Congressman Meeks Issues Statement on Trump’s Support for Turkish Incursion in Syria

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman W. Meeks issued the following statement about the administration's decision to back Turkish operations in Northeast Syria:

"I am alarmed by this President's declared support of Turkish operations in Syria, an abrupt about-face on U.S. policy in the region that endangers our Kurdish allies. Though Trump has tried to claim otherwise, according to the pentagon and experts in the field, ISIS has not been defeated. Not only were the Kurds instrumental in our ability to take back territory from ISIS in Syria, they continue to be our partners in suppressing ISIS activity and resurgence. Today, they continue to hold 10,000 ISIS prisoners.

"Publicly endorsing Erdogan's operations across the border, and withdrawing our troops exposes the Kurds to Turkish aggression and sends a signal across the world that the United States does not honor its commitments to its allies. This endangers our allies, endangers our mission against ISIS, and endangers our nation's reputation.

"Furthermore, this decision is reportedly against the recommendations of this President's own administration, calling once again into question his motivations. Trump has repeatedly conducted foreign policy in a manner that, rather than advancing U.S. national security, advances his own interests. There are only two possible explanations, and both are deeply concerning; Either President Trump conducts foreign policy by haphazard impulse, or through dangerous self-interest."