Thread by @TimInHonolulu

1. Assad leads a US listed state sponsor of terror. So Lt Gen Paul LaCamera likely speaks truth about not supporting #SDF if they do a deal with Assad. But after @POTUS' abrupt announcement we have not heard him restate US support of the SDF and continued role in Syria.

2. Erdogan has declared intention to commit more ethnic cleansing in Syria. Just look at Afrin. That nightmare is what he intends for all Northern Syria. The need to deal with Assad is the function of @realDonaldTrump's decision. By now I'm betting @POTUS has learned what

3. @BarackObama learned: Never talk to Erdogan. Make your @VP do it. Right @JoeBiden? Tell Erdogan one thing, and do another. But @POTUS needs to make clear publicly today, that we are not leaving Syria. The mission will change, but not the commitment to our allies in the

4. SDF and NES to keep NES free of terrorists. When Baghuz is finally declared clear, the next phase of our battle against ISIS in Syria begins. And we need to make clear that we are staying for as long as it takes. @CENTCOM @SOJTFOIR @DefenseIntel @WHNSC @WhiteHouse