Tillerson outlines ‘the way forward’ toward stable Syria

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offered a strategy of security and stabilization to end the Syrian conflict in a January 17 speech at Stanford University in California.

“The Syrian people have endured seven years of unimaginable chaos and hardship. They need help,” he said.

Tillerson recognized the sacrifices of the Syrian people and U.S. allies, and outlined five steps that will stabilize Syria and create a durable peace. If five goals are met with a combination of security and diplomacy, “it will be a victory for all, and it will support the ability of the Syrian people to pursue their own God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Five key goals for Syria

1. Defeat ISIS and al-Qaida terrorists.

2. Rely on U.N. process to resolve conflict between Syrian people and Assad regime.

3. Diminish Iran’s influence.

4. Create conditions so Syrian refugees can return home.

5. Remove weapons of mass destruction.