"We must also remain mindful of the security concerns presented by events in Syria."
"Assad has defaulted on his word in the past. He will be judged on his actions and not his promises."
"I will be interested to hear from our panel what courses of action they would recommend that would advance American national security interests."
"Though the situation in Syria remains fluid, there have been important diplomatic developments."
"Since our last hearing a month and a half ago, the world has witnessed the continued violent suppression of protestors and dissidents by the regime of Bashar Assad and clashes between government force..."
"our President and our Secretary of State have said Bashar al-Assad of Syria must go."
"I was cautious about calling for Bashar al-Assad to go not because I do not want him to go, but because that then invites the question of 'What are you doing?'"
"While the administration should not take any options off the table, we should remain skeptical about committing military forces to this conflict."
"Well, I join you, Mr. Chairman, in welcoming our distinguished witnesses, and we appreciate their testimony as we consider policy options toward Syria."
"It remains to be seen whether this cease-fire is durable and how it contributes to the goal of a genuine transition in Syria."
"if there is one country in the world which perhaps is more concerned about a nuclear-armed Iran than Israel is it is Saudi Arabia."