Barbara A. Leaf

The ultimate responsibility for this continued tragedy rests with Bashar Al-Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, who has brought his country to the brink of ruin and remains intransigent.

The President's vision for a collaborative partnership with the countries of the Middle East comes in the wider context of a growing global challenge to our values of open societies and open economies.

Yes, I fully support Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist attacks and strongly condemn these attacks, no matter where they come from.

The administration's commitment to reducing regional tensions, banking the fires of conflict, building deep partnerships based on an affirmative agenda, and demonstrating the value of a sustained partnership with the United States remains…

As long as Bashar al-Assad is in control of Syria and Iran is present in Syria, it would be greatly irresponsible to urge Israel to part with the Golan Heights.

The U.S. Government has been clear that our Embassy will remain in Jerusalem.

If confirmed, I intend to deepen our diplomatic outreach to press countries of origin to repatriate their citizens from northeast Syria.

If confirmed, I will ensure my team works closely with Lebanese civil society, which deserves our continued support.

Israel is a critical partner to the United States and the two are united by shared values and strategic interests.

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

The importance of the U.S. military training and advisory mission in Iraq goes precisely to a homeland security issue which is ISIS.

If we are seen to be pushed out by this collection of a militia-affiliated actors in Iraq, we are going to lose critical intelligence.