Ex-lawmaker Gabbard faces tough questions after Syrian leader's sudden exit
Former representative Tulsi Gabbard seeks top intel position right after Syrian regime change. Her past meeting with ex-leader Assad raises questions about confirmation chances
On dec 9th Tulsi Gabbard went back to Capitol Hill seeking support for her intel-chief nomination: this visit happened just as Syria faced major changes. The ex-congresswomans timing coincided with the week-end overthrow of long-standing Syrian leader
The situation got more complex due to Gabbards controversial past – her decision to meet with now-ex-president al-Assad (during a much-discussed Syria trip about seven years ago) might affect her chances. National-security experts have different thoughts about this: some question her past choices while others focus on current qualifications
The recent developments in Syria brought extra attention to this nomination process. The Moscow-supported Assad lost power to anti-government groups after running the country for almost 25 years; his departure marks significant changes in Middle-East politics. The rebel groups quick takeover surprised many regional experts and changed the whole situation
The confirmation process will likely include these key points:
- Her views on Syrian politics
- The reasons behind her 2017 Damascus visit
- Her thoughts on Russian influence in region
- Her plans for intel community leadership
The timing of Gabbards nomination – right after such big changes in Syria – created extra interest in next weeks senate meetings
