Ribal Al-Assad, Director of the ODFS, recently visited Washington and New York to meet with various Congressmen, Senators and policy makers to discuss on ongoing crisis in Syria and the situation in the Middle East more generally.

During the visit, Ribal also spoke at the Center on National Security at Fordham Law, a non-partisan research and educational institute dedicated to enhancing public understanding of complex security challenges, and ‘The Common Good’, a non-partisan organization that strives to inspire broad participation in democracy through the free exchange of ideas and civil dialogue.

Commenting after the visit Ribal said:

“Having studied in the United Stated I have a great affinity for the principles and values shared by Americans, during my visit I was fortunate to meet with a number of key decision makers and it was a privilege to address so many revered individuals about the crisis in Syria and the Middle East.

With the situation in the region sadly continuing to deteriorate, it is vital that America and the International community continue to robustly confront extremism and stand up for freedom, democracy and individual liberty. I thank all those who made the visit such a success.”