Defense chief Mattis to step down in Feb. after clashes with Trump

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday he will step down at the end of February after apparently clashing with President Donald Trump over a U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria and differing views on alliances.Mattis' departure was considered a possibility, partly because Trump on Wednesday surprised U.S. allies, members of Congress and Pentagon officials by announcing the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.In a resignation letter, Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general, said he will "step down" so that Trump, who has stridently pushed his "America First" mantra, can have a Pentagon…READ FULL ARTICLE