As in Trump’s once-popular TV program The Apprentice, “You’re fired!” (or “You are to resign”) has become a catchphrase in the Trump administration since his early days in office.

In Mattis’ resignation letters, the former four-star marine general mentions that the United States “is inextricably linked to our unique and comprehensive system of alliances” and that the US is an indispensable nation that should show respect and provide effective leadership to its allies.

Now Trump has decided to withdraw all 2,000 ground troops from Syria, and halve the number of US troops stationed in Afghanistan. This is bound to give a free rein to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria to go all out against the rebels. And, to be sure, Russia will be happy to take this great chance to expand its momentum in the Middle East. After all, US presence in Syria was meant to counter the influence of Russia and Iran. The US withdrawal will also undermine allied forces like the Syrian Kurds, who fought alongside the Western coalition against Islamic State, and leave them vulnerable to a crackdown from Turkey.