The resignation of Gen. James Mattis from the Trump administration is a signal of the futility of trying to advise a president who will not listen or fails to realize the consequences of his actions.

The president calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria is a major mistake. Russia President Vladimir Putin and Turkey President Recep Erdogan must be ecstatic at this decision to withdraw. Putin can help his buddy Erdogan bomb the heck out of the Kurds, our allies in the war against ISIS. I believe that a U.S. presence with the Kurds prevents Erdogan from carrying out his threats.

It is the same mistake Barack Obama made in pulling out U.S. forces in Iraq, thus allowing the growth of ISIS. The war with ISIS and other radical Islamic groups will continue — so President Trump, don’t do a George W. Bush and prematurely proclaim, “Mission Accomplished.”

Clarence Toguchi

Kaneohe

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