51 Outraged US Diplomats Confront White House on Syria Policy: Urge Strike on Assad

Caitlin Burke : Jun 17, 2016
CBN News

Their "dissent cable" comes after CIA Director John Brennan testified before a Congressional hearing that Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad was in a stronger position now than he was a year ago.

[CBN News] More than 50 diplomats from across the State Department are calling for a new U.S. policy on Syria, including more direct action against Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad. (Photo Credit: CBN News)

The officials have all signed an internal document advocating for U.S. military action to pressure Assad into accepting a cease-fire and engaging in peace talks.

One of the officials responsible for the document said it was written in response to five years of failed policy, saying Assad has yet to face consequences for his actions.

Several sources confirm that Secretary of State John Kerry has also recommended a more aggressive U.S. response in Syria, but has been shut down by the White House.

In a statement Thursday night, State Department spokesman John Kirby addressed the recent request by his employees.

"We are aware of a dissent channel cable written by a group of State Department employees regarding the situation in Syria. We are reviewing the cable now, which came up very recently, and I am not going to comment on the contents," said Kirby.

The State Department has 30 to 60 days to respond.

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