Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly defended continued U.S. support for Kurdish forces in Syria on January 24, 2026, calling abandonment a “moral and strategic disaster” in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement comes as the Biden management continues to evaluate its policy in the region following years of shifting commitments and a persistent threat from ISIS remnants [[1]]. Pompeo’s remarks reflect ongoing debate within Washington over the fate of key allies and regional stability.
Former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo has warned against abandoning Washington’s Kurdish allies in Syria, calling such a move a “moral and strategic disaster.” The statement comes amid growing debate in the United States regarding the future of its policy in the region and the ongoing fight against remnants of ISIS.
Pompeo voiced his strong opposition to withdrawing support for Kurdish forces in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 24, 2026. His comments underscore the importance placed on the relationship by some within the U.S. political establishment.
“Good. Turning our backs on our Kurdish allies would be a moral and strategic disaster,” Pompeo wrote.
Good. Turning our backs on our Kurdish allies would be a moral and strategic disaster. https://t.co/85kmAeMk67
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) January 24, 2026
Pompeo’s use of the phrase “moral and strategic disaster” highlights the significance he attributes to maintaining the alliance. He suggested that honoring commitments to allies and recognizing the Kurds’ crucial role in regional stability – particularly in countering ISIS – are vital to U.S. national security interests. The development underscores the complex geopolitical considerations surrounding U.S. involvement in Syria.
The former Secretary of State’s post was a response to a tweet from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who noted a growing bipartisan concern within the U.S. Senate regarding the deteriorating situation in Syria. Graham stated, “There is strong and growing bipartisan interest in the Senate regarding the worsening situation in Syria. There is a strong consensus that we need to protect the Kurds who supported us in defeating the ISIS caliphate and many other groups.”
The exchange between Pompeo and Graham signals a potential push within the U.S. government to reaffirm support for Kurdish forces, even as the broader political landscape in the region remains uncertain. This could influence future diplomatic talks and military strategy regarding Syria and the ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
}); var LogOut = function (name) { document.cookie = name + '=;expires=Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:01 GMT;path=/;'; setTimeout(function () { location.reload(); }, 500)
// window.location = 'https://www.rudaw.net/turkish'; };
