Finally, the right decision: Trump Defies Turkey, Approves Heavy Weapons for Syrian Kurds

Evacuate Incirlik, and establish a new base in Iraqi Kurdistan.   That would enrage the Turks beyond measure,  but teach them an important lesson in humility.

Behind the scenes, Trump could pointedly remind them that if they think this is bad, it could get far worse if we switch our favor fully to the Kurds, and leave the Turks alone with their new Sultan Erdogan.

Dana White, chief spokeswoman for the Defense Department, issued a statement on Tuesday formally acknowledging President Trump’s decision:

Yesterday, the president authorized the Department of Defense to equip Kurdish elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces as necessary to ensure a clear victory over ISIS in Raqqa, Syria.

The SDF, partnered with enabling support from U.S. and coalition forces, are the only force on the ground that can successfully seize Raqqa in the near future.

We are keenly aware of the security concerns of our coalition partner Turkey. We want to reassure the people and government of Turkey that the U.S. is committed to preventing additional security risks and protecting our NATO ally.

The U.S. continues to prioritize our support for Arab elements of the SDF. Raqqa and all liberated territory should return to the governance of local Syrian Arabs.

The fight for Raqqa will be long and difficult, but will ultimately be yet another defeat for ISIS, and another step toward eliminating the ISIS threat to peace and security in the region and the world.