Thread by @DanielBShapiro

1. Trying to imagine the conversation between Netanyahu and Pompeo tomorrow:

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.

2. P: Mr. Prime Minister, we see the situation in very similar terms. I was just in Ankara with Vice President Pence to deliver the message that the Turks must pull back.

N: And how did Erdogan take it?

3. P: Well, uh, he wouldn't meet with us. He says he wants to hear it from the President.

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.

4: P: Mr. Prime Minister, but the Turks understand very clearly where the US stands.

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.

5. P: Well, the PKK is a terrorist organization.

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.

6. P: Mr. Prime Minister, the Israeli people should know that the US always stands for Israel's security. We have your back.

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.

7. P: We understand that completely, Mr. Prime Minister. We pulled out of Obama's terrible nuclear deal and have imposed strong sanctions on Iran.

N: Which I appreciate. But most in the region now see the US as pulling back now and not standing by its friends.

8. N (cont'd): Russia looks like the strong horse. Assad is regaining territory that Iran will use to move weapons into Syria to attack Israel. We will not hesitate to hit Iran anywhere we must in order to protect ourselves.

P: And we will back you when you do.

9. N: Yes, I know. But do you understand how the region is looking at the US right now? How confused your policy seems? How much your adversaries -- our adversaries -- are strengthened? How that hurts the standing of your allies?

P: Mr. Prime Minister, I.....

10. N: Is there a plan here, or is President Trump just winging it?

P: Of course there's a plan. 

N: And....?

P: Uh, I'll call you next week and explain it to you.

11: N: Mike, one more thing.

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