releases: https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-recent-independent-trip-syria-virginia-congressman-warns-turkey-s
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-recent-independent-trip-syria-virginia-congressman-warns-turkey-s | Following Recent Independent Trip to Syria, Virginia Congressman Warns of Turkeys Agenda in the Region | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | VA | Thomas Garrett | G000580 | tomgarrett.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Thomas Garrett Jr. just returned from a trip to Northeast Syria and Iraq where he met with top leadership in both regions that have been the ONLY reliable allies in the fight against ISIS. While there, Congressman Garrett spoke to the Deir A Zour Civil Council only miles from the front lines against ISIS and the Manbij Military Council which is the unit directly threatened by Turkey's recent attacks. In an evolving development this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is nowthreatening to attack American Forces and its allies to expand its territorial gains. Following Rep. Garrett's recent visit, he stated: We look the other way or do nothing so often that it becomes second nature but across the globe minorities are persecuted, exterminated, and displaced by raging governments or radical uprisings and the West stays quiet. With ISIS continuing engagement on the battlefield we have to correct the missteps that have taken place in this region. The answer isn't to remove these individuals from their country of origin but rather to create a circumstance where they can live safely in their home without fear. It should be noted that while Turkey says it will not target U.S. forces directly, this is an IMPOSSIBLE act as the U.S. Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces are co-located. Garrett added, Turkey is manipulating U.S. policy by spending millions per month in D.C. to buy influence. They lie about the pro-freedom multi-ethnic Syrian Democratic Council and suggest the Kurds control regions where I met with the actual leaders, who are not only Kurdish, but also Arab and Christian. Someone needs to tell the truth here, and the U.S. should stop acting as if Erdogan is an ally. He is not. President Trump has been in direct contact with President Erdogan to prioritize American soldiers in harm's way but the conversation is ongoing. Congressman Garrett's recent speech on the House floor regarding this issue may be seenhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |