Trump Set to Arm Kurds, Turkey & Allies Not Thrilled

[wisemaniac]

Something (history) tells me this will come back to bite us.

From the Journal:

President Donald Trump approved plans to directly arm Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State in Syria, U.S. officials said Tuesday, paving the way for an offensive against the extremist group’s de facto capital but angering Turkish allies who view the Kurdish fighters as terrorists.

After months of internal debate, Mr. Trump approved a proposal to arm the YPG, the Kurdish organization in Syria that the U.S. military considers its most reliable military ally in the country.

But Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally, considers the YPG to be a terrorist group that threatens its borders, and it has long opposed the U.S. plans.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-approves-direct-arming-of-kurds-in-fight-against-isis-1494353541

 

[ThunderCat98]

Speaking with soldiers that have been stationed in the middle east over the years, many have told me that - in their estimations - the most effective way to root out some of the insurgent groups would be to arm and back the Kurds, who they say are the only group of people in the region with any sense. I have no personal knowledge one way or the other. Just relaying what I've been told.

 

[wvkeeper(HN)]

What I've been told by buddies of mine who served in Iraq tracks with Thunder.

The Kurds were the only people you could trust.

 

[Dreh_Nagi_HC_IM]

Turkey is definitely not our friend, and is basically a modern day Pakistan.

To that, I say....

Screw Turkey.

 

[wisemaniac]

What I've been told by buddies of mine who served in Iraq tracks with Thunder.

The Kurds were the only people you could trust.

This seems to be the sentiment among my buddies still serving - that the Kurds were the only reliable troops/allies in the region.

 

[sistersville]

Admit it Trump made a good move

 

[big_country90]

The Kurds have been long term allies in that region. Quite honestly, I'm surprised we haven't done this already.

 

[HerdFan76]

I worked with the Pesh a few times, they're solid. Honestly, they are probably the only local nationals that I never got a weird vibe from. Even our high level terps would set off your spidey sense now and then. I always felt guilty we didn't support them the way they deserved.