NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Iran and Russia share responsibility for the crimes committed against the Syrian people, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. He criticized both nations as unreliable partners, having abandoned Assad when no longer useful. Rutte discussed ongoing Turkey’s support for Islamist rebels and emphasized the need for future leaders in Syria to uphold the rule of law and protect civilians. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated concerns about the potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria during a recent NATO foreign ministers’ meeting.