Carson Unswayed by Refugee Camp Tour

Ben Carson said Saturday, after visiting a camp for Syrian refugees, that the displaced should stay in Middle Eastern countries, with the international community sending aid and "encouragement" to the host nations. Carson toured the Azraq camp in northern Jordan under heavy Jordanian security, with journalists barred. Carson's campaign also limited access, not providing his itinerary and releasing only a short statement after the camp visit. After the visit, Carson suggested that it would be best to absorb Syrian refugees in the host countries, which have given temporary shelter to most of the more than 4 million Syrians who have fled civil war in their country since 2011.

"Syrians have a reputation as very hard working, determined people, which should only enhance the overall economic health of the neighboring Arab countries that accept and integrate them into the general population," he said in a statement, calling for the nations of the world to provide" financial and material support to the aforementioned countries as well as encouragement. ""There is much beauty in Syria and I suspect that many displaced Syrians will return there when peace is restored," added Carson, who last week likened the danger of terrorists posing as refugees to a "rabid dog running around in your neighborhood.:" (According to the latest poll, Carson has fallen far behind Donald Trump.)