Exclusive: U.S. commanders recommend letting Kurdish fighters in Syria keep weapons

[left-of-center2012]

Source: Reuters

U.S. commanders planning for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria are recommending that Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State be allowed to keep U.S.-supplied weapons, four U.S. officials said, a move that would likely anger NATO ally Turkey.

Three of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the recommendations were part of discussions on a draft plan by the U.S. military. It is unclear what the Pentagon will ultimately recommend to the White House. The plan will then be presented to the White House in the coming days with U.S. President Donald Trump making the final decision.

The Pentagon said it would be “inappropriate” and premature to comment on what will happen with the weapons.

“Planning is ongoing, and focused on executing a deliberate and controlled withdrawal of forces while taking all measures possible to ensure our troops’ safety,” said Commander Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman.
The White House did not comment.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-commanders-recommend-letting-kurdish-fighters-in-syria-keep-weapons-idUSKCN1OR1OD?il=0

[DRoseDARs]

1. How, exactly, does anyone propose taking the weapons back if they refuse?

We're abandoning them to the tender mercies of the Turkish, Syrian, and ISIS armies. Non-zero chance they SHOOT American forces trying to take the weapons back.

[Igel]

10. Depends where the weapons are, doesn't it?

If they're AK-47s and slung over the Kurds' shoulders, you're right. If we're talking about an arms depot, RPGs and cases of rockets for them, possible artillery and "technicals" or other vehicles, or even cases of unused weapons, then the Kurds don't have them.

I don't see a reason to assume it's one or the other.

[dhol82]

2. I think we should should provide weapons just like we do to SA

Might help the Kurds to survive.

[edhopper]

3. We will have to wait for what Putin says.

since he is running our foriegn policy.

[watoos]

15. I waited for your post,

I knew someone would post this.

[edhopper]

19. seemed obvious

[GulfCoast66]

4. You just know this enraged the men and women fighting with them.

The Kurds aren't angels, but they allow their women to fight and they seem to govern themselves better than lots of the folks over there. I have read that they are the only players our soldiers actually trust and like.

Something tells me that if ordered to get the weapons back it would be a half hearted effort.

[OnlinePoker]

18. What they need is an actual Kurdish state. n/t

[Mr.Bill]

5. Best way to keep Trump from finding out about it

is to put the plan in front of him and tell him to read it.

[rpannier]

16. Write it in technical jargon and military speak with no pictures

He'll never get past thumbing through the pages to find the pics

[Cold War Spook]

6. So if the Kurds are asking the Syrian government for help,

Maybe the Syrians will arm them. Will someone please print a list of the players and what positions they are playing. Each day we could fill in who is doing what to whom. I always bought a program at Fenway Park and my father taught me how to use it. He worked right across the alley from the park. When I started going by myself, my poor mother had to listen to me explaining exactly what happened during the game.

[Devil Child]

7. The SAA, Russians, and/or Iran will step into the void

To provide weaponry to the SDF/YPG/YPJ to check further Turkish encroachment on areas the SDF are withdrawing from. SDF, the Syrians and their foreign allies have no interest in increased Turkish presence. In that regard they are in alignment. I suspect that's why we are seeing official twitter statements from YPG inviting SAA in.

I have no problem with leaving weaponry for the Kurdish factions but I hope people realize they will be used against Turkish forces.

[Cold War Spook]

13. I do not have a problem with the Kurds being armed.

I imagined that Syria will help the Kurds because they are less of a threat to them than Turkey is.

[FailureToCommunicate]

8. Sure, why not. That worked out swell when done with the Mujahideen.

[Igel]

11. Except the Kurds are more like Dostum's men than AQ.

Their goals are local, their foes are local.

Have you ever seen how large Kurdistan would be if it were based on approximate ethnic boundaries? It would be bigger than Syria.

[Devil Child]

12. Accurate assessment with comparison to Dostum

Dostum is an effective utilizer of pragmatic maneuvering to achieve his own goals. Kurdish forces will quickly re-align to those who will assist their strategic aims.

[rlexx]

9. He'll want them to pay cash in advance to keep them....otherwise we're suckers

[GulfCoast66]

14. There is a reason Britain did not carve out a Kurdistan after WWI

Out of the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Even though they were the most homogeneous group in the area. And are definitely do not identify as Arab.

They are pragmatic, somewhat secular and feared by all their neighbors. And the British knew they could not manipulate them.

Say a lot that Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria have traditionally oppressed them.

They will eventually have their own nation.

I spent New Year’s Eve in a bar years ago speaking and drinking for hours with a Christian Kurd. He identified with being Kurdish as much as Christian. Got me interested in reading about them. Still regret I lost his contact info.

This being DU, I hope someone with more knowledge than me will come along and correct/expound on what I am posting.

[Maxheader]

17. Get our "ex-aerospace manager"..on it...sec defense, right?

Good test for him..