Gabbard sheds light on Assad visit, expresses shock intelligence community showed no interest at the time

Director of national intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard recently shed more light on her controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. This meeting has faced scrutiny since President Donald Trump nominated Gabbard, the former congresswoman, for the position.
During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Senator Martin Heinrich questioned Gabbard about the details of her meeting with Assad. Gabbard explained that upon her return from the trip, she met with congressional leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer to discuss her takeaways. Despite the lack of interest from the intelligence community or State Department in her insights, Gabbard maintained that she asked Assad tough questions about his regime’s actions, including the use of chemical weapons and brutal tactics against his own people.
The visit to Syria in 2017, where Gabbard met with Assad, has been a point of contention among Democrats, who question her judgment and worldview as a potential DNI. Gabbard defended her trip, stating that engaging directly with foreign leaders, whether adversaries or friends, can provide valuable insights for policymakers.
In response to Heinrich’s inquiry about extracting concessions from Assad, Gabbard admitted that she did not expect to receive any but felt it was important to address critical issues during the meeting. She emphasized the importance of leaders engaging in on-the-ground discussions to gain a deeper understanding of complex geopolitical situations.
It is worth noting that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also met with Assad in 2007, despite criticism from then-President George W. Bush. Gabbard’s willingness to engage with controversial figures like Assad reflects her belief in the value of direct diplomacy and dialogue.
As Gabbard navigates the confirmation process for the DNI position, her past interactions with Assad continue to be a topic of debate. However, she remains steadfast in her belief that engaging with world leaders, even those deemed as adversaries, can provide valuable insights for shaping foreign policy decisions.
Overall, Gabbard’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee highlighted her commitment to engaging in tough conversations and addressing pressing international issues. As she awaits confirmation, her approach to diplomacy and foreign affairs will continue to be scrutinized by lawmakers and the public alike.