The US is in a weak position in Syria. Turkish escalation presented a stark choice for Washington. Trump made the same call Pres Obama did when the Russians escalated in 2015. Obama said "The US will not go to war with Russia for Syria." Trump doesn't want war with Turkey for Syr
Israel is in a stronger position in the region than it has ever been. Good relations with KSA and Gulf Arabs. Weakened Syria and Iraq. Iran under sanctions and pinned back by US military might. Israel has killed over 200 Iranians in Syria over last months. Isr stronger than ever.
Lack of US coordination is disturbing, but perhaps Nat Sec people should consult w Trump? Dept of St and NSC merrily made policy on Syria beneath Pres's radar. Only when Turkey escalated, drawing Trump in, did Trump reiterate what he's been saying for some time: bring troops home
Turkey has undermined US policy of confronting Iran. Why? B/c US attacked Turkey by arming & training YPG/Kurds. Erdogan's drip, drip Khashoggi strategy brilliant. Kicked legs out fr under Trump's Saudi policy. Congress is voting against Saudi. US needs TR on board to hurt Iran.
