How the US betrayal of Syrian Kurds will impact the region

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People in Akcakale, Sanliurfa province, southeastern Turkey, at the border with Syria, watch smoke billowing from targets inside Syria, during bombardment by Turkish forces, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. Turkey’s foreign minister says Turkish troops intend to move some 30 kilometers (19 miles) deep into northern Syria and that its operation will last until all “terrorists are neutralized,” a reference to Syrian Kurdish fighters. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

On Sunday, President Trump announced the U.S. was withdrawing troops from positions in Northern Syria. Within days, Turkey launched military attacks against Kurds in Northern Syria. Those Kurds had previously been American allies in defeating and imprisoning ISIS in the region.

Trump’s decision has brought worldwide criticism, including from his own Republican party. Many believing the move damages U.S. credibility – and could lead to further destabilization and a resurgence of ISIS in the region.

Joining us to talk about the latest developments and what they mean for the region is Edmund Ghareeb. He’s a scholar at the American University in Washington and a professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.