US Equipment, Not Personnel, Leaving Syria for Now
 A military spokesperson said Friday that the process of withdrawing some 2,000 American soldiers from Syria — as announced in an @realDonaldTrump tweet last month — is now underway. But so far, it appears that only equipment is leaving, and more troops may be deployed to guard an anticipated drawdown.
 Trump’s decision alarmed both U.S. allies and officials, prompting Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’ resignation and Jan. 1 departure.
 Now even Republican legislators are expressing concern about America’s Kurdish allies, instrumental in fighting Islamic State, but whom Turkey plans to pursue militarily.
Sources: USA Today, Stars and Stripes, NYT