American forces in Northern Syria have begun a “deliberate withdrawal” as Turkish-backed forces continue to deepen their invasion of areas held by the U.S. partner force, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Lieutenant General Michael Nagata (US Army, retired), discusses the immediate and long-term implications of this retreat from Syria. LTG Nagata retired as the Director of strategy at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) after a long career in special operations.