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Senator Bob Corker’s statement at a hearing on War in Syria

The following is excerpt from the opening statement by Senator Bob Corker, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee at a hearing on Tuesday May 17, 2016.


Senator Corker said: “Five years into the war, I think we can draw a few general conclusions.
Without leverage on the Assad regime, we have little ability to influence a diplomatic solution to the war.
The longer this war goes on, the more complicated it gets and the more people suffer.
Today, we are at a meeting in the latest round of peace talks in Vienna.
I talked to Dr. [Riyad] Hijab, a leader of the opposition, in April, and I understand why they withdrew from the talks. As violence picked up, humanitarian aid was stopped, and civilians were targeted; so they almost had no choice, and we supported him in that.
At a time when civilians continue to be targeted, aid convoys continue to be stopped, and in some areas elements of the opposition are acting against their own interest, I am not sure exactly what can come out of Vienna.
I know Secretary [of State John] Kerry has repeatedly mentioned a “Plan B.” I’ve never sensed that was realistic. It seems to me very rhetorical. I don’t even know now if it’s even aiding in getting to an end.
Issues like the refugee crisis, a generation without education, an independent Kurdish region and the threat to Turkey will have impact for generations to come.
Finally, we spend a lot of time talking about Syria and not enough time listening to what Syrians are saying.
 

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