No U.S. Aid to Syria

One of JINSA’s principal tenets is that the responsibility for securing the people of Israel belongs to the government of Israel. No one else can do it. However, when a question arises about American participation in Middle East negotiations, we believe the Flag and General Officers with whom we work – as well as our Advisory Board members – can provide valuable insights into the thinking of American security professionals. The following was excerpted from a statement that JINSA sent to Capitol Hill last week, signed by more than 25 Israel Trip “alumni” and Advisory Board members.

One of JINSA’s principal tenets is that the responsibility for securing the people of Israel belongs to the government of Israel. No one else can do it. However, when a question arises about American participation in Middle East negotiations, we believe the Flag and General Officers with whom we work – as well as our Advisory Board members – can provide valuable insights into the thinking of American security professionals. The following was excerpted from a statement that JINSA sent to Capitol Hill last week, signed by more than 25 Israel Trip “alumni” and Advisory Board members.

Statement (excerpts)

As American defense professionals, we view Middle East peace negotiations through the prism of American security interests. A secure, durable peace between Israel and Syria is much to be desired, and the United States has a key role to play. But credible reports of proposed American assistance to Syria should raise grave concerns for Americans.

We strongly believe the responsibility for securing the people of Israel belongs to the democratically elected government of Israel… However, the negotiations surrounding the Golan Heights have the potential to undermine regional security efforts that are important to the United States. As American military professionals, we strongly oppose the rehabilitation of Syrian military capabilities.

Whether directly or through the provision of economic assistance that permits the Syrian government to spend its own limited resources on military equipment, the expansion or upgrading of Syrian forces would be a source of instability in the region. Syria’s expanding relationship with Iran and Iraq, as well as its military relationship with North Korea and the harboring of terrorists that harass both Israel and Turkey, make it an unlikely candidate for a constructive relationship with the U.S. military.

There is no indication that Syria has undertaken to advance the principles of liberty, democracy or the rule of law, or that it has abandoned its quest for ballistic missile technology and weapons of mass destruction.

Rather, it appears that Syria is seeking a qualitative improvement in its military forces for purposes that are unlikely to advance Western interests in general, or American interests in particular.

We therefore hope the Government of the United States will refrain from offering Syria assistance that could be used in the upgrading or expansion of its military capabilities.

Signers include: Dr. Stephen D. Bryen; LG Anthony Burshnick, USAF (ret); LG George Christmas, USMC (ret.); MG Lee Downer, USAF (ret.); Adm. Leon Edney, USN (ret.); MG Bobby Floyd, USAF (ret.); Gen. John Foss, USA (ret.); LG Ronald Hite, USA (ret.); The Hon. Frank Hoeber; Adm. Jerome Johnson, USN (ret.); VA Dennis Jones, USN (ret.); Ms. Phyllis Kaminsky; Prof. Michael Ledeen; RA Fred Lewis, USN (ret.); VA Steve Loftus, USN (ret.); MG Jarvis Lynch, USMC (ret.); LG Charles May, Jr., USAF (ret.); MG William C. Moore, USA (ret.); LG Robert Patterson, USAF (ret.); MG Robert Rosenkrantz, USA (ret.); Gen. Crosbie Saint, USA (ret.); MG Sidney Shachnow, USA (ret.); Gen.Lawrence Skantze, USAF (ret.); Adm. Leighton Smith, USN (ret.); Adm. William D. Smith, USN (ret.); LG Ted Stroup, USA (ret.); MG Larry Taylor, USMCR (ret.); Col. Bruce Williams, USA (ret.); The Hon. R. James Woolsey