Donald Trump has been heavily criticized for the decision to withdraw US forces from northern Syria. That was after Turkey could attack the Kurds - who in turn had been the United States' foremost ally in the fight against IS.

"Ready to make such a decision"

The president has since emphasized that he never wanted Turkey to attack. He has said he is prepared to "destroy and obliterate" the country's economy if they go too far during the occupation - but there has never been any talk of any military intervention.

Not until now. According to Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo, there is a readiness for that as well.

"We prefer peace before war," he says in an interview with CNBC.

He continues:

- But if military action is needed, you should know that President Trump is prepared to make such a decision.

Meeting with Putin

The United States has previously imposed sanctions on Turkey. But the sanctions promised were removed in connection with the ceasefire introduced last Thursday.

On Tuesday, the ceasefire expires. What happens then is unclear. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. This meeting believes that assessors will be decisive for how the conflict develops in the future.