My letter in The New York Times regarding President Bashar al-Assad of Syria

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote, which appeared in The New York Times, about President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and the decision by some Arab nations to normalize relations with Syria despite al-Assad’s reign of tyranny and terror:

April 18, 2023

To the Editor:

Re “After Shunning Assad for Years, the Arab World Changes Its Tune” (news article, April 14):

It is troubling to see that several Arab nations have chosen to embrace President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, whose tenure has been marked by unspeakable atrocities and egregious human rights violations. His reign of tyranny and terror should result in ongoing condemnation, not the newfound credibility that is being bestowed upon him by Syria’s Arab neighbors.

Mass killings and widespread violence that have forced millions of people to flee their homes cannot and should not be overlooked when assessing the strategic importance of re-establishing formal relations with Syria and its rogue leader.

Mr. al-Assad should be reviled, not recognized.

N. Aaron Troodler
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.