Thankful to see @SenRubio reaffirm the Trump Administration’s commitment to making religious freedom a core part of U.S. foreign policy. There is no lasting peace or stability without it—it must guide even the hardest decisions in places like Syria, Nigeria, and beyond.

Capitol Hill event “Fortifying Religious Freedom in Syria” showed momentum for decentralization—local communities must have a say in their own security & governance. Honored to join Amb @SamuelBrownback, Rep Frank Wolf, @RepMarkWalker, @SirwanKajjo, Dr. Sam Azkul, Tony Amoury Alkhoury & Dr. Mahmud Zamlut. We heard testimony of: – Mass violence against Druze & Alawites, including horrific crimes by Syrian Security Forces – The Mar Elias church bombing in Damascus & continued threats to Christians – Stories of communities standing with & for each other We also heard success from NE Syria—building a cohesive society whose inclusion in the Syrian Government would strengthen all of Syria. A united Syria with decentralization or federalism gives this beautiful country its best chance at peace & stability. We urged the U.S. to put religious freedom at the center of policy & prioritize: 1. Safety – Protect civilians, support accountable local security, end impunity 2. Equal Citizenship – A new constitution guaranteeing rights for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender 3. Decentralization – Local authority over services & security, governance closer to the people 4. Reconciliation – Justice, restitution & community-level healing to rebuild trust Grateful to Co-Sponsors @ShaiFund & @thenazarenefund and Co-Hosts @IRFSummit, @JubileeC, @KurdishPeaceOrg, @RFInstitute, @PersecutedSave, @SinjarAcademy, @AlawitesAAUS, @Free_Yezidi, @GlobalPeace, @indefchristians & Ambassador Service Int’l. We all want Syria to succeed in a way that allows its diverse religious & ethnic communities to remain in their homeland.