Europe responds with alarm to US defence secretary's resignation | The Guardian |

UK defence and foreign ministers, habitually inclined to keep differences with the US out of public sight, openly criticised Trump's decision. The Middle East minister, Alistair Burt, tweeted: "There are no vacuums in foreign policy, certainly not in the Middle East. In a fragile region every action is a catalyst for another. If allies cannot be relied upon, others are sought to take their place. Jim Mattis understood - vital any successor agrees."

The tweet is a warning to the US that the Gulf states, as well as the Kurds, may deduce that the US pullout means their long-term interests may lie in allying with other more steadfast partners such as Russia or China. Russia has been increasingly active in the Middle East, and now seems certain to emerge as the victor that protected the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. Other Arab countries are preparing to recognise Assad as victor by sending diplomats to Damascus.
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The UK defence minister, Tobias Ellwood, also praised Mattis as "trusted, respected and admired by friends and allies, as well as feared and revered by our foes".

Very sorry to see Jim Mattis stepping down. Trusted, respected and admired by friends and allies. Feared and revered by our foes.
The most impressive military mind I've had the honour to know.

Jim my friend - our world will be less safe without you. (_link)

— Tobias Ellwood (@Tobias_Ellwood) December 21, 2018