ISIS/STATE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump praised the US and its allies for progress made in the fight against ISIS in a speech that failed to discuss the diplomatic and policy implications of his sudden decision to pull US troops from Syria. In remarks to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS ministerial at the State Department Wednesday [2-6-19], the US President touted the territorial gains made against the terror group…There is now a proposed plan for the President to possibly make an announcement next week from the White House that the coalition has regained 100% of the territory ISIS once controlled inside Syria, several defense officials say. The timing of the announcement depends on when and if the military tells the White House that the last bit of the very southern tip of Middle Euphrates River Valley is no longer in ISIS’ hands.”
–Jennifer Hansler and Barbara Starr, “Trump touts gains against ISIS, glosses over Syria withdrawal,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, February 6, 2019 6:22 pm