N: Mike, I'm confused by President Trump's decision to pull out of N Syria and by some of his statements. As you know, Israel has condemned Erdogan's invasion and voiced our support for the Kurds.
N: And how did Erdogan take it?
N: Yeah, well, that's the thing. The President said yesterday that the US has no interest in a war between Turkey and Syria. Erdogan is dangerous, and he will use that to keep going.
N: I'll be honest, Mike. I'm not sure the rest of the region understands where the US stands. The Kurds fought ISIS alongside the US. Now the President is comparing them *to* ISIS.
N: But you were working with other Kurds. They fought ISIS bravely and absorbed 11,000 casualties. Now they are being slaughtered and feel forced to cut deals with Assad. That's difficult to explain to my people.
N: I don't doubt that, Mike. But it's worrying that Pres Trump seems to think Iran & Russia are natural allies against ISIS. Iran wants to destroy us.
N: Which I appreciate. But most in the region now see the US as pulling back now and not standing by its friends.
P: And we will back you when you do.
P: Mr. Prime Minister, I.....
P: Of course there's a plan.
N: And....?
P: Uh, I'll call you next week and explain it to you.
P: Anything, Mr. Prime Minister.
N: You won't tell President Trump I raised any doubts about him and his policies, will you?
P: Of course not, Mr. Prime Minister. I only heard you praise him. In fact, that's all I can hear.
/End