Tell Me Again Why Our Kids Should Die in Syria [OPINION]

Five Americans have died in Syria this year. Can anyone tell me why or how it was in the defense of American interests? The same people who protested America's self-appointed role as a world policeman are now denouncing President Trump's desire to withdraw American forces from a region that most can't even point to on a map.

The headline "Turkey Attacking U.S. Ally In Syria For A Second Day" blazed across the bottom of the screen as a FOX NEWS ALERT this morning. All defense of Trump's decision to reprioritize our role in Syria that appeared on the network's website earlier this morning has disappeared, including a video of an interview Tucker Carlson did last night with an expert on the situation. Vanished. Gone. Impeachment remains the network's most favored drumbeat.

There is no doubt that the Kurds played an important role in the defeat of ISIS. The Kurds were, as is often the case, allies of convenience. But Turkey is a member of NATO and a U.S. ally, too. Turkey hosts American nuclear weapons. Turkey also has a right to protect itself from terrorist cells operating on its southern border with Syria and an obligation to clear a pathway for Syrian refugees to return home safely.

The Trump Administration has never endorsed the current Turkish military operation and has issued a strong warning to Turkey that it will pay a heavy price if things go wrong. In moving forward, the Turks assume responsibility for ISIS prisoners now in captivity and for defending against an ISIS resurgence. That frees American forces from a role that should be assumed by those in the region.

I laugh when I hear people like Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) criticize the administration's decision to rethink our role in Syria. How many of the Kennedy clan have defended the Kurds in Syria or enlisted in the missions in Afghanistan or Iraq? I suspect not many.

The hawkish Democrats and those NeoCons and supporters of the "new world order" who have suddenly grown concerned about the communist Kurds, where are you on defending the victims of Africa's slave trade? Are you demanding troops to protect the thousands of Muslims being slaughtered by the Chinese? And why do you remain silent as dozens of kids are butchered each year on the streets of Chicago? No demand for troops there.

Trump is correct. Our involvement in fighting other county's wars has cost way too much in terms of American lives and treasure. Bring our men and women home from the Middle East unless you are willing to take on the role yourself. It is time to go home.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.