By Sentinel Staff
Both of Alaska’s U.S. senators issued statements Thursday opposing President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria, and praising Defense Secretary James Mattis, who resigned in protest.
Sen. Dan Sullivan said Trump’s action on Syria “is a decision I do not support.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, “I find the administration’s abrupt withdrawal (from Syria) troubling and shortsighted.”
“I have supported the Trump administration’s foreign policy across a number of areas: its tougher approach on China and Russia, its strategy to counter malign Iranian influence in the Middle East, and its robust military strategy to defeat ISIS,” Sullivan said in his statement on Syria.
“(Wednesday’s) abrupt about-face to withdraw our limited force presence in Syria, however, is a decision I do not support. It could lead to the resurgence of ISIS – a major national security threat to the United States. It will likely create a vacuum in the region that will be filled by Russian and Iranian forces, or their proxies, increasing their influence in the Middle East at America’s expense.... I fear that this decision will increase Iran’s arc of influence, from Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, which will enhance its ability to threaten our national security interests, and those of our allies, including Israel.”
Murkowski said:
“I find the administration’s abrupt withdrawal (from Syria) troubling and shortsighted. ISIS was waiting for a power vacuum to fill, and we are handing them exactly that. This action will also empower Iran, and the absence of U.S. forces in the area potentially opens a path for Iranian fighters and their proxies to launch attacks on Israel. We are also abandoning our longest ally in the region – the Kurds. I am equally alarmed by reports of an abrupt reduction in forces from Afghanistan where Alaskans have fought and died. ... My advice to the President is that he reconsider the Syrian withdrawal, and take a pause in bold shifts in our military posture as he gets his new senior military team in place.”
As for Mattis’ resignation as Secretary of Defense, Murkowski said:
“Secretary Mattis is a strong, respected leader with a wealth of knowledge about the issues and challenges facing our national security. He has consistently been forward thinking, focused, and clear minded.... The departure of Secretary James Mattis leaves a big hole in the cabinet leadership. His resignation letter showed tremendous courage. I thank Secretary Mattis for his leadership and service to our nation.”
Sullivan said, “I’m disheartened by the impending resignation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. His decades of service to our nation – from a Marine Corps second lieutenant to our 26th Secretary of Defense – embodies all that makes this country truly great.
“America is stronger and our military is more capable and lethal because of Secretary Mattis. And though he would never acknowledge it, history will one day record that Secretary Mattis was a once-in-a-generation Secretary of Defense. Semper Fidelis, Mr. Secretary.”
