WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding Syria and after his return from a bipartisan congressional delegation he led to the Middle East.
“I’ve just returned from a 10-day trip to the Middle East, where I met with U.S. military and State Department leaders as well as top government officials in Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The issue of Syria’s future came up repeatedly in these discussions. It is clear that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa needs to ensure his actions support his words—renouncing violent extremism and forming an inclusive government focused on rebuilding Syria and delivering services to its people. But Syria shouldn’t be left to do this alone. The international community has a role to play in ensuring their success.
“The United States should start by gradually lifting the sanctions on Syria. Restoring Syria’s access to aid, investment, and the global economy are key to rebuilding the country, supporting the welfare of its people, and setting the conditions to prevent Iran’s malign influence and violent extremism from taking root again.
“Similarly, countries in the region should ensure their actions help foster a stable Syria and not undermine it. I am concerned that Israel and Türkiye’s military actions in Syria are contributing to the chaos rather than helping to stabilize the country. Instead, Israel, Türkiye, and other regional partners should work in collaboration with the emerging Syrian government to address security concerns and help stabilize, secure, and rebuild the country. This is critical to ensure Syria no longer presents fertile ground for violent extremist groups to recruit, operate, and threaten the security and stability of the broader region.
“We have many partners in the effort to blunt the malign influence of Iran and the danger of extremist groups like ISIS. Israel’s continued actions with respect to Gaza and the West Bank jeopardize that alliance. It impedes the ability of our Arab partners to work together and with Israel to address these threats. The humanitarian crisis must be addressed and there needs to be a future for the Palestinian people. The Netanyahu government is not interested in working towards that and, until that changes, Iran’s opportunities for malign influence will continue and the stability of the region will be balanced on a knife’s edge.
“We are at a critical moment for the security and stability of the Middle East. We must work collectively with our partners in the region so that we do not lose this opportunity.”
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