U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, representing Idaho and serving as the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has issued a statement regarding the recent developments in Syria. The statement addresses the end of nearly five decades of Assad family rule and the conclusion of a 13-year civil war.
Senator Risch stated, "After nearly 50 years of Assad family rule and 13 years of brutal civil war, the Syrian people are waking up to a new reality free from the Assad regime." He highlighted that interventions by Russia and Iran in Syria extended the conflict but ultimately failed.
Risch emphasized that while this period presents opportunities, it also poses potential dangers for the region. He called for accountability concerning Assad's prisoners, specifically mentioning American Austin Tice. Risch added, "Moving forward, it is imperative the Syrian people choose their next government and Assad faces long-overdue justice for his war crimes."