McCain, Graham call for military action on Syria after chemical-weapons evidence
A pair of Senate Republican defense hawks said Sunday the United States “has sat on the sidelines for too long” as the Syrian conflict rages and produces increasingly conclusive evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.
Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said it has become clear that Syrian President Bashar Assad is using toxic weapons against civilians, “and it is the responsibility of civilized nations everywhere to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
Their joint statement comes as President Obama weighs evidence of a chemical attack this past week.
The Republican lawmakers said the conflict presents a direct risk to American allies in the Middle East, especially if chemical weapons are transferred to dangerous operatives. They called on the White House to take decisive action through limited military involvement in Syria.
“Using standoff weapons, without boots on the ground, and at minimal risk to our men and women in uniform, we can significantly degrade Assad’s air power and ballistic missile capabilities and help to establish and defend safe
areas on the ground,” they said. “In addition, we must begin a large-scale effort to train and equip moderate, vetted elements of the Syrian opposition with the game-changing weapons they need to shift the military balance against Assad’s forces.”Sen. Bob Corker, Tennessee Republican and ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said it is time for the president, with Congress’ blessing, to act in a “surgical way.”
“But obviously, not boots on the ground,” he told “Fox News Sunday.” “I do think we will take action.”
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