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'Mr Kurd' says Trump has abandoned US allies in Middle East

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AP Washington
Last Updated : Oct 10 2019 | 4:45 AM IST

Mr Kurd feels betrayed. A year ago, Kurdish journalist Rahim Rashidi stood up at a news conference and listened to President Donald Trump praise his people.

Trump professed respect for the "great" US allies, even inadvertently giving Rashidi the nickname "Mr Kurd" as he called on him to ask a question.Trump vowed to protect them.

"They fought with us. They died with us," Trump said in a hotel ballroom in New York City, crowded with reporters.

"We have not forgotten." None of that panned out.

Trump this week pulled back US troops from northeast Syria, essentially abandoning the Kurdish fighters who have been America's only allies in Syria fighting the Islamic State group.

The move paved the way for Turkey to attack the Kurdish forces it considers terrorists. On Wednesday, Ankara launched airstrikes and fired artillery into Syria, causing casualties.

The attack happened "in front of his eyes," Rashidi said of Trump.

"He did nothing."

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First Published: Oct 10 2019 | 4:45 AM IST

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