Below is a letter that I sent to President Donald Trump today regarding the recall of US troops from Syria. There is trouble in Syria, Turkey and Northern Iraq. This is the home of the Kurdish people. I’m calling for this administration to take immediate action to protect this region from those groups and nations that would cause them harm. ISIS 2.0 is ramping up in the region and Turkey (while in NATO) is no friend to the US or the Kurds.
The Kurds stood for us. Let’s stand for them.
Politics must be set aside in order to unite to do good. I encourage you to engage as well. We live in a country where citizens are free and safe to voice their dissent and opinions against actions or policies of our government. You have a voice, use it. Be wise and respectful when you do.
Letter Text:
President Donald Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing you in regard to your announcement to recall U.S. troops from Syria.
I am a pastor in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2018, I visited Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) with an NGO assisting the rescue and recovery of Yazidi women and children from ISIS terrorists in the region. They are also providing trauma care for those victims in the refugee camps around Duhok. I have seen first hand what ISIS has done to families and communities. It is impossible to describe the horrors they have experienced.
While in Kurdistan, I had the privilege of meeting Kurdish people from all over the region. Many of whom had fought ISIS and lost family members. Every Kurd I met was warm, kind and loving toward our great nation, the United States. The hospitality extended me while in-country can only be credited to the hard work of Americans over the last several years. I could not have been more proud to be an American.
The Kurdish region is the hidden gem of the Middle East. The Kurdish people are an international treasure – made up of Christians, Yazidi and Muslims. With vision and U.S. partnership, the region can become the epicenter of human flourishing, freedom and economic growth. No other nation on the face of the earth has the foresight and fortitude to stand for the Kurdish people like we do. ISIS or other terror groups will fill the security vacuum. We must protect the vulnerable and stand in the gap for our friends. We are their only hope.
In conclusion, Kurdish children have hopes and dreams – just like my children and your children. I’m humbly asking leadership to consider the unintended consequences of our actions. Please stand for the Kurdish people. We have an opportunity to make history and save lives. I hope to visit my Kurdish friends again one day and know that my nation stood in the gap for them. I ask myself the haunting questions, “What if that was my family? Who would help us?”
May God continue to grant you favor, vision and wisdom in your service to our nation. Thank you for giving me a hearing.
Serving you,
Lance A. Cashion