U.S. Considers Shuttering Syria Mission Over Security

Foreign Policy’s Josh Rogin reports that the U.S. is considering shutting down its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus. Violence has recently reached near the central city, raising concerns among several missions there. The U.S. is negotiating with the Syrian government over new security measures in the surrounding streets, and if a suitable resolution cannot be reached, the embassy could close its doors. “We’ve had serious concerns about the fact that the mission is exposed, as have other embassies,” an administration official told Rogin. “We’ve been in to see the Syrians to request extra security measures. They are deciding what they can do.” Amb. Robert Ford, who showed “solidarity” with protesters and faced physical attacks, left Syria this fall for six weeks, but since returned.