President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, has insisted the US will not withdraw troops from Syria until assurances are made by the Turkish Government that it won't attack allied Kurdish forces essential to the fight against ISIS.
Speaking on Sunday during a visit to Israel, Bolton said the demand has been issued by the President directly and that it's just one of many conditions that must be met by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the US pullout of the region.
'There are objectives that we want to accomplish that condition the withdrawal,' Bolton told reporters.
'The timetable [of the withdrawal] flows from the policy decisions that we need to implement.'
Bolton is currently travelling to Israel and Turkey to explain Trump's Syria withdrawal plans to allies, after he abruptly announced that all 2000 US troops occupying northern Syria would vacate the territory immediately, on December 19.
National Security Advisor John Bolton (pictured on December 13, 2018) has said the US' withdrawal from Syria is conditional and the safety of Kurdish allies must be agreed by Turkey before any measures are taken
Kurdish soldiers are said to have been vital in the US' efforts in combating ISIS in Syria, but Turkey view the forces as insurgent terrorists
This is the first public confirmation that the drawdown has stalled, after Trump endured widespread criticism from allies and the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis for the seemingly brash and rushed policy shift.
Trump's plans have raised fears over a Turkish assault on Kurdish fighters in Syria who fought alongside American troops against IS extremists.
Turkey considers the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), a terrorist group linked to an insurgency within its own borders.
Donald Trump faced a magnitude of criticism when he spontaneously announced his intentions to withdraw all Troops from Syria last month. The latest developments show the hasty exit plan has hit a snag
Former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis (shown above) resigned on January 1, shortly after the President's announcement of the withdrawal, saying America shouldn't act as the world's 'policemen'
'We don't think the Turks ought to undertake military action that's not fully coordinated with and agreed to by the United States,' Bolton said.
Ahead of his meeting with Turkish officials on Monday, Bolton said he will seek 'to find out what their objectives and capabilities are and that remains uncertain.'
According to Bolton, Trump has vehemently stated he will not allow Turkey to attack the Kurds. 'That's what the president said, the ones that fought with us.'
Bolton said the US has told its Kurdish allies to 'stand fast now' and refrain from seeking protection from Russia or Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
'I think they know who their friends are,' he added.
Bolton (pictured left, with David Friedman, right) visited Israel on Sunday to reassure prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the US' exit plan and to discuss Iran's expansion of influence in Syria
The White House adviser will then visit Turkey on Monday to share President Trump's demands with officials
He said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford would continue negotiations with his Turkish counterparts this week to seek protection for America's Kurdish allies in Syria.
Additionally, Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, the special representative for Syrian engagement, is to travel to Syria this week in an effort to reassure US Kurdish allies that they are not being abandoned, Bolton said.
Bolton stated U.S. troops would remain in Al-Tanf, southern Syria, to counter growing Iranian activity in the region.
'The primary point is we are going to withdraw from northeastern Syria,' Bolton said.
'So it’s going to be a different environment after we leave, there is no question about that,' he added.
'But there is no desire to see Iran’s influence spread that’s for sure.'
Al Tanf started out as a base to train fighters against ISIS but has since become a critical stronghold for the US in immobilising Iran's influence in the region.
Bolton quashed any claims of illegality regarding the deployment, saying the President's constitutional authority justifies its means.
'I think there’s plenty of legal justification about concern for the resurgence of ISIS,' he said.
'But I’m a strong believer in Article II, and I think that what that means is the president has full authority to protect American and allied interests anywhere around the world.'
On behalf of thew White House, Bolton urged Kurdish allies to realize 'who their friends are' and resist seeking protection from Russia or the Syrian government
Another requirement of the withdrawal is the 'satisfactory disposition' of around 800 Islamic State prisoners currently detained by the US-backed Syrian opposition, where Bolton says talks are currently on-going with European and regional partners about the issue.
Bolton is to sit down with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss the pace of the US drawdown, troop numbers in the region, and the push back on Iranian regional expansionism.
He's also expected to explain that some U.S. troops based in Syria to fight IS will shift to Iraq with the same mission, and that the Al-Tanf base would remain in place.
Bolton allegedly said the United States is 'very supportive' of Israeli strikes against Iranian targets in Syria, according to a senior administration official.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (above) will meet with Bolton on Sunday Evening to discuss the US drawndown. Israel were said to be disgruntled by the announcement last month
Bolton visited the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on his January 6 visit. East Jerusalem visits are usually avoided by US officials, as the territory is still contested between Israel and Palestine
The U.S. National Security Adviser (seated front row forth from left) also participated in a virtual reality demonstration at the Western Wall. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer are sitting alongside.
On Sunday, Bolton also toured the ancient tunnels beneath the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, and watched a virtual reality tour of the historic site and dined there with his Israeli equivalent.
American officials typically avoid visiting and holding official meetings in parts of east Jerusalem - which is a contested territory between Israel and Palestine.
Trump himself, however, also toured the area in a previous visit.
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https://hienalouca.com/2019/01/06/john-bolton-says-the-us-withdrawal-from-syria-is-conditional/
Main photo article President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, has insisted the US will not withdraw troops from Syria until assurances are made by the Turkish Government that it won’t attack allied Kurdish forces essential to the fight against ISIS.
Speaking on Sunday during a ...
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Dianne Reeves US News HienaLouca
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