00:00Why you think President Trump has decided to attach so much importance to relations with this new leadership in Damascus?
00:07Well, look, I think for President Trump, it comes down to results.
00:10And I think he feels as though that relationship and other relationships are important in the region to really ending
00:18this conflict with respect to Iran.
00:21But beyond that, ensuring lasting peace.
00:24You know, we've seen President Trump talk about his views and how Syria can handle, if you will, the terrorist
00:30proxy of Hezbollah that is run by the Iranian regime.
00:34So really part of this is ensuring that this conflict with respect to Iran comes to an end.
00:41But also you have lasting peace in the region.
00:44I think Syria, among other countries, will be playing a major role in terms of ensuring that lasting peace.
00:52And then one of those big elements is ensuring that Hezbollah does not continue to launch attacks into Israel.
00:59That's a huge component here.
01:00And I go back to the president naming Syria as a country that can certainly push back on that.
01:06So we'll see where this goes in terms of discussion.
01:08Obviously, Iran in general is going to be a big part of discussion at NATO.
01:12And certainly President Trump is willing to work with anybody that he feels will help advance the ball forward for
01:17peace, particularly as it relates to the Middle East.
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