As I had surmised from Turkish media, the phone conversation between Trump and Erdogan led to a decision to let the regional powers sort out the stalemate in the Euphrates valley. Key players are Turkey, Kurds, Russia, Iran and the rest of the "allied" powers giving air support to the SDF, a coalition of Kurds and Arab militia.

In the Obama years of proxy warring parties, there were moments the CIA backed fighters were confronted by rebels supported by the Pentagon. What a chaos and mess created by the Western allies with Turkey, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The confrontation with the SAA, Hezbollah and the Iranian forces will wait for another day.

Mattis resignation triggered by phone call between Trump and Erdoğan | The Guardian |

Mattis went to see the president on Thursday afternoon in a last-ditch attempt to change the president's mind, and argue for standing by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have take the lead role in ejecting the Islamic State from its Syrian strongholds.

Mattis had already composed a resignation letter that did not mention the SDF or Syria but repeatedly referred to the importance to US national security of respecting allies, and confronting strategic adversaries.

Trump rebuffed Mattis's arguments over the course of a 45-minute meeting. Trump had already recorded a video in the White House garden, announcing he was bringing the troops home, and it had been shown to Mattis.

At the end of the meeting Mattis took Trump by surprise by presenting his resignation letter. According to the New York Times, Mattis ordered 50 copies to be made and circulated around the Pentagon on his return to his office.

After the defeat of HRC, "progressive" America is at a loss to analyse the events and cannot break with the policy set forth by president Barack Obama which ended so abruptly when Donald Trump was inaugurated.

With this decision in favor of Turkish president Erdoğan, Trump has split with his allies of the Middle East: Israel, UAE and Saudi Kingdom of crown prince Salman.

The next beneficiaries are Russia and Iran. If a diplomatic plan is agreed upon for Syria where there is a future role for the Sunni majority in a setting of democracy, the rebuilding of a war torn Syria can start. Just as Beirut was rebuild with KSA funding (Hariri the elder), so will the players of the destruction be counted upon to rebuild Syria. Question arises is whose image? A lot of water is yet to flow down the Euphrates and unfortunately it will be colored red with blood and bodies of ethnic revenge. It's been this way for decades ... ask Winston Churchill. Yet the Kurds realize once again they will be left behind in the triangle Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. The Kurds can find solace in the plight of the Palestinians.

○ NY Times: Collusion Trump Transition Team with UAE/Israel

'Sapere aude'