Washington, D.C. – A veteran U.S. Congressman has outlined a vision for a stable, post-conflict Syria, advocating for a federalist model inspired by the American system and a sustained U.S. Military presence. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, speaking to reporters, emphasized the continued importance of Washington’s relationship with Kurdish forces and expressed cautious optimism regarding recent dialogue between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.
Stutzman, a member of the House of Representatives, detailed his assessment of the evolving situation in Syria following a recent Congressional session dedicated to the country’s future. He acknowledged the complexities of the conflict, highlighting the vulnerability of minority groups and the critical role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in achieving lasting peace.
“We’ve seen a lot of ebb and flow over the past year,” Stutzman stated. “After attacks on Druze and Alawites, we’re now seeing similar threats facing Kurds and Christians. I want what’s best for the Syrian people and the region, but that requires genuine coordination between Damascus and all minority groups within the country. The onus is on President Assad to make that happen. I’ve met with him three times, and I hope he succeeds, because if he does, Syria will succeed. But as long as the killings and conflicts continue, the situation won’t improve.”
The Congressman welcomed the unprecedented meeting between General Mazloum Abdi and Minister Mekdad at the Munich Security Conference as a “very positive start.” While acknowledging the issuance of visas and progress on passport procedures as encouraging signs, he cautioned that “this is just the beginning.”
Stutzman underscored the vital importance of the U.S. Relationship with Kurdish forces, who have been instrumental in the fight against ISIS. “Our commitment to the fight against ISIS has been demonstrated through our own military operations and those of our allies, France and Italy. The anti-ISIS coalition is strong, but not yet where we need it to be. Regarding Russia, we must continue to pressure them to leave Syria, as they are only fueling the conflict. Throughout this process, our relationship with the Kurds is critical. They have always been America’s greatest friend and supporter in the region, and I want that bond to remain strong. Senator Graham is also working hard in the Senate to protect this relationship. Our ties with the Druze and Alawites are also important, but so is our communication with Damascus. We want a peaceful Syria. Assad has a difficult job, but he must stop the attacks, because every attack sets the process back.”
Addressing concerns about the future of U.S. Support for the Kurds, Stutzman asserted that President Donald Trump remains a staunch ally. “I know President Trump values his most important allies in the region. He is, in my opinion, the most powerful diplomat and negotiator America has had since Ronald Reagan. He worked hard on this special relationship with the Kurds during his previous term, and it remains a high priority for him. Trump understands the strategic and historical importance of this connection and wants that interest to continue to grow.”
Stutzman expressed a degree of skepticism regarding any agreement between the SDF and Damascus without robust U.S. Guarantees. “President Trump will be watching the Assad administration very closely. We are hoping for the best, but words are not enough; we need actions. The attacks in January shook our confidence, but General Mazloum and Sheikh Bani’s joint travel is a good sign. The next month will be critical. We also need to establish a transparent financial system in Syria to prevent corruption. Aid from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the EU must actually reach the people.”
He issued a direct warning to the Assad regime, stating, “We are not looking to replace one dictator with another. We are looking for actions, not words. The attacks on Kurds and Druze in January seriously damaged our trust. Lifting sanctions was a major opportunity for Damascus, a signal of willingness to work together. But if attacks on our allies continue, Assad will be held responsible. He must be transparent; if he cannot control the situation, he must say so openly and ask for our help.”
Responding to criticism of U.S. Special Representative for Syria, Ambassador Tom Barrack, as being overly assertive, Stutzman emphasized the close relationship between Barrack and President Trump. “We all have the same goal: a peaceful and prosperous Syria that is good for the entire region.” However, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation on the ground, noting “significant internal disagreements within President Ahmed al-Shara’s government. Shara himself appears more pragmatic and wants to bring the parties together, but there seems to be a tension and struggle in different directions within the government.”
Stutzman voiced his support for the “Save the Kurds Act,” proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham, stating he would support the legislation in the House of Representatives if necessary. “I was actually hoping peace would have been achieved by now. There were talks in December about General Mazloum going to Damascus to sign a defense agreement, but it didn’t happen. Now, with Mazloum and Sheikh Bani working together, I hope a new path will open up. Shara must make this agreement happen. He has friends who are willing to help, but it is up to him to make that help possible.”
To address Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity, Stutzman proposed a federalist model for governance, drawing parallels to the U.S. System. “I believe the Kurds should have the ability to govern themselves, just like a state in America. Like Indiana, we govern ourselves at the state level, but we look to the federal government for national security and borders. Why shouldn’t Kurds govern themselves in their own state, and Druze in theirs? A united Syria is a better solution, and if Shara can achieve this, he could become a legend for Syria.”
Contrary to calls for U.S. Withdrawal, Stutzman argued for a sustained American military presence, advocating for the establishment of permanent bases in Syria. “We must maintain our presence there because this is a critical window as the old leader goes and the new one comes in. We have a massive presence in Europe, but we don’t need it as much anymore. We can shift that power and bring peace to the region. If we establish military bases instead of the Russians, we can stabilize the region. Russia does not bring stability; it only manipulates. Establishing a military base in Syria would be a smart move to support the Kurds, continue the fight against terrorism, and keep Russia away.”
Finally, Stutzman addressed the impact of documented war crimes on U.S. Policy. “I have seen the horrific videos of Kurdish fighters having their hair cut and civilians being murdered,” he said. “Watching a soldier fire three shots into a woman lying on the ground who is not yet dead is something that anyone who values life cannot ignore. The U.S. Once experienced a brutal civil war, with families fighting families, but we overcame it and found a way to unite. Syria can do the same.”
Concluding with a message to the Kurds and their allies, Stutzman reassured them, “No, we are definitely not abandoning you. It saddens me that Kurds, Druze, and other groups feel this way. I am fighting for minority groups in Washington. I know President Trump also wants to see peace in Syria. The louder our voices, the better we can explain what is really happening in Syria.”
