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originally posted by: bluesilver
The question for people who back Trump's view in all this is, why do you choose to follow his opinion rather than the person who is an expert in it and who has more in-depth knowledge of the complexities of the entire situation than Trump? Syria is the headline but it isn't the only part of the issue here, it is the working partnership with other countries, not just in this fight now, but in other fights also now and in the future. Pulling out and doing it without informing other countries who you are working with, who you are supposed to be allies with, is not only going to damage the reputation of America, but also diminish it's ability to work with fellow nations whose relationships with the US are supposed to be vital. Trump is known to be impulsive and goes from his gut, and that might be fine when it comes to business as he has history with that (ignoring the many times he has been bankrupt) but he has zero knowledge of military and security affairs and their complexities.
Remember, Mattis' entire career is based around serving the United States and its President. You can't get much more of a patriot than a 4 Star General. He is the one person who knows everything there is to know about the general security of America and what it needs to do both short term and long term. If he feels so strongly that he prefers to resign than follow what his commanding officer is doing, I think that speaks volumes.
Trump is either a more insightful and wise man than those who are experts in their field, or he's just an impulsive, politically motivated idiot. He can't be both.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Extorris
So youre a never trumper and Mattis is a war monger.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Annee
He has a proven track record of caring for his Marines, pursuing and implementing policy to ensure his Marines had what they needed to do their jobs.
He was a staunch defender of his Marines. Strong leader and did not mince words. He didn't speak like a politician as most flag officers do, and ensured his Marines were informed, equipped, and trained to be deadly, fast, and victorious.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: ugmold
This is exactly the kind of man I want at the helm of the DOD.
originally posted by: projectvxn
Also, if you've never served you wouldn't understand why he's so popular across ALL services of the military.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Pyle
He has the respect of not just the Marine Corp, but every other branch. He's well trusted among the troops and for good reasons.
You and I will just have to agree to disagree on this one.
originally posted by: Xtrozero
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for America?
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Extorris
None of those opinions have changed. I like Mattis, but his policy to stay in the ME forever isn't good.
We've known for several years now (since early in the Obama Administration) that our presence in the Middle East creates more terrorists than it removes. Drone strikes, in particular, create several new terrorists for every one they kill, because of the widespread civilian casualties they tend to cause.
originally posted by: Extorris
originally posted by: Xtrozero
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for America?
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for ISIS?
War is not good for anyone.
Do you believe this messy, premature withdraw is good for Russian and Iran? Vladimir Putin very much thinks so.
originally posted by: AndyFromMichigan
We've known for several years now (since early in the Obama Administration) that our presence in the Middle East creates more terrorists than it removes.
originally posted by: Extorris
originally posted by: Xtrozero
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for America?
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for ISIS?
War is not good for anyone.
Do you believe this messy, premature withdraw is good for Russian and Iran? Vladimir Putin very much thinks so.
Drone strikes, in particular, create several new terrorists for every one they kill, because of the widespread civilian casualties they tend to cause.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Extorris
I will go with Trump on this one. Just because I respect James Mattis doesn't mean I have to agree with him. Also, I reserve the right to change my mind with new evidence and information.
originally posted by: Extorris
Do you think Iraq/Afghanistan/Northern Africa wars have been good for ISIS?
War is not good for anyone.
Do you believe this messy, premature withdraw is good for Russian and Iran? Vladimir Putin very much thinks so.
originally posted by: AndyFromMichigan
a reply to: Extorris
The problem in Syria is: an independent Kurdish state was never in the cards. Turkey will invade them to keep it from happening. Everyone involved -- including the Kurdish leaders -- have known this all along. The only way to make it work is by keeping a large US force garrisoned there indefinitely. (Just like has happened in Afghanistan.) Trump doesn't want that, and frankly most Americans agree with him. Getting us out of Syria was one of Trump's campaign promises. We squashed the Kurds' plans in Iraq precisely because we don't want to have to keep US troops there forever.
originally posted by: AndyFromMichigan
a reply to: Extorris
The problem in Syria is: an independent Kurdish state was never in the cards. Turkey will invade them to keep it from happening.
originally posted by: EternalSolace
We do not belong in Syria. We do not belong as a threat to Russia. Russia was our god damn allies in ww2. Blame the future presidents for the rift in relationships. The US should be as close to the UK as it is to Russia...
I don't know what caused the bull#... but seriously... time to recognize allies as allies and start working together to get humanity off this # hole rock we call earth.
Then you best keep a close eye on President Trump's twitter feed so your know when to change you mind next.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: Extorris
Then you best keep a close eye on President Trump's twitter feed so your know when to change you mind next.
No worries, I'll stick with the guy who wants to end pointless wars. You can keep your dumbass orange man bad BS and support more war if you want to. History will prove the peacemakers right in this case.
originally posted by: Lynzer
a reply to: 2012newstart
I agree. It makes me wonder if Trump is privy to information. Such as Al Assad is going to start dropping nukes.