On Wednesday, President Donald Trump declared a "big success" in Syria and lifted sanctions on Turkey he imposed after Turkey's military assault on Syria's Kurdish forces, a key American ally.
Trump's move came even as the president's top envoy to Syria said the U.S. believed Turkey had committed war crimes in its attack on the Kurds. It also came as Russia gained a foothold in Syria and members of Congress expressed growing concerns about Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces stationed on the Syria-Turkey border.
In a 15-minute speech at the White House, Trump said critics of his policy want an endless, unlimited U.S. commitment in a dangerous region. The president said a cease-fire had held "beyond most expectations" and Turkey has vowed to stop its combat operation against the Kurdish fighters.
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