trump's Syria Withdrawal And Delays A Planned Offensive
6 years, 3 months ago

Turkey Warmly Embraces Trump's Syria Withdrawal And Delays A Planned Offensive

NPR  

Turkey Warmly Embraces Trump's Syria Withdrawal And Delays A Planned Offensive Enlarge this image toggle caption Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images President Trump's decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria may be causing consternation in Washington and among many of America's international partners, but there is at least one NATO ally celebrating the abrupt announcement: Turkey. And Turkey …

Trump And Erdogan Talk, But There's Disagreement Over What Was Said
7 years, 1 month ago

Trump And Erdogan Talk, But There's Disagreement Over What Was Said

NPR  

Trump And Erdogan Talk, But There's Disagreement Over What Was Said Enlarge this image toggle caption Kayhan Ozer/AP Kayhan Ozer/AP President Trump, speaking to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, urged Ankara to scale back its military operations in neighboring Syria following an offensive launched by Turkish forces against U.S.-backed Kurdish insurgents in Syria's Afrin region. A readout from …

Trump says US to stop arming Syrian Kurds
7 years, 3 months ago

Trump says US to stop arming Syrian Kurds

Daily Mail  

President Donald Trump has told Turkey's president that the United States will cut off its supply of arms to Kurdish fighters in Syria. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the U.S. Coast Guard at the Lake Worth Inlet Station Thursday in Riviera Beach, Fla. Trump spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday morning Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan …

Donald Trump, Recep Erdogan meet at White House; discuss ways to restore frayed ties
7 years, 10 months ago

Donald Trump, Recep Erdogan meet at White House; discuss ways to restore frayed ties

Firstpost  

Fresh from securing his grip on Turkey with a referendum to centralise power, Recep Tayyip Erdogan met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday on a mission to restore frayed ties Fresh from securing his grip on Turkey with a referendum to centralise power, Recep Tayyip Erdogan met US President Donald Trump at the White House on …

Erdogan, Trump hail 'outstanding' US-Turkish ties amid tensions over arming Kurdish YPG fighters as protests erupt
7 years, 10 months ago

Erdogan, Trump hail 'outstanding' US-Turkish ties amid tensions over arming Kurdish YPG fighters as protests erupt

ABC  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has touted "outstanding" relations with the United States, but stressed that Ankara will "never accept" Syrian Kurdish fighters in the region while stopping short of directly criticising the US decision to arm them. Key points: The meeting was amicable despite growing tensions over the US' arming of Kurdish fighters Turkey and the US disagree over …

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences
7 years, 10 months ago

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences

China Daily  

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US May 16, 2017. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Tuesday to repair bilateral relationship fraught with difficulties in the past. Speaking at the White House with Erdogan, Trump hailed …

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences
7 years, 10 months ago

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-05-17 08:58 Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US May 16, 2017. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Tuesday to repair bilateral relationship fraught with difficulties in the past. Speaking at the White …

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences
7 years, 10 months ago

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences

China Daily  

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US May 16, 2017. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Tuesday to repair bilateral relationship fraught with difficulties in the past. Speaking at the White House with Erdogan, Trump hailed …

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences
7 years, 10 months ago

Trump, Erdogan vow to repair US-Turkish relationship amid existing differences

China Daily  

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US May 16, 2017. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Tuesday to repair bilateral relationship fraught with difficulties in the past. Speaking at the White House with Erdogan, Trump hailed …

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump hold talks
7 years, 10 months ago

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump hold talks

Al Jazeera  

Meeting between Turkish and US leaders comes just days after Trump’s decision to arm Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria. “We will support Turkey in the fight against ISIS and the PKK and we will ensure that they have no safe quarter in the region,” Trump said at Tuesday’s joint news conference with Erdogan. International news media quoted Erdogan as saying …

Trump’s Erdogan call reflects terrorism focus, White House says
7 years, 11 months ago

Trump’s Erdogan call reflects terrorism focus, White House says

CNN  

Story highlights White House says Trump will put security first Turkey has hired close Trump associates to lobby the government Washington CNN — The Trump administration issued one mightily mixed message Monday. “On the other hand, Turkey is a vital NATO ally in the counterterrorism field and I think he felt that in those competing constituencies, he needed Turkey with …

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