Trump dismisses US stakes in Syria: "We're 7,000 miles away"

Washing his hands of America's presence in Syria, President Donald Trump declared Wednesday the US has no stake in supporting the Kurdish fighters who died by the thousands as US partners against Islamic State extremists.

Condemnation of his stance was quick and severe, not only from Democrats but from Republicans who have been staunch Trump supporters on virtually all issues.

The House, bitterly divided over the Trump impeachment inquiry, banded together for an overwhelming 354-60 denunciation of the US troop withdrawal. Many lawmakers expressed worry that it may lead to revival of IS as well as Russian presence and influence in the area in addition to slaughter of many Kurds.

At the White House, Trump said the US has no business in the region and not to worry about the Kurdish fighters.

"They know how to fight," he said. "And by the way, they're no angels."
"We have a situation where Turkey is taking land from Syria. Syria's not happy about it. Let them work it out," Trump said. "They have a problem at a border. It's not our border. We shouldn't be losing lives over it."
"Syria may have some help with Russia, and that's fine," he said. "They've got a lot of sand over there. So, there's a lot of sand that they can play with." "Let them fight their own wars."
In the meantime, he said, "Our soldiers are not in harm's way, as they shouldn't be." Trump did impose new sanctions on Turkey this week in an attempt to force Erdogan to end his assault. But he said Wednesday, "It's time for us to come home."