Trump Again Backtracks On Syria Pullout, Vows 'Strong and Lasting Footprint'

With Macron in tow, Trump talks of 'long-term approach' on Syria
Jason Ditz
Antiwar.com
Apr. 25, 2018

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Just a month after another brief public flirtation with the idea of withdrawing from Syria, President Trump once again said he wants US troops out of Syria, promising "big decisions" very soon. His first talk of a pullout was scrapped days later. This time, he backtracked almost instantly.

With French President Emmanuel Macron in tow, Trump told reporters that he and his allies are taking a long-term approach to Syria, and that this would involve leaving "a strong and lasting footprint" within Syria. He said talk of the long-term issues in Syria was "a very big part" of his discussions with Macron.

The idea that Macron is driving Trump's decision-making was a big issue last week. Macron claimed credit for Trump agreeing to stay in Syria, but quickly reversed course, and insisted the two had always agreed on the issue.

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