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Rounds noted that this initial meeting was productive, providing Gebhardt with direction on her intended approach as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). He emphasized the importance of these discussions in getting to know her capabilities and experience better, which could be pivotal as her nomination progresses through Senate scrutiny.

The Situation in Syria: A Balanced Perspective

Shifting gears to foreign affairs, Rounds also shared his insights on the ongoing situation in Syria. He recounted discussions he had at a recent event featuring Jake Sullivan, where he agreed with Sullivan's assessment of Russia's withdrawal from the Assad regime. Rounds pointed out that this exit has left a significant power vacuum in the region, with implications for U.S. allies like Turkey.