Hoyer Statement on Northern Syria Agreement Between Putin and Erdogan

"As a result of President Trump’s reckless and impulsive decision to withdraw from Syria and abandon our allies, Russia has now solidified its hold over that country and expanded its power and influence in the Middle East.  Furthermore, our Kurdish allies have been displaced and are being forcibly resettled in an act reminiscent of ethnic cleansing. This is either a consequence of a President woefully unprepared for the challenges of his office and ill-informed on matters of foreign policy and national security or it is a consequence of a President who has cozied up far too close to Russia’s autocratic dictator and cannot stand up to Turkish President Erdogan.    “President Trump has handed control over critical parts of Syria to President Putin on a silver platter, also rewarding Turkey for its assault on our Kurdish allies and allowing for the displacement of ethnic Kurds from their homes.  How shameful, yet how predictable it is for this President who has befriended autocrats and who favors reckless action over formulating thoughtful strategies that protect America’s interests.”