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Trump's New Secretary of State.. Opposed to Withdrawing US Forces Before Regime Change
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Appointment of Rubio, who opposes withdrawal from Syria, indicates possible shift in US policy toward strengthening military presence in the region
President-elect Donald Trump continues forming his administration, selecting Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and former General Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor.
Rubio's hardline positions on the Syrian file stand out, describing the withdrawal of US forces from Syria as a "grave mistake," emphasizing the necessity of continued US military presence.
The prospective Secretary of State affirms that withdrawal from Syria before regime change would undermine counter-terrorism efforts, indicating that "the United States cannot defeat ISIS until Assad is removed from power."
Rubio participated in introducing legislation to combat normalization with the Syrian regime, considering "Assad's presence in power a major cause of people's radicalization in the region."
The Republican Senator believes regime change should occur through "a group of local alternatives," rejecting reliance on foreign fighters or external forces.
Trump appointed Mike Waltz, former Special Forces officer, as National Security Advisor, describing him as an "expert in confronting threats from China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism."
Waltz brings extensive military experience as a retired Special Forces officer and National Guard Colonel, along with his political history as Director of Defense Policy for previous Defense Secretaries.
Waltz currently chairs the Armed Services subcommittee overseeing military logistics in the House of Representatives, with membership in the select Intelligence Committee. His positions on Ukraine have shifted, recently calling for a review of US objectives there, preferring to focus resources in the Pacific region.
These appointments have raised concerns in Congress, especially with unclear final election results and worry about vacant Republican seats requiring supplementary elections.
The National Security Advisor position, which doesn't require Senate confirmation, is a pivotal role coordinating between top national security agencies, responsible for briefing the president and implementing his directives.
Levant-Agencies
