Top GOP senator says Syria ceasefire welcome but actions must match words

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 5 min read 100% complete by Benjamin WeinthalJanuary 19, 2026 at 05:42 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Following the Syrian army's advances into SDF-controlled areas, a fragile ceasefire agreement has been reached. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed the ceasefire but cautioned that the Syrian government's actions must align with its promises, citing concerns about the potential exploitation of the conflict by ISIS and Iran. Reports have emerged alleging that forces controlled by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former U.S.-designated terrorist, have released ISIS prisoners. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, highlighted the agreement between the SDF and al-Sharaa as a pivotal moment for Syrian unity in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing al-Sharaa's affirmation of Kurdish integration within Syria. Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports of ongoing skirmishes between the Syrian army and SDF persist.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Turkey 30% Kurdistan 24 30% al-Qaeda 40% Tom Barrack ×250% Iran 50% Islamic State of Iraq and Syria ×470% Jim Risch ×270% United States ×470% Syrian Arab Army ×380% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×680% Syrian Democratic Forces ×580% Syria ×890%

Keywords

syria ceasefire 100% syrian democratic forces (sdf) 80% terrorism 70% isis 70% syrian army 60% ahmed al-sharaa 60% kurdish rights 60% international terrorism 50% u.s. sanctions 50%