Article snippet: WASHINGTON — Washing his hands of Syria, President Trump declared Wednesday the US has no stake in defending the Kurdish fighters who died by the thousands as America’s partners against IS extremists. Hours later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats walked out of a meeting at the White House, accusing him of having a ‘‘meltdown,’’ calling her a ‘‘third-rate politician’’ and having no plan to deal with a potentially revived Islamic State group. Condemnation of Trump’s stance on Turkey, Syria and the Kurds was quick and severe during the day, not only from Democrats but from Republicans who have been staunch supporters on virtually all issues. The House, bitterly divided over the Trump impeachment inquiry, banded together for an overwhelming 354-60 denunciation of the US troop withdrawal. Many lawmakers expressed worry that it may lead to revival of IS as well as Russian presence and influence in the area — in addition to the slaughter of many Kurds. At the White House, Trump said the US has no business in the region — and not to worry about the Kurdish fighters. ‘‘They know how to fight,’’ he said. ‘‘And by the way, they’re no angels.’’ After the House condemnation vote, the congressional leaders of both parties went to the White house for a briefing, which grew contentious, with Trump and Pelosi trading jabs. The Democrats said they walked out when the meeting devolved into an insult-fest. ‘‘What we witnessed on the part of the president was a mel... Link to the full article to read more