We curse them as traitors: Syrian Kurds slam US withdrawal, look for new allies

Many Syrian Kurds have expressed frustration over the United States' planned troop withdrawal from Syria, describing it as a 'stab in the back' and considering new allies, according to the US-based National Public Radio (NPR).

Syrian Kurdish forces in northern Syria are considering contingency plans and partnering with new alliances in the face of an anticipated Turkish incursion in the region, the NPR said on Monday.

"At this point, we are open to all options and partnerships," said Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Mustafa Bali.

The report further revealed that the Syrian Kurdish officials are even considering "on-the-ground protection deals with Iranian forces in Syria," in addition to Syrian government protection.

"The Syrian regime should be protecting Syria's sovereign borders," says Bali, adding that "on principle, we would not be against it (Syrian government presence)."

PressTV-'Iran to maintain role in Syria, support resistance'

A top security official says Iran will maintain its advisory mission in Syria and continue support for resistance groups, in response to the US calling for those activities to be stopped. 

Speaking to Kurds living near US bases in northern Syria, many expressed their resentment for what they described as US "betrayal" of the Kurds.

"If they will leave, we will curse them as traitors," said Hatem Hassan, a money exchange shop owner in the Syrian town of Qamishli.

"I don't understand it. People are afraid that they will just sell the country to someone," said another Kurdish local named Haji Haidar.

Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised a Turkish-led operation against the Kurdish-controlled regions in "the next few days."

PressTV-Turkey-backed militants to replace US forces in Syria

Turkey-backed FSA militants are preparing to replace US troops in Syria once Americans leave the war-torn country.

The president, however, announced the operation’s delay last week just a few days after US President Donald Trump called for a withdrawal of US troops from Syria.

Many American forces are currently deployed in the Kurdish-controlled regions of Syria.

Turkey saw the US-led military presence as an obstacle in dealing with Kurdish forces in northern Syria it views as threat to its security.

Ankara has postponed its incursion into northern Syria until US troops leave the region.

PressTV-US withdrawing forces from Syria? Hold the cheers

Trump is hostage to America’s military-industrial complex like his predecessors, American journalist Stephen Lendman writes.

Turmoil in Washington

Trump's decision has sparked turmoil within his administration, prompting the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Brett McGurk, the special envoy to the so-called anti-Daesh coalition.

Trump later named Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan as the acting Pentagon chief, saying he will replace Mattis starting January 1, earlier than previously scheduled.

The withdrawal plan has also sparked much controversy among other American politicians, with many Republican and Democrat figures openly criticizing Trump for the matter.

“I think when you leave an area where it's very troublesome in terms of our national security overall, you leave a void and bad people fill it and then you have a much bigger problem,” said Republican Senator Pat Roberts speaking to reporters.

Democrat Senator Christopher Coons also criticized Trump's decision for weakening US influence in the region.

"For us to withdraw right now and abandon our Kurdish allies, paves a highway for control of Syria for either Iran and Russia or Turkey."

Many observers have, however, highlighted the apparent bi-partisan opposition to Trump's troop withdrawal as a sign of Washington's aggressive and reckless foreign policy.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk