Brett McGurkVerified account

@brett_mcgurk

Payne Distinguished Lecturer . Foreign Affairs Analyst /. Former Presidential Envoy. Served under Bush, Obama, Trump. Dad. .

Palo Alto, CA
cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/people/brett-m…
Joined April 2013
692 Photos and videos Photos and videos

You may also like

·

Tweets

You blocked

Are you sure you want to view these Tweets? Viewing Tweets won't unblock

  1. Pinned Tweet
    31 Dec 2018

    Today was my last day at the State Department. I wish my former civilian and military colleagues well as they work under extremely difficult circumstances to protect the interests of our great country. It was a privilege to serve alongside them.

    2,581 replies 6,344 retweets 36,724 likes
  2. 11 hours ago

    I’ve worked for three presidents and participated in a number of foreign leader calls. I cannot recall a president that seems to believe — and then parrots — whatever a foreign leader tells him on the phone. Such information is often false, intended to influence more than inform.

    316 replies 1,943 retweets 4,642 likes
  3. Retweeted
    Nov 4

    ICYMI: joins the to discuss the U.S. military strategy against ISIS, al-Baghdadi's death, where the organization stands now, and more with Michael :

    17 replies 54 retweets 167 likes
  4. Retweeted
    Nov 1

    Where did the U.S. go right and wrong in the fight against ISIS? joins the to discuss the rise of the group, the U.S. military strategy against ISIS, al-Baghdadi’s death, and where the organization stands now:

    32 replies 176 retweets 331 likes
  5. Nov 3

    As reports, Trump is deploying mechanized units without a clear mission and with essential rules of engagement undefined as US forces have already abandoned 2/3 of NE Syria and left the SDF largely to the mercy of Putin and Erdogan.

    Confusion reigns over US plan to 'secure the oil' in Syria as commanders await orders - CNNPolitics
    125 replies 998 retweets 2,087 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  6. Nov 3

    I spent a lot of time with US Special Forces on the ground in Syria where they had a clear mission over two administrations to defeat ISIS. These images of US forces now in Syria with an ill-defined mission to guard small oil fields make me cringe.

    829 replies 5,965 retweets 15,111 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  7. Nov 1

    Terrific event before a packed house yesterday at the venerable for a discussion of presidential history with and his new book at the Brink. Bret’s book reads as a testimonial to diplomacy and statesmanship in wartime.

    22 replies 40 retweets 274 likes
  8. Oct 31

    Despite this new force, we apparently stand helpless to deter war crimes and population displacement our sudden retreat across NE Syria unleashed. That’s happening under airspace the US reportedly still controls. Totally incoherent, indefensible, immoral.

    72 replies 748 retweets 1,268 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  9. Oct 31

    This larger US deployment comes in addition to the 14,000 US personnel deployed to the Middle East since May. So when Trump says he’s bringing troops home, he’s either ignorant of what’s happening under his command — or he’s lying.

    . is correct that has sent 14,000 American troops to the Middle East since May.
    39 replies 464 retweets 925 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  10. Oct 31

    Mechanized units are more expensive, harder to sustain, and require more manpower than the SOF-focused mission we’ve had in Syria since 2015. So Trump is on track to spend MORE taxpayer money and deploy MORE troops for an ill-defined mission sewn from self-inflicted chaos.

    16 replies 333 retweets 700 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  11. Oct 31

    It’s telling that mechanized units are deploying to guard oil fields. We NEVER deployed mechanized units to Syria over four brutal years of the ISIS campaign. This suggests planners believe the positions are vulnerable after we abandoned 2/3 of NE Syria.

    . troops in 4-118th Infantry Regiment, , attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, , load M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to support the …
    Show this thread
    80 replies 998 retweets 1,678 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  12. Retweeted
    Oct 31

    Interested in a career in public policy? The application for the Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy program is open! Our program trains leaders who will influence policy in energy, cyber policy, development and more. Apply today:

    1 reply 23 retweets 64 likes
  13. Oct 30

    If in the Bay Area tomorrow please come to to hear discuss his important and fascinating new book — at the Brink. I’ll be moderating what should be a great discussion of WWII history and statesmanship.

