As many are aware, Donald Trump has declared a withdrawal from Syria. Many people are arguing against his position but the talking point (and I think it's a talking point) coming from the right side of the Republican Party in defence of this position is: "why are you surprised? The president told you that is what he would do and that's what he has done". It is correct that he did say this, but that somehow doesn't seem to negate the consequences of the decision that seem to extend beyond the talking point. My question is, how is the argument countered? Or is it an attempt to fuse two points of political argument? If I, for example, say that I intend to steal from my neighbour and then I do exactly that, should you not be surprised that I did it? It seems that many are surprised and their anger is mixed with this surprise - maybe even General Mattis. However, the President of the USA stated that this is what he was going to do, so how is that argument countered? — Blubarb
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