Ambassador Ford faces tough questions over Syria policy

Photo by Flickr User Amnesty International/Christoph Koettl

US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, speaking at Amnesty International General Meeting in Denver

U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, went before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today to update members on the situation in the war-torn country.

While there was some good news out of Syria today — the country has met its first deadline to remove its chemical weapons stockpiles and capabilities by July of next year — both Democrats and Republicans focused questioning on what broader efforts are in place to end the conflict.

“Let me just ask you this. The opposition, that you know personally in many cases, are they faring better today since we moved towards trying to destroy the chemical weapons that are on the ground? Are they faring better since we decided not to go ahead with military force than they were before this discussion began?”

Sen. Bob Corker, Ranking Member, Foreign Relations Committee.

“They’re deeply disappointed, Senator, that we chose not to use military force. I have heard just anguish from people that I have talked to over there. And I’ve had to explain the administration’s rationale. And I have had to emphasize to them that our primary goal here is to find a political solution.”

Robert Ford, U.S. Ambassador to Syria.

H/T Frank Carlson