But president rejects US responsibility for region: 'Anyone who wants to assist in protecting the Kurds is good with me, whether it is Russia, China, or Napoleon Bonaparte'

One expert says troop pullout will impact US credibility for years to come; another believes president's stock in Mideast has plummeted while Putin's is skyrocketing

American soldiers prepare to evacuate equipment in advance of a full withdrawal, as Trump threatens Turkey with sanctions over offensive

Dropped by their US ally and forced to call in the Damascus regime to face Turkey, the minority group could pay a steep price for its protection

Spokeswoman says that 'based upon everything he has heard,' the president 'strongly condemns' clip in which he is seen stabbing and shooting press and political opponents

Turkey accuses Kurdish fighters of 'emptying' prison holding jihadists before arrival of its troops in the area

US president's re-election campaign denies connection to video of his likeness shooting and stabbing political rivals, members of the media at 'Church of Fake News'

Defense Secretary Esper says Trump has ordered all 1,000 troops in northern Syria to pull out as quickly as possible; only other presence is small contingent near Jordan border

Abandoned by the US and facing possible 'genocide,' Kurdish fighters will move towards a compromise involving Assad and Russia, leader says

Defense secretary says move comes after the US learned Turkey pressing further in than had been expected; Erdogan asserts threats of sanctions won't stop offensive