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James Mattis Has a Word for Anyone Out There Who Thinks He's 'Concerned'

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The Secretary of Defense spoke to reporters at the Pentagon Friday about his top concern for 2018.

“I don’t have concerns,” James Mattis said. “I create them.”

Multiple reporters tweeted the Defense Secretary’s statement.



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Their Twitter followers did not find Mattis’ words comforting.



One Twitter user voiced his appreciation for the Secretary of Defense.


https://twitter.com/KevRTAMidwest/status/949427683880062976

Mattis’ frank words have given him the nickname “Mad Dog,” and Friday’s statement is not the first time he has answered a question with the assertion that he creates concerns of other nations.

In May, the Secretary of Defense outlined the goal of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State in an interview with CBS.

“Our intention is that the foreign fighters do not survive the fight,” Mattis said.

CBS host John Dickerson asked him: “What keeps you awake at night?”

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“Nothing,” Mattis responded. “I keep other people awake at night.”

Seven months after the new annihilation strategy was implemented by Mattis, fewer than 1,000 fighters from the Islamic State group remain in Iraq and Syria.

“Due to the commitment of the Coalition and the demonstrated competence of our partners in Iraq and Syria, there are estimated to be less than 1,000 ISIS terrorists in our combined joint area of operations, most of whom are being hunted down in the desert regions in eastern Syria and Western Iraq,” an emailed statement from the coalition read.

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Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




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