Jordan 2013 - Press Conference U.S. Senators John McCain and Robert Menendez

TL;DR

Senators discuss arming Syrian opposition, humanitarian crisis, and conflict implications in a regional setting.

Transcript

good afternoon everyone uh my name is f mot head of the media ad economic Forum welcome and I would actually write directly to uh introduce Senator mcken which you all know already um he's here with the um position Senate arm Services committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and next to me is Senator Robert Menendez chairman Senate Foreign ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦾 Arming vetted Syrian opposition groups aims to bring about a political solution to the crisis.
• 😄 Humanitarian assistance is crucial to ease the burden on countries like Jordan hosting refugees.
• 🪽 A no-fly zone could change the military dynamics in Syria, potentially influencing political negotiations.
• 🇮🇶 Regional implications of the Syrian conflict extend to destabilizing neighboring countries like Iraq and Lebanon.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of arming vetted Syrian opposition groups?

Arming vetted Syrian opposition groups is seen as essential to change the dynamics in Syria, end the bloodshed, and move towards a future Syria that respects human rights and includes all elements of Syrian society.

Q: How do the senators propose to deal with the influx of jihadists and extremists in Syria?

The senators suggest establishing a safe zone where moderates can organize, train, and receive assistance to counter the influence of jihadists and ensure the right people receive support.

Q: What is the stance on the establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria?

While considering a no-fly zone as an option, the senators emphasize that it would require a multilateral effort and careful consideration to address the regional implications and responses, including from Iran.

Q: How do the senators view the prospects of success for the Geneva 2 conference?

The senators express hopes for Geneva 2 to lead to a political solution in Syria by involving all parties, but emphasize that a parallel track involving military support may be needed to pressure Assad for a negotiated transition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Senators discuss the crisis in Syria, focusing on the use of chemical weapons and humanitarian aid.

• They highlight the need for a political solution through arming vetted Syrian opposition groups and creating a transition fund.

• The senators emphasize the regional impact of the Syrian conflict on countries like Jordan and Iraq.