Ankara, Turkey – Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a ceasefire between Turkish and Kurdish forces on Thursday, October 17, 2019. The ceasefire will last 120 hours and allow the Kurdish-led forces to withdraw.
President Donald Trump held fast to his decision to pull troops out of Syria despite pushback from prominent Republicans. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) both opposed the President’s move.
The U.S. sent troops to Syria to put an end to ISIS. Our troops helped achieve that, and they deserve to return home.
The ceasefire proves the United States can help achieve peaceful resolutions without wasting American lives and resources in endless military campaigns.
It remains to be seen if the temporary ceasefire will last. However, Turkey will remain under U.S. sanctions until the fulfillment of the agreement.
Hopefully, the five-day ceasefire leads to lasting peace in the region.