It’s pretty obvious that this raid was staged to try to raise disastrous approval ratings for the Zhou regime. It obviously isn’t going to work—it’s a desperation move. However, Stephen McIntyre gets to the deeper problem, which is an indictment of our Deep State and the bankruptcy of US foreign policy:
US has long told Syria and Russia that the AlQaeda enclave in Idlib is under US protection and forecefully warned Syria NOT to eliminate the AlQaeda-ISIS sanctuary in Idlib.
Ian Wilkie @Wilkmaster
Yes, that’s Mike Pompeo—Mr. Deep State himself—rumored to be ambitious for national office.
the continued presence of ISIS elements in Idlib, under AlQaeda protection, is possible ONLY because US has declared that Idlib and its infestation of jihadis are under US protection. Time for US to stop protecting AlQaeda and ISIS.
the presence of ISIS leader in Idlib enclave should be interpreted as a failure of US policy in Syria, not a success. Without US protection, jihadis in Idlib would have been removed by Syrian government a couple of years ago.
When was the last time a US president had actual control over foreign policy?
Mark, check out Max Abrahm’s twitter feed to get the real scoop. Also link to article Max did 4+ years ago is remarkable.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-abrahms-glaser-isis-assad-20171210-story.html
This was a thrust to improve Biden's poll numbers. This was like shooting fish in a barrel. Everyone knew the Al Q and ISIS spot in NW Syria was off limits to all except the U.S. Not a shocker by any stretch. Try something more difficult next time Zhou.