February 7, 2013

Last week, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will be giving an additional $155 million in humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, making the U.S. the largest single donor to the Syrian people with its total contributions to date of $365 million.

In a statement released last week, the White House said on Syria:

“The days ahead will continue to be very difficult. But what’s clear is that the regime continues to weaken and lose control of territory. The opposition continues to grow stronger. More Syrians are standing up for their dignity. The Assad regime will come to an end. The Syrian people will have their chance to forge their own future. And they will continue to find a partner in the United States of America.”

MPAC continues to monitor the continuously deteriorating situation in Syria, engage our government officials to ensure humanitarian aid for civilians, and discuss how the plight of the Syrian people should be a main priority for the administration.

Last summer, MPAC held a first-of-its-kind forum in Washington, DC, about the escalating conflict in Syria with Syrian American leaders. This half-day of roundtable discussions focused on the humanitarian crisis that has been caused by atrocities of the Bashar al-Assad regime in response to the Syrian people's revolution. The event was attended by policy experts, government officials, human rights workers and many leaders of the Syrian American community.

Following the policy forum, MPAC released a policy paper, “The Current Challenges to the Syrian Democratic Revolution,” that analyzes the egregious violence perpetrated by the al-Assad regime, examines historical trends in dealing with human rights policy toward the Middle East and North Africa, and makes policy recommendations to decision makers in government.

Since the Syrian revolution began two years ago, MPAC has also released several statements and held a press conference with Syrian American leaders on the removal of al-Assad regime, protecting civilians and calling for the enforcement of humanitarian aid.

As we continue to meet with government officials and strive to have on our voices heard on this atrocity, MPAC will keep you informed.

This March, MPAC is proud to serve as a co-sponsor of Islamic Relief USA's "Syria, A Humanitarian Crisis" benefit dinner in Anaheim, CA. Join us and show your support.