The U.S. Capital, Washington D.C., hosted a prominent political and humanitarian event: a special Congressional briefing titled “Defending Freedom.” The session aimed to shed light on the deteriorating conditions in Syria and explore avenues for protecting religious minorities amidst escalating security threats and sectarian tensions.
International Organization and a Shared Vision
The briefing was held under the official sponsorship of Congressman Marlin Stutzman, in collaboration with DGPAC, Druze Nexus, and Mr. Tim Ballard. The platform brought together an elite group of political experts, human rights activists, and representatives of Syrian local communities to deliver a realistic and direct account of the suffering on the ground.
Active Participation by the “Western Syria Development Organization” (WSDO)
The Western Syria Development Organization emerged as a key and influential player during the session. The organization presented a strategic vision linking Syrian stability to global national security, focusing on the following pillars:
• The Threat of Jihadi Ideology: WSDO emphasized that the terrorist threat is not merely a local affair but a global danger requiring a firm international response.
• Protecting Religious Diversity: The organization stressed the necessity of protecting religious minorities, asserting that targeting any single component is a threat to the entire Syrian fabric.
A Message of Loyalty: From Sheikh Ghazal to Rep. Stutzman
In a notable humanitarian and political gesture, the briefing witnessed the delivery of special greetings and thanks from Sheikh Ghazal to Representative Marlin Stutzman. This message came in appreciation of the Congressman’s fulfillment of the promise he made to support the Alawites during his meeting with the Sheikh last July, reflecting his serious commitment to addressing the files of all Syrian components with fairness.
Summary of Speakers’ Presentations
The event featured pivotal remarks from academic and political figures, with the main points as follows:
• Rep. Marlin Stutzman: Called for the protection of all Syrian minorities, emphasizing that “a powerful military aims to bring peace” and stressing that the success of any political path requires absolute religious freedom.
• Dr. Walid Phares: Warned of a global jihadi threat in Syria similar to the pre-9/11 climate, calling on Congress to pressure for an end to extremist ideology.
• Mr. Tim Ballard: Described the Druze community as a “chosen people” and demanded the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors in cooperation with the Red Cross, noting the “lack of reporting” in Western media.
• Mr. Abouassaf: Asserted that the atrocities in Sweida were “not spontaneous” but orchestrated. He warned of Syria falling under total jihadi rule and called for the inclusion of minority protection in legislation such as the “Save the Kurds Act.”
• Dr. Hajali: Revealed the tragedy of 8,000 students in Sweida forced to drop out of their studies and warned of widespread sexual violence and jihadi incitement against minorities.
• Dr. Ammatouri: Described the events in Sweida as “ethnic cleansing,” including the burning of places of worship and the killing of between 2,000 and 4,000 people.
• Dr. Kreinath: Confirmed that genocide attempts were ordered from the highest levels of government, pointing to a deteriorating humanitarian situation exacerbated by the lack of international oversight.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The briefing concluded by emphasizing that uniting international efforts is the only way to ensure the protection of minorities and achieve justice. Through its presence, the Western Syria Development Organization proved its effectiveness in conveying the voice of Syrians to global decision-making centers, working toward a future that guarantees dignity and freedom for all components without exception.