“The 54 lawmakers who joined Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) in calling for an inclusive diplomatic solution to the Syrian conflict deserve tremendous credit for their vision. The conflict in Syria has been perpetuated and intensified by a deficit of diplomacy and an over reliance on military escalation. The ongoing and intensifying humanitarian toll of the Syrian civil war can only be addressed through serious and inclusive multilateral negotiations without preconditions involving all parties to the conflict, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. 
 
“Now that the nuclear dispute with Iran is on a path to resolution, there is no excuse not to test whether Iran is willing to play a productive role in negotiations on Syria as well as several other urgent crises afflicting the region. This view is shared widely, as reflected in the strong backing for Rep. Himes’ letter. Now is the time to pursue a diplomatic dividend with Iran and other key regional actors, and try to bring about a peaceful resolution to the tragic war.”

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