His abrupt move sparked concern among officials in Washington and allies abroad and prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign. It also alarmed the Kurdish YPG militia, which has been Washington’s main ally against Islamic State in Syria, but is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara. However, Erdogan said Turkey would confront the YPG in the same way that it will take on Islamic State. Erdogan later told reporters there was no need for him to meet Bolton. A senior Turkish security official told Reuters last week Washington needed to allow Turkey to use its bases in Syria.

Source: Egypt Independent January 08, 2019 13:30 UTC