WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s foreign policy decision-making is incoherent, inconsistent, and ineffective when it comes to Syria.  He impulsively capitulated to Turkey’s offensive without thinking about what comes next.

“Now he is trumpeting a five day ceasefire, when really all he got was some temporary political cover.  Even Turkey’s Foreign Minister says it’s not really a ceasefire.  We appear to have given Erdogan everything he wants while continuing the betrayal of our partners in the fight against ISIS.

“On issue after issue, President Trump has isolated the United States from our allies and partners, while emboldening Iran, Putin, Assad, and others.  And this week’s 354 to 60 vote in the House is a further sign that Trump has isolated himself on this issue too.

“Serious damage has been done to our national security interests.  President Trump has undermined America’s credibility and standing on the world stage.

“This so-called ceasefire isn’t some diplomatic victory, it’s an attempt -- negotiated from a place of weakness -- to close a self-inflicted wound that unleashed violence in northern Syria, set the conditions for a reinvigoration of ISIS, risked the safety of our troops, and made America less safe at home.”