SYRIA; Congressional Record Vol. 164, No. 201

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SYRIA

Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today in response to the

President's announcement on the withdrawal of troops from Syria.

Like many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, I am deeply

concerned that prematurely withdrawing American troops from Syria is

contrary to the advice of senior national security officials and that

the President's announcement will have negative consequences for our

country's national security interests. I am also concerned about the

implications of U.S. withdrawal for the security of our allies and for

innocent civilians in Syria.

Since August of this year, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of

State, and National Security Advisor have all suggested that the Syrian

conflict requires sustained U.S. commitment. Just last week, the

administration's Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to

Defeat ISIS said that \\\`\\\`we can't just pick up and leave'' Syria. This

week, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement said that

the U.S. would remain in Syria until the U.S. achieves three

objectives: ensuring the defeat of the Islamic State, reducing Iranian

influence, and reaching a political solution to resolve the crisis. The

President's announcement contradicts the advice of our diplomats and

military leaders and fails to address these issues.

These concerns are shared by our key allies, including Israel and

Jordan. The withdrawal of U.S. troops will also abandon the Kurds, who

have been our partners in the region. Once again, we see the U.S.

abandoning critical alliances in favor of narrow and ill-defined aims.

I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of the ongoing Syrian

conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis, which has led to the worst

refugee crisis since World War II. In 2015, I visited a Greek refugee

center and met with officials who are dealing with the crisis. I saw

groups of children who had traveled alone to try to find better lives,

but when we tried to ask one little boy about his story, he did not

want to tell us because he and all his friends were afraid that they

would be sent back home. I also visited the Za'atari refugee camp in

Jordan, where we heard about atrocities taking place in Syria that one

refugee said would \\\`\\\`make stones cry.''

This crisis is not over, and it requires an international response

and clear U.S. policy. There are no easy solutions in Syria. But what

we need is leadership and a comprehensive plan based on the expertise

of those on the frontlines, not hasty and ill-informed decision-making.

Thank you.

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