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ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the military at a hangar rally at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on Wednesday.
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In his recent letter, Clarence Toguchi stated that the president failing to listen to Gen. James Mattis not to withdraw troops from Syria was a mistake (“Syria withdrawal could be premature,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27).
Actually, the U.S. is legally in Syria only to attack terrorists. To remain there permanently or for any other mission, Congress should pass a law funding it specifically. To leave U.S. forces in Syria seems to be unnecessary as U.S. forces based in Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Turkey, Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf can be tasked to attack terrorists within hours of notification. Additionally, forces based in the U.S. and Europe can be tasked to attack large terrorist facilities, if needed.
I agree with Mattis that President Donald Trump deserves to have a secretary of defense who will implement his political goals, as well as accomplish his military responsibilities.
Russel Noguchi
Pearl City
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