just a tragedy. >> we're going to be talking more about the impeachment factor and all the impeachment proceedings happening on capitol hill later in the show. great to have you on the show. >> thanks, hallie. >> there may be a reversal when it comes to the president's plan to remove troops out of syria. you heard the defense secretary talk about it this morning. mark esper is in the middle east. that's why he's not going to be at the cabinet meeting in just a bit. he's talking about a plan that may keep a few hundred troops in the country. >> our forces will remain in the towns that are located near the oil fields. the purpose of the forces, a purpose of the forces, working with the sdf is to deny access to the oil fields by isis and others who may benefit from revenues that could be earned. >> nbc's chief foreign correspondent richard engel is live for us. richard, bring us up to speed on the developments over the last 24 hours. where do you see this going from here? >> reporter: so let me just start with those comments from the defense secretary.