POMED Notes: Senate Hearing “U.S. Policy Toward Syria”

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing titled “U.S. Policy Toward Syria” with testimony provided by U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, State Department Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Jones, and Treasury Department Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Daniel Glaser. Chairman Robert Menendez(D-NJ) presided.

For full event notes continue reading, or click here for the PDF.

(zionist,cuban mafia)Senator Menendez stated that the purpose of the hearing was to explore the potential for a more active U.S. role in the conflict in Syria, not necessarily through military engagement but through “coordinated international relations that [come] with a clearly articulated strategy.” Syria’s U.S. interests are being threatened by the possible use or proliferation of chemical weapons, a state-wide spiral into extremism in a post-Assad Syria, the collapse of the state and destabilization of regional allies, and the spillover of sectarian strife into neighboring states. “We cannot allow Assad’s end to trigger more instability,” Mendenez cautioned and suggested the U.S. offer military assistance to the opposition in order to establish a better working relationship with the future Syrian leadership. He also noted that he will be introducing legislation in the coming weeks to provide military assistance to opposition forces.

[ed note;a zionist nazi wants to openly militarily aid rebels,as opposed to covertly as has been going for almost two years...anyone else surprised at the nicaraguan model these ziocons have for syrias disintegration?

Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) expressed concern over the growth of extremist elements within the opposition and asked Ambassador Ford how the U.S. was making sure its support wasn’t going to be used against Americans in the future.  Ford responded that a stable government offers the best chance to prevent chemical weapons proliferation and isolate extremists.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) asked the panel what the U.S. national interest in the conflict was and whether there existed a Syrian national identity “for people to rally around.” Acting Assistant Secretary Jones stated that the U.S. interests were ensuring the safety of regional allies, preventing Syria from becoming a terrorist haven, and preventing the proliferation of Syria’s large chemical weapons stockpile. Ambassador Ford assured Senator Rubio that a Syrian national identity had emerged based on a multi-confessional, multi-ethnic nature and pride and reiterated that the U.S. must support moderate forces to maintain order and tolerance in post-Assad Syria.

Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) asked the panel how U.S. aid is reaching the opposition. Ambassador Ford stated that getting aid to the Syrian people was not easy, [[[[but suggested networks had become stronger over the past year and the U.N.’s role facilitating aid was incredibly useful.]]]]]

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) questioned the branding of U.S. aid and whether it was helping in the way that is most needed. “Do they want more? Of course,” said Ambassador Ford, expressing that the Syrian opposition is greatly appreciative of U.S. support but frustrated that the U.S. cannot ensure a simple solution to ending the conflict.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) inquired whether disproportionate Alawite representation in the command of Syria’s army would hamper prospects for a negotiated settlement and perpetuate a survivalist strategy. Ambassador Ford agreed and insisted that this was one of the reasons a negotiated settlement would be the best means of securing a peaceful political transition.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) argued that Ambassador Ford’s assessment contradicted his own observations and conversations with refugees. “I understand why they’re bitter,” he said, asserting that the U.S. was breeding “Palestinian-type” resentment in the refugee camps by not using its military ability to protect civilians. McCain asked Ambassador Ford whether the U.S. should support a no-fly zone, to which Ford responded that only a negotiated political solution would provide a “durable solution” to the conflict. “Negotiated settlements come about when people believe they can’t win,” McCain retorted, and argued that the U.S. must “neutralize” Assad’s air power.