promoearn: 'We have defeated ISIS in Syria.' Maybe.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

'We have defeated ISIS in Syria.' Maybe.

Wednesday, December 19

In this Wednesday, April 4, 2018 file photo, a U.S. soldier sits on his armored vehicle on a road leading to the tense front line with Turkish-backed fighters, in Manbij, north Syria.

Trump declares victory. Senators declare a 'big win for ISIS'

Also on Wednesday: Airlines are now charging for seat assignments.

The conflict that began as a peaceful uprising in Syria has turned into a full-on war that is now among the century's deadliest, allowing ISIS to flourish and fueling a power struggle involving Russia.

Now President Donald Trump is pulling U.S. troops out of the nation. One senator, Republican Marco Rubio, claimed the move "will haunt this administration for years to come."

But first: Hershey's kisses are being sold with broken tips, and holiday bakers are ticked.

So long to Syria

Trump has ordered the withdrawal of 2,000-plus U.S. troops from Syria, the White House said Wednesday, defying apparent objections from military advisers and lawmakers in both parties. "We have defeated ISIS in Syria," Trump tweeted. But a recent report found ISIS may still possess as many as 30,000 militants between Iraq and Syria, and military leaders in recent weeks have stated the need for U.S. troops to help stabilize Syria.

What are others saying? Lawmakers from both parties have criticized Trump's move, with Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham calling it a "big win for ISIS, Iran, Bashar al Assad of Syria, and Russia." Here's how Russia, the U.S. and Iran became involved in Syria's conflict, which over seven years has become an international proxy war.

Airlines are selling seat assignments that used to be free. Will it fly?

Seat selection fees are big business for airlines and a big frustration for travelers . The fees, which sometimes top $50 each way, let flyers reserve "preferred" seats – regular aisle and window seats closer to the front that don't offer extra legroom. Business traveler Bob Denny isn't buying it. "I think it's a fleecing,'' he said. "There's nothing preferred about it." Airlines are raking in at least half a billion dollars a year on the fees, says travel analyst Henry Harteveldt.

Real quick

•	The Trump Foundation is over, which means Trump has to sell his autographed Tim Tebow helmet.
•	A bear found badly burned in a 2014 wildfire has been killed by a hunter.
•	George Lucas is rich in the Force, topping a list of the wealthiest celebs.
•	This 8-year-old boy who is partially paralyzed wants thieves to return his custom hunting gear.

Dow plunges as Fed hikes rates. Your monthly payments could rise

The Dow sunk to its lowest point of the year after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the fourth time in 2018, boosting fears that the increase in borrowing costs could hurt the economy. Rates on credit cards, certain mortgages and some student loans are likely to rise , experts say, increasing monthly payments. Savers, however, will earn slightly more on the money in their bank accounts.

Clinton's impeachment was 20 years ago

The House vote to impeach President Bill Clinton was 20 years ago Wednesday. As Washington waits for special counsel Robert Mueller's report, the I-word is again in the air. But Democrats contemplating a Trump impeachment after they take over the House next year are revisiting what happened the last time a president was impeached: Clinton survived; his top accuser, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, did not. USA TODAY's Susan Page examines the legacy of Clinton's impeachment and the pitfalls Democrats could face if they do the same to Trump.

•	Where are they now? A look at the major Clinton players
•	Opinion: History shows why Trump won't be impeached

Former fist lady Hillary Rodham Clinton watches President Clinton pause as he thanks those Democratic members of the House of Representatives who voted against impeachment in this Dec. 19, 1998 file photo.

Susan Walsh, AP

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