Dear Friends,
After a years-long civil war and five decades of brutal rule by the Assad family, Syria finds itself at a crossroads. The stunning dismantling of Bashar al-Assad’s government, which was propped up by fellow autocrats in Russia and Iran, is a serious blow to the anti-American ambitions of the ‘Axis of Authoritarians,’ and yet another unexpected byproduct of the horrific October 7th attack on Israel. Still, many questions still remain.
Despite the emergence of a fragile peace in the country as it looks to establish a new government, Syria remains the picture of instability. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an islamic militant group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, played a large role in the collapse of the Assad regime and look set to play a major part in a post-Assad Syria.
This situation reiterates a truth that cannot be denied: the lack of US leadership on the global stage can create a tinderbox environment filled with chaos and instability.
More than a decade ago, the Obama Administration dangerously mishandled Syria. The Biden-Harris Administration’s misguided Middle East policy has increased regional instability, and in-turn, has endangered the security of American troops. In this void, our allies have stepped up. Israel remains vigilant and active, having already targeted chemical weapons depots in Syria, to prevent their capture by radical Islamists. In the north, the Kurds continue to work alongside our armed forces in the shared fight against ISIS.
As veterans of the Global War on Terror, we understand how important our allies are to maintaining American security. Whether it be in the mountains of Afghanistan or the wheat fields of Ukraine, our allies have and continue to fight on the frontlines of America’s battles. In a climate of uncertainty, let us not forget to protect and defend those who have stood by us and sacrificed to preserve democracy and freedom around the globe.
Sincerely,
Veterans On Duty