Thread by @TimInHonolulu

1. Though the #SDF have eliminated ISIS' hold on territory in North and East Syrian Autonomous Administration zone, there remains a wide-spread area across the Euphrates in the Badia dessert that is still occupied by ISIS including its leaders. #Afrin is also infested with ISIS.

2. The recent reports of Iranian backed forces being ambushed in #Badia by #ISIS may evidence that this terrorist zone is blocking the #IRGC from establishing it's road to Baghdad. I think it would be folly to permit ISIS to remain in control of any of Syria or #Iraq.

3. Three facts need to be accepted by Baghdad and #Turkey:
A. The SDF are not separatists. They are loyal Syrians who seek a federal Syria free from Assad's brutal dictatorship.
B. Assad cannot win a fair and free election that is mandated under Geneva.

4. C. The SDF will likely resist any attempt to allow a foreign force to annex any part of Northern Syria. Jihadists including AQ in NW Syria & Idlib pose a threat to Syria & to the West. Turkey supports all these forces including ISIS and Al-#Qaeda. Turkey is a threat to Syria

5. and through its support for Jihadists, a threat to the West. Rather than waste time demanding the #SDF surrender to Assad that IMO will never happen, the Syrian Army needs to act pragmatically to recover as much territory from ISIS and AQ as possible.

6. #Badia may be a place where some small cooperative effort could be attempted. I concede I do not fully comprehend complexities of US - #Russia deconfliction protocol but assuming it can be adjusted, a push on Badia preceded by a US led air campaign could be successful.

7. Recent reports of #SAA losses in Badia may mean SAA current campaign is not sustainable. The communication between the #SDF forces and SAA and use of SDF FACs might be a way to open a dialogue that may lead to a future for Syria free of war. But the first thing that must come

8. is for Baghdad to denounce Turkey's role in Syria and demand it withdraw forces from Northern Syria and Idlib. The SDF can occupy northern Syria and a UN force can move into Idlib after the jihadists who refuse to seek peace are eliminated. Most will simply cross into Turkey

9. and with Turkish passports resume the Jihad in Paris and NYC. Such is the cost of having a Jihadist dictator bent on establishing his own Caliphate leading a @NATO member force. Wars must end and you don't make peace with friends.

10. You make peace with your enemies. 😎 @WHNSC @CENTCOM @SenJackReed @LindseyGrahamSC @SecPompeo