Last week, with the Senate out of session for Independence Day, I joined a small group of senators on an official fact-finding mission to the Middle East. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, it is especially important for me to visit with other policy and military leaders in this volatile region, including United States commanders. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) led the congressional delegation, which also included Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and John Boozman (R-AR). 

The first stop of our trip was Incirlik, Turkey, where we visited a Syrian refugee camp maintained by the Turkish government. For two years, the Syrian people have been engaged in a violent civil war that pits a group of rebels – made up of both moderates and extremists – against Bashar Assad, the country’s dictator. Assad has used chemical weapons, ballistic missiles, and heavy artillery in an indiscriminate campaign of terror against the Syrian people, resulting in over 100,000 dead.

As a result of this bloodshed, hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled Syria to neighboring countries, including Turkey and Jordan. All members of the United Nations (U.N.) are required by law to accept refugees and provide them with safe-haven. As signatories to the U.N. charter, both Turkey and Jordan have constructed refugee camps. Remarkably, 15 percent of Jordan’s population is now comprised of refugees.

The “tent-city” I visited appeared well organized and safe, but the living conditions were poor. Dozens of people share single tents, sleeping on the ground and cooking on hotplates. I was moved by their plight and appreciate the efforts of Turkish officials who were trying to improve their situation. While in Turkey, we also had the privilege of having breakfast with U.S. troops serving at the Incirlik Air Base, including some Nebraskans. 

It is always a privilege to meet with Nebraska constituents, but it is an even greater honor to spend time with those constituents wearing our Nation’s uniform an ocean away. I expressed to them the thanks of all Nebraskans and assured them of our continued prayers for their safety.

We then travelled to Amman, Jordan, where we met with top officials to discuss regional turmoil. The visit coincided with growing unrest in Egypt and the ouster of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The Jordanians expressed their strong concerns with Egypt’s growing instability, the ongoing civil war in Syria, and the notable vacuum of United States leadership and influence in the region.

Time after time, there was a clear and consistent message: peace in the region is contingent upon American leadership. The administration’s failed foreign policy of “leading from behind” seems to have caught up to us. I urge the president – our primary voice to the world on foreign policy – to make clear where the United States stands. Our allies need reassurance of our support and our enemies need a reminder of our resolve.

The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with U.S. troops in Kabul, Afghanistan. Part of my job as a senator is to remind these brave men and women of our support – particularly the Nebraska constituents I met with at Camp Eggers. It was a real honor to share an American-style barbeque with our troops who sacrifice so much to protect the United States’ hard-fought gains in Afghanistan.

While policymakers in Washington debate politics, strategy, and drawdown numbers, it is our service men and women who are charged with implementing the policy. To make informed decisions, it is critical for legislators to visit with our commanders and those on the frontlines. I am thankful for the opportunity to gain such valuable perspective, and I ask for your prayers for all of our service members and their families.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Deb Fischer
United States Senator