U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressed a hearing titled “After Assad: Navigating Syria Policy” to discuss the future of Syria after the collapse of the Assad regime. She highlighted the opportunity for the U.S. to influence Syria’s transition, support its people, and counteract Russian and Iranian influence in the region.
Senator Shaheen remarked on the historical significance of this moment: “We are both relieved that after fifty years, the Assad regime has finally fallen. This was a regime that tortured and killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians—they forced millions to flee their homes.”
She emphasized that Assad’s fall is a strategic setback for Vladimir Putin, noting: “Assad’s fall was a defeat for Putin; we want to make sure that it continues to be a defeat for Putin.”
The hearing featured testimony from Mr. Michael Singh and Ms. Dana Stroul from The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Shaheen queried them about Turkey’s role in combatting ISIS.
Shaheen called for sanctions relief to foster stability in Syria, warning against punitive measures on Syrians due to Assad’s actions: “If we don’t reevaluate those sanctions, we punish all Syrians for the sins of Assad.”
She also stressed U.S. involvement in preventing ISIS resurgence: “We cannot cut and run at this critical moment.”
Senator Shaheen concluded by urging swift action: “This is a once in a generation opportunity… I look forward to hearing your testimony today and to our conversation.”
