Lindsey Graham, longtime advocate of U.S. role in Syria, dies at 71
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican lawmaker and one of the most influential voices on American foreign policy, died on Sunday at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office.
Representing South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003, Graham built a reputation as a leading advocate of an assertive U.S. military and diplomatic role in the Middle East. Throughout Syria’s conflict, he was among the strongest congressional supporters of maintaining an American military presence in northeastern Syria and backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
Graham repeatedly argued that withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria would undermine the campaign against ISIS and jeopardize regional stability. In 2019, he publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to pull troops from parts of northeastern Syria, warning that the move would abandon Kurdish allies and create opportunities for ISIS to regroup.
He also urged Washington to maintain economic pressure on the Syrian government while supporting political efforts aimed at reaching a lasting settlement to the conflict. In Congress, Graham consistently advocated continued security cooperation with the SDF, describing the force as a key U.S. partner against extremist groups.
In recent years, Graham continued to promote legislation supporting Kurdish partners, including measures aimed at strengthening U.S. commitments to the Kurdish people.
Graham’s passing is expected to leave a significant gap among Republican lawmakers shaping U.S. policy toward Syria and the broader Middle East.