    Next week: join in SF on 10/31 for a program about his book At The Brink with 's ! Tickets still available here:
    17 replies 20 retweets 131 likes
  14. Retweeted
    Oct 29

    Ready to take up House bill as passed! Awesome bipartisan takedown of Turkey’s invasion just occurred in the House with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans – 403-16.

    912 replies 1,264 retweets 5,091 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  15. Oct 29

    Since Trump’s Oct 6 call with Erdogan: 180k displaced; war crimes; areas US abandoned carved up between Erdogan and Putin. The least we can do is provide refuge for those who worked with us and need it. My oped with Jon Finer.

    398 replies 2,393 retweets 5,135 likes
  16. Oct 29

    US Middle East policy is all pressure without diplomacy. Where there is diplomacy, it’s not backed by Trump and thus weak. Pressure is now being met with counter-pressure for which we were clearly unprepared and now absent. Our allies know this. So do our adversaries.

    16 replies 118 retweets 432 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  17. Oct 29

    This is the worst moment to have a threadbare diplomatic presence in such an important country – particularly as we withdraw from Syria. We have a talented ambassador in place but it's not enough. Line diplomats are essential: the lifeblood for protecting American interests.

    5 replies 90 retweets 402 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  18. Oct 29

    Violence against unarmed protestors must be condemned unequivocally and prosecuted. If the government cannot do that, there are last resort constitutional means for new national elections. Active US diplomatic engagement is essential and in a crisis can be determinative.

    5 replies 46 retweets 173 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  19. Oct 29

    These demands are in line with Iraq’s full sovereignty and global integration, something Iran has never wanted. The US can play an important role as a true friend of Iraq. It can demand that the Iraqi government support the Iraqi people and its right to peacefully protest.

    7 replies 47 retweets 181 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  20. Oct 29

    Diplomats matter. The US withdrew most of its diplomats from this summer. That ceded influence during a period of rising tension. Iran by contrast doubled down. The Iraqi people are now demanding through mobilization better service, less corruption, and accountability.

    40 replies 320 retweets 1,094 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  21. Retweeted
    Oct 29

    In Opinion "It is too late to reverse the decision that has imperiled American partners. But it is not too late to do right by those who helped the United States by ensuring that those seeking refuge will find it," write Jon Finer and Brett McGurk.

    50 replies 253 retweets 601 likes
  22. Retweeted
    Oct 27

    Iraqi President Barham Salih — long known as a pro-American leader — says he is no longer sure he can rely on the U.S. as an ally

    50 replies 394 retweets 671 likes
  23. Oct 27

    US Marine and now journalist has broken key details of the situation in Syria from the moment Turkey attacked on October 9 through last night’s Baghdadi operation and its aftermath. A must follow.

    Update: did not have prior knowledge of JSOC operation against in - once operation started, U.S. gave gave notice. reported earlier that President approved operation a week prior.
    Show this thread
    100 replies 638 retweets 1,367 likes
  24. Oct 27

    My thoughts on the successful Baghdadi operation in tomorrow’s . A landmark day for the United States and the civilized world that could not have happened absent our Syrian Kurdish partners.

    375 replies 2,214 retweets 5,786 likes
  25. Retweeted
    Oct 27

    Only on Kasie DC tonight: Former Special Presidential Envoy on ISIS

    25 replies 81 retweets 351 likes
  26. Oct 27

    The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is great news for the United States of America and the entire civilized world. Congratulations to our Special Forces and intelligence analysts who put this raid together. Painstaking, dangerous, heroic work. Justice done. 🇺🇸

    338 replies 1,697 retweets 8,231 likes
  27. Oct 26

    Per UN figures: nearly 200k people have now been displaced in what had been a stable NE Syria (mostly women and children) with over 10k having already arrived in northern Iraq. UNHCR is appealing for international resources.

    113 replies 1,200 retweets 1,563 likes
  28. Oct 26

    Per : Erdogan proudly displays the map of Syria he carved up with Putin following the American withdrawal last week and says areas in which Kurds have lived for centuries are “most suitable” for Arabs.

