Gabbard defends meet with Assad

Washington: Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has defended her controversial decision to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, saying that American leaders must meet with foreign leaders “if we are serious about the pursuit of peace and securing our country.”
Gabbard earlier this month announced she will run for President in 2020. Gabbard had met Assad during a trip to Syria in January 2017.
“No, I think that it is, it continues to be very important for any leader in this country to be willing to meet with others, whether they be friends or adversaries or potential adversaries if we are serious about the pursuit of peace and securing our country,” Gabbard said in an interview when asked if she regrets the meeting. (PTI)