Senator Rennick's Provocative Inquiry: Australia's Syrian Policy and Global Western Power

Report: February 5, 2025 — In a rare and provocative line of questioning during Senate proceedings, Senator Gerard Rennick (Queensland) directed a series of pointed inquiries to Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong regarding Australia's foreign policy in Syria and the broader implications of Western involvement in the Middle East. The exchange, which took place during Questions Without Notice, touched on sensitive topics including human rights abuses, the role of intelligence agencies, and the legacy of the "War on Terror."

Unusual Questioning of Imperialism

Senator Rennick's questions were notable for their direct challenge to the narrative of Western interventionism, a topic rarely broached in Australian parliamentary debates. He referenced historical events, including the 2012 email from former US Deputy Secretary of State Jake Sullivan to Hillary Clinton, which stated, "Al-Qaeda is on our side in Syria," and a 2016 Los Angeles Times report alleging that Pentagon-funded terrorists were fighting CIA-funded terrorists in Syria. Rennick questioned whether Australian foreign policy is influenced by "deep state Western intelligence agencies more interested in imperialism than in upholding human rights and democratic values."

Foreign Minister Wong firmly rejected the assertion, stating that Australia "always should and continues to support international law and human rights." She emphasised that Australia's approach to human rights varies, including through bilateral consultations, public statements, and private diplomacy.

HTS: A Terrorist Organisation Now Running Syria

Wong acknowledged the overthrow of the Assad government by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group Australia designated as a terrorist organisation in 2022. She expressed that the end of Assad's government could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Syria but stressed the importance of HTS and other armed groups now in control protecting Syrian civilians. "We will be watching the actions of HTS in the period ahead," Wong said.

Senator Gerard Rennick: A Vocal Critic

Senator Gerard Rennick, an Independent Senator for Queensland, has been a vocal critic of government policies on various issues, including COVID-19 mandates and foreign intervention. His questioning in the Senate reflects his broader scepticism of Western intelligence agencies and their influence on global conflicts. Rennick's inquiries also touched on the experiences of Australian veterans, asking how the government reconciles their sacrifices with the contested justifications for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wong's Response to Veterans' Concerns

In response to Rennick's question about Australian veterans, Wong acknowledged the "problematic nature" of past government decisions, particularly regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. She expressed gratitude for the service of Australian Defence Force personnel, stating, "We always stand with the men and women in the ADF who serve the government of the day... and we always thank them for their service."

A Broader Critique of the "War on Terror"

Rennick's second supplementary question went further, asking whether the "War on Terror" over the past two decades was a "Western intelligence PSYOP campaign designed to advance Western imperial interests in the Middle East." He also questioned whether Hamas, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, was part of this campaign. Wong responded by emphasising the real threat of terrorism but declined to engage with Rennick's characterisation of past events, stating, "I don't agree with how you are articulating some of the past history."

Notable Quotes from Senator Gerard Rennick

1. "Why has [the Australian government] said nothing about the human rights abuses in Syria committed by the current regime, and is this because Australian foreign policy is controlled by deep state Western intelligence agencies more interested in imperialism than in upholding human rights and democratic values?"

2. "What does the Australian government have to say to Australian veterans who served and died for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan only to find out that they were fighting for imperialist organisations lying to them?"

3. "Will the minister please ask our intelligence agencies if the entire war on terror over the last two decades has been nothing but a Western intelligence PSYOP campaign designed to advance Western imperial interests in the Middle East?"

4. "Does this campaign include Hamas, given the deep state has funded other Islamic terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda through programs such as Timber Sycamore?"

5. "Al-Qaeda is on our side in Syria." (Referencing Jake Sullivan's 2012 email to Hillary Clinton)

Speech FAQs:

Question: What is Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)?
Answer: HTS is a Syrian Islamist group that was designated as a terrorist organisation by Australia in 2022. It played a key role in overthrowing the Assad government and is now part of the current Syrian government.

Question: Why is Senator Rennick's questioning considered unusual?
Answer: It is rare for Australian parliamentarians to openly question the role of Western imperialism and intelligence agencies in shaping foreign policy, particularly in the context of the Middle East.

Question: How did Foreign Minister Wong respond to concerns about Australian veterans?
Answer: Wong acknowledged the controversial nature of past decisions, particularly regarding Iraq, but expressed unwavering support for Australian veterans, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over Australia's role in global conflicts and the ethical implications of foreign intervention, a topic that continues to resonate with both policymakers and the public.