Baker Institute founding director Edward P. Djerejian spoke to the media this week about the political protests in Syria and U.S. policy in Afghanistan.
President Obama has announced plans to begin pulling out U.S. troops from Afghanistan despite a mixed reaction from military leaders. In a meeting with the Houston Chronicle editorial board, Djerejian, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel and to Syria, noted that generals must think tactically and presidents must think strategically.
Separately, in TV interviews, Djerejian also discussed the pro-government rallies held across Syria, which he said are mainly orchestrated by the authorities to show that the regime still has support. He also addressed the diversity of protesting groups and the possibility of sectarian violence, as well as Turkey’s influence on Syrian President Bashar Assad.