The recent conflicts in the Middle East have brought into focus ideological and political shifts in thought that some American leaders, particularly of the Democratic Party, have made. One such political figure is House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi seemed to enjoy a good relationship with Assad, when she rejected President George W. Bush’s recommendation to not meet with Syria’s dictator. In 2007, Pelosi ignored the Bush administration’s foreign policies and met with one of the most authoritarian leaders of the world— one who has ruled Syria by killings, torture and oppression. Later, though, Pelosi praised Assad by stating, “We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace.” This rhetoric, these remarks, and the trip to Damascus itself further legitimized Assad’s rule, not only domestically but also regionally and internationally.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:51:35 +0000