Richard Grenell, former U.S. intelligence chief, has strongly criticized the Biden administration for failing to collaborate with Türkiye during the crisis in Syria.
Former US official calls ignoring Türkiye a ‘mistake’
Speaking on recent developments, Grenell emphasized the importance of working with Türkiye, a NATO ally since 1952, stating, “Ignoring Türkiye is a mistake.”
. @JoeBiden failed to say he would work with our @NATO ally Turkey on the developing chaos in Syria.
Ignoring Turkey, a NATO ally since 1952, is just plain dumb.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister @HakanFidan has been clear about protecting Christians and other minorities.
The fall of the Assad regime marked a turning point in Syria’s political landscape. Opposition forces operation, initiated on November 27, culminated in the regime losing control of Damascus after days.
Assad and his family fled to Russia as the regime crumbled.
The leader of Syria’s Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, arrives inside the Syrian capital’s landmark Umayyad Mosque to address a crowd gathered there on December 8, 2024. – Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, gave a speech as the crowd chanted “Allahu akbar (God is greatest),” a video shared by the rebels on their Telegram channel showed. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP)Military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces is pictured abandoned on the side of a road in Syria’s Hama governorate, on December 7, 2024. (AFP Photo)A portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pictured with its frame broken, on outskirts of central city of Hama, Syria, Dec. 7, 2024. (AFP Photo)A demonstrator holds a Syrian opposition flag as members of the Syrian community chant slogans in Syntagma square in Athens to celebrate the end of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad after rebel fighters took control of the Syrian capital Damascus overnight, on December 8, 2024. – Islamist-led rebels toppled Syria’s longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive that a UN envoy called “a watershed moment” for the nation marred by civil war. (Photo by Angelos TZORTZINIS / AFP)
Diplomatic efforts by Türkiye
Grenell also praised Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, noting his effective diplomacy in the region. “Fidan has been clear in his commitment to protecting Christians and other minorities,” Grenell said, pointing to Türkiye’s proactive stance in advocating for stability and inclusivity in Syria.
Richard Grenell. (AFP Photo)