    0:25
    Erodgan, talking about northeast Syria with TRT yesterday, said: "The most suitable for this area are Arabs. These areas are not suitable for the lifestyle of Kurds."…
    314 replies 1,705 retweets 2,126 likes
  29. Retweeted
    Oct 26

    "the cleansing work" ...

    75 replies 425 retweets 449 likes
  30. Oct 26

    Syria, last 24 hours: * US military returns in force from Iraq to guard oil fields * Thousands of refugees stream in other direction into northern Iraq * Erdogan threatens again to “do the cleansing work” in Kurdish areas US forces left to Russia and Assad Incoherent

    328 replies 3,419 retweets 6,725 likes
  31. Oct 24

    And ... now we may be sending MORE American troops to Syria to guard an oil field in the middle of the desert.

    . is correct that has sent 14,000 American troops to the Middle East since May.
    273 replies 1,864 retweets 3,670 likes
  32. Oct 24

    The President of the United States of America appears to be calling for a mass migration of Kurds to the desert where they can resettle atop a tiny oil field. Shocking ignorance of history, geography, law, American values, human decency, and honor.

    570 replies 4,333 retweets 9,762 likes
  33. Oct 23

    I sincerely hope the US-led will support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as it receives over 1,000 refugees per day from what was a stable NE Syria. Congress can also help ensure SIV processing. It would be doubly shameful to wash our hands.

    Important cabinet meeting today. On Syria, KRG stands committed to supporting those in the most need and we have a response plan in place to accommodate over 1,000 refugees crossing each day. This is an international crisis and we call on our partners to support.
    61 replies 489 retweets 1,244 likes
  34. Retweeted
    Oct 23

    Late to this. Often interviews lure the unwitting subject into some ignominious self-own. This one is something very different: 's masterclass in US diplomacy in Syria & Iraq. Brilliantly exposes the folly of Trump's approach. The ignominy is all Trump's.

    Welcomed the opportunity to discuss Trump, Erdogan, ISIS, and a foreign policy that for two decades pursued ends misaligned with means. The ISIS campaign was designed to address that imbalance, now upended. With in .
    10 replies 62 retweets 146 likes
  35. Oct 23

    Spent the day on Capitol Hill discussing the situation in Syria after the abrupt withdrawal of American forces and agreement between Putin and Erdogan. The consequences of the last 17 days will carry serious implications beyond Syria, including revived threats from ISIS/AQ.

    84 replies 474 retweets 1,173 likes
  36. Oct 23

    How would a small residual US force be sustained without land supply? Extremely difficult and high risk. In military affairs, you don’t preserve options after making a catastrophic decision without thought or preparation. You foreclose them, as last three weeks demonstrate.

    39 replies 370 retweets 1,086 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  37. Oct 23

    Putin and Erdogan want us out. That’s been their plan for some time. What they agreed to yesterday makes it very difficult to realistically maintain a US presence, let alone one that might meaningfully impact the situation on the ground in Syria or against ISIS.

    57 replies 483 retweets 1,210 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  38. Oct 23

    Under the Putin-Erdogan deal, the Syrian regime will take control of the main border crossings with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region at Fishkabour and Rabiya. The president seems not to realize the extent to which the entire position in NE Syria has unraveled.

    247 replies 1,484 retweets 3,120 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  39. Oct 23

    It’s unfortunate that US officials apparently never asked or coordinated with Iraq before announcing that our troops withdrawing from Syria would remain in Iraq. Losing these forces altogether removes a significant capability against ISIS. Major loss.

    258 replies 1,906 retweets 3,767 likes
  40. Retweeted
    Oct 22

    Here's the Turkey-Russia deal for northern Syria, interpretation 2, TLDR version: US, Britain, other allies send air force and special forces to Syria, spend four years helping locals clear it of Isis, hand it over to Putin and Assad, withdraw under a shower of rotten tomatoes.

    37 replies 322 retweets 388 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread
  41. Oct 22

    Ironically, the Russians appear to have pushed for and gotten the elements of the “security mechanism” deal that U.S. officials were working on with Turkey before Trump’s October 6 phone call. Difference: key player now Moscow not Washington. Region will see and understand this.

    110 replies 801 retweets 1,482 likes
    Show this thread
    Show this thread