Trump declared that a 120-hour cease-fire was a great day for Turkey, the United States and the Kurds, a great day for civilization and (that) millions of lives will be saved. It was not a great day for a female Kurdish politician. She was pulled from her car by the hair by Turkish-backed gunmen, beaten and finally shot dead. Erdogan declared that any of the 2 million Kurds left in the area will have their skulls crushed.

Even as Trump abandoned the Kurds and unleashed this disaster that will result in ethnic cleansing, he was actually increasing the number of American soldiers in the Middle East. Trump abandoned the Kurds who have been building a democratic enclave in the Middle East. He placed our allies in the hands of a murderous dictator while lying to the American people about his actions. Our ideals and commitments always counted for something — until now.

Steven J. Doelder
Genoa City