Paris-In the context of analyzing the current situation in Syria and assessing international efforts aimed at achieving stability and peace in the country, Maher Al-Hamdan interviewed Deputy Assistant Secretary M. Ethan Goldrich of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Shedding light on his remarks, we gain insight into the American perspective on the challenges and opportunities related to the Syrian crisis and the efforts made to achieve stability and reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with international resolutions and humanitarian principles.
We discussed the White House’s rejection of passing a law prohibiting normalization with the Assad regime in Syria, to which Mr. Goldrich commented, “We do not comment on pending legislation,” but he reiterated that “the U.S. administration maintains a steadfast stance on this issue, refusing to normalize relations with the Syrian regime until meaningful progress towards the required political solution is achieved in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.” These words underscore the United States’ commitment to international principles and its vision for achieving peace and stability in Syria.
Continuing the conversation, we looked at the U.S. assessment of the strategic situation in Syria. Mr. Goldrich emphasized that “U.S. efforts are focused on stabilizing the situation in Syria, through an active policy of maintaining ceasefires, ensuring ISIS cannot resurge, expanding humanitarian access, all while pursuing accountability measures and advancing progress towards the appropriate political solution to the conflict, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”
Regarding the U.S. role in supporting political initiatives and humanitarian efforts in Syria, Mr. Goldrich affirmed “the United States’ support for the UN-facilitated peace process, in collaboration with the Syrian people, emphasizing that a political solution that reflects the will of the Syrian people is the only viable solution to the conflict, according to UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”
Regarding the escalating drug trafficking in Syria, Mr. Goldrich considers that “drug trafficking, in partnership with Iranian and Lebanese forces, poses a growing threat to neighboring countries and U.S. allies.” He adds that “the United States is taking measures to counter this threat, especially with the escalation of terrorist operations towards Europe.”
Thus, the dialogue with Mr. Goldrich reflects the direction of U.S. policy towards the Syrian crisis, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to supporting political and humanitarian solutions in Syria and addressing the increasing security challenges in the region.
Why have attempts to pass a law prohibiting normalization with Assad stalled? Could the failure to pass this law potentially grant the Assad regime further comfort and stability?
As a general matter, we do not comment on pending legislation. The Administration’s position is clear: we will not normalize relations with the Assad regime until there is meaningful progress toward a political solution consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. We believe a political solution as outlined in UNSCR 2254 remains the only viable solution to the Syrian conflict and are working with our allies, likeminded partners, and the UN to implement this resolution.
How does the US administration assess the strategic situation in Syria? What are the expected future steps for the United States to address the Syrian crisis?
U.S. efforts in Syria under this administration are focused on stabilizing the situation in Syria, with a proactive policy to maintain ceasefires, ensure ISIS cannot resurge, expand humanitarian access, all while pursuing accountability measures and advancing progress toward a political solution to the conflict in line with UNSCR 2254.
What is the American stance on supporting any initiatives for dialogue between opposition factions and the Syrian revolution? How can the United States lead effective efforts to implement Security Council Resolution 2254 and achieve stability in Syria?
The United States supports the UN-facilitated, Syrian-led process laid out within the parameters of UNSCR 2254. We have been consistent in our message to all parties that there can be no military solution to the conflict. A Syrian led political solution that represents the will of all Syrians as outlined in UNSCR 2254 remains the only viable solution to the conflict.
We continue to urge all parties to engage fully in this process and to support UN Special Envoy Pedersen’s efforts.
The increasing drug trafficking in Syria, in partnership with Iranian and Lebanese forces, poses a growing threat to neighboring countries and US allies. What are the expected measures from the United States to counter this threat, especially with the escalation of trafficking operations towards Europe?
Captagon trafficking by affiliates of the Assad regime and Hizballah poses a significant threat to stability, public health, and rule of law in the region. Exports of Syrian-based illicit drugs provide financial benefits to elements within the Assad regime, as well as to other nefarious actors, who include associates of Hizballah and Iran-linked groups in Syria and Lebanon that have increasingly turned to illicit drug production and trafficking –including Captagon – to finance their activities. Several U.S. government agencies currently provide support to our partners in the region to address Captagon and other drug trafficking, including through information sharing and capacity building.
