- Trump will replace Mattis as Secretary of Defense on January 1. When Trump announced Mattis’ resignation, Mattis was to step down at the end of February. [Link]
- The US charges two Chinese men for hacking. [Link]
- South Korea is requesting that 2019 US/SK military exercises be smaller. [Link]
- The UN will cut food aid to 190,000 Palestinians. [Link]
- A Blackwater guard was found guilty of murder during the 2007 Nisour Square Massacre. [Link]
- Trump signs the order for the withdrawal of US troops from Syria. The order gives details how and when US troops are to leave Syria. The order has not been made public. [Link]
- The US will likely end its air war in Syria. [Link]
- Turkey’s President delays the start of a planned invasion of Syrian Kurdistan in response to Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. Erdogan said Turkey plans to take up the fight against ISIS in Syria. [Link] Turkey continues to move forces onto the borders of Syrian Kurdistan. [Link]
- Syria’s National Security Chief visits Egypt. [Link]
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports ISIS killed 700 prisoners in the past two months. [Link]
- Moon of Alabama breaks down the early fallout from Trump’s decision to leave Syria. [Link]
- Trump attacks Sen Lindsey Graham on Twitter over Graham’s desire to see US troops remain at war in Syria. [Link]
- Jimmy Dore blasts liberals who are attacking Trump for getting out of Syria. [Link]
- Doug Bandow defends Trump’s decision to leave Syria. [Link] Maj Danny Sjursen gives his take. [Link]
- The Taliban generate revenue from opium, taxes, and foreign support. [Link]
- Andrew Bacevich explains the Afghan War is lost. [Link]
