Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Administration’s Decision to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Syria

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Sires, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the Administration’s surprise announcementto withdraw U.S. forces from Syria:  

“The President’s decision to go against the advice of the Pentagon and rapidly pull U.S. forces from Syria is impulsive, reckless, and dangerous. It undermines our allies and emboldens our foes. His actions strengthen the hand of Assad’s brutal forces and create a void that the Iranians and Russians are happy to fill. The Kurds, who are courageously fighting against ISISand providing safe-haven for religious minorities are left out inthe cold and vulnerable to attacks from both ISIS and Turkish forces. To make matters worse, we know Iran is committed to destabilizing the region through proxies in its continued offensive against Israel. Pulling Americans out of Syria leaves the door wide open for Iran to set up shop right at Israel’s border. I sincerely hope the President will take the advice of his experts and reconsider his rash decision. I know it’s the holiday season but there’s no reason to give gifts to the Iranian, Russian, and Syrian regimes while leaving our allies to fend for themselves.”

Today, Pentagon officials announced that all U.S. forces will be withdrawn from Syria over the coming weeks, following the President’s claim to have defeated the Islamic State. The United States has been active in Syria since 2014 and maintains approximately 2,000 troops there to support anti-ISIS forces.