Secretary of State John Kerry indicated Thursday that the situation in Syria is the most frustrating part of his portfolio as the nation’s chief diplomat, but said neither he nor President Obama would apologize for trying to find a diplomatic solution.
“I’m not happy with Syria,” Kerry said in Washington Thursday when asked where he was “least satisfied.”
“I’m very, very dissatisfied with where we are with Syria,” he said. “I’m extremely concerned about where it is going, and what will happen to the people of Syria and to the region if a more rational and moral-based common-sense approach is not found to deal with this situation.”
The cease-fire the U.S. negotiated with Russia fell apart almost immediately after it was due to take effect on Sept. 12. The U.S. warned Russia and Syria repeatedly to end the military violence so political talks can begin, and was ultimately forced to admit the pact was broken just days later.
Kerry said the ongoing attacks are still killing and injuring Syrians, and said the ongoing bombing of Aleppo is “inexcusable.”
“It’s indiscriminate,” he said. “They took out a hospital last night. I think 400 civilians have been killed over the last eight days, 100 of them are children.”
And he reiterated his remarks from this week in which he said the U.S. was essentially done working with Russia on Syria.
“I think we’re on the verge of suspending the discussion because … it’s irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there trying to take things seriously,” Kerry said. “There’s no notion or indication of the seriousness of purpose with what is taking place right now.”
“So, it’s one of those moments where we’re going to have to pursue other alternatives for a period of time, barring some clearer indication by the warring parties that they’re prepared to consider how to approach this more effectively,” he said.
But Kerry said it’s too easy criticize his efforts, and said the administration has no regrets for trying.
“I make no apology, nor does President Obama, none whatsoever, for trying to reach out and find out if there is a way to achieve the political settlement that everybody says it the only way to solve the problem of Syria,” he said. He also said Congress has yet to come up with any other alternatives.
“I don’t see Congress panting to put people on the ground to go to war in Syria,” he said. “[W]hat is the alternative? Is the United States of America going to go to war in Syria? I don’t think that’s about to happen.”
