(CNN) In all the turmoil, poison, and irresponsibility of the past two years, the last 72 hours merit the term "historic."

This is a "do not adjust your set" moment, in which the world's preeminent military power effectively withdrew from its two active battlefields, ceded the ground to its geopolitical rivals, and abandoned allies. It is unprecedented. It'll be tempting to dismiss it as another folly that will pass - like 'Fire and Fury' over a nuclear North Korea - as just another whimsical uttering we will soon roll our eyes over as we sigh "remember that!".

But President Trump's announcements about Syria and Afghanistan change something permanently. It's possible, that in the ever-changing madness, neither withdrawal will actually happen. But it is the message that is the most potent: the casual disregard of history, ally, or duty. It says the Commander in Chief considers his own gut paramount, and the decades of sacrifice that got America to this point of lesser importance.

First, Afghanistan. The expected announcement of the withdrawal of 7,000 troops that could come as early as January, is precisely what you do not do when your officials are trying to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban. These unprecedented talks, that have been taking place in the UAE between the Taliban and the US, were themselves a sign of a rash rush to find a political accommodation with an insurgency that is raging and controls more territory than any time since 2001. The continued US military presence was on the table in these talks, as the US sought to bring the Taliban into politics, even though they are increasingly extremist and ridden with al-Qaeda affiliates.

Yesterday's announcement that half the US contingent could be coming home is the equivalent of Trump walking behind his diplomats as they engage in diplomatic poker, and yelling "he's bluffing". The timing is beyond undermining.

Donald Trump announced that he intends to withdraw US troops from Syria and Afghanistan following "historic victories."

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