The hashtag #2015in5words has been going viral, with Twitter users giving a brief roundup of the year in only five words. While tweets like “what a roller coaster ride!” and “THE MOST DRAMATIC YEAR EVER” summed up some people’s 2015, the US State Department took it a step further with an entire blog post dedicated to the US’ diplomatic achievements of the year.
The State Department’s spokesman, John Kirby, wrote a list of “pivotal foreign policy events” using the popular hashtag, and immediately faced a backlash. Some of those included could be considered reasonable, such as “Diplomatic Relations Re-Established With Cuba” and “Stemming Tide of Ebola Outbreak,” however others have led critics to describe the department as delusional.
“Bringing Peace, Security to Syria” was one of the accomplishments listed, with a description which boasts that “the United States has led the world in humanitarian aid contributions since the crisis began in 2011.”
Syria remains in a state of turmoil, with Daesh and other extremist groups wreaking havoc while hundreds of thousands have been killed and millions more have fled. With Russia entering the conflict, air strikes have increased and reports of civilian deaths are all too common.
Twitter users were quick to point out this fact, mocking the State Department for its claim that it has brought peace and security to the war-torn country. Even presidential candidate Jeb Bush joined in the criticism, slamming the claim as completely untrue.
“To suggest that Syria is at peace today?” he said on Fox News on Monday. "Man, they’re living in an alternative universe. This is devastation."
See some more reactions below, via Twitter.
.@StateDept, now that you've brought "peace & security to #Syria," do you care to lift the travel warning? https://t.co/34pGy5ZkFI
— Shane Wikfors (@ShaneWikfors) December 30, 2015SYRIA is a mess , someone tell president to watch tv so he'll know , He has not brought peace security to syria in 2015,,,good grief
— Cinders2 (@RealCinders2) December 30, 2015@cspanwj The State Department insists one of their accomplishments of 2015 was bringing peace and security to Syria. Someone get a doctor.
— James Ard (@JamesinSELA) December 29, 2015The State Department gave itself a pat on the back for "bringing peace and security" to…Syria.
— Bryan Barou (@Bryan700) December 29, 2015
