January 2025

Letter in Support of Preserving Religious Freedom in Syria and the Middle East

Letter in Support of Preserving Religious Freedom in Syria and the Middle East

SIGNATURE COUNT: 110

The IRF Community and Middle East Working Group circulated a letter addressing the urgent need to preserve religious freedom in Syria and the Middle East. Directed to President Biden and Secretary Blinken, with copies to President-elect Trump and Secretary of State-designate Rubio, the letter urges immediate U.S. action to halt Turkey's aggression in Northeast Syria and support a pluralistic, non-sectarian constitutional framework for the region. It advocates reimposing sanctions under Executive Order 13894 against Turkey's leadership until Turkish forces and proxies withdraw from Syrian territories governed by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (DAANES). Highlighting DAANES' success as a secular, multi-ethnic governance model, the letter underscores its potential to shape a peaceful Syria. It warns of the risks posed by Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions and Islamist proxies, emphasizing the critical role of the U.S. and allies in safeguarding religious diversity and preventing regional destabilization.


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