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Trump & Syria: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

19 minutes 42 seconds

🇬🇧 English

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00:00 - 10:01

  • President Trump announced the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of ISIS, in a strange manner.
  • Trump described the operation as involving a lot of shooting and blasting, emphasizing the unconventional approach.
  • Trump's decision to withdraw troops from the Syria-Turkey border has alarmed many, including his supporters on Fox & Friends.
  • The troop withdrawal has led to Turkish forces invading the area, resulting in civilian casualties and displacement.
  • Trump's decision has been widely criticized by politicians from both parties, including Lindsey Graham.
  • The Kurds, who have been close allies to the US, were abandoned by Trump despite their significant contributions in fighting ISIS.
  • Trump's decision seems to be influenced by a phone call with President Erdogan of Turkey, who wants to remove Kurdish forces from the border.

09:51 - 19:32

  • Erdogan spoke to Trump about wanting to move against Kurdish forces in Syria
  • Trump agreed to withdraw US troops, which has baffled many, including Mitt Romney
  • The withdrawal was rushed, leaving behind equipment and supplies
  • Over 100 ISIS prisoners escaped due to the abrupt withdrawal
  • Turkish-backed Arab militias carried out alleged atrocities against Kurds
  • Trump has tried to spin the situation as evidence of his tactical genius
  • Russia's Putin has become a major player in Syria as a result of the power vacuum left by the US
  • Kurdish fighters have now allied with Syria's Assad to avoid being wiped out
  • Trump has empowered authoritarian leaders and praised Erdogan despite his actions
  • The situation has damaged America's reputation in the Middle East
  • Trump's impulsive decision-making and dictator fetish are concerning for the future.