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Paul Ryan Opposes Syria Strike

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
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Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) on Wednesday came out against a resolution authorizing force in Syria in response to the Assad regime’s reported use of chemical weapons last month.

His statement as written up by the Journal-Sentinel:

“I believe the President’s proposed military strike in Syria cannot achieve its stated objectives,” Ryan said in the statement that was issued around 12 hours after Obama addressed the nation.

“In fact, I fear it will make things worse,” Ryan said. “The President says a show of force will preserve our credibility. But a feckless show of force will only damage our credibility.”

Ryan said this week’s events “reinforced our credibility gap. After making the case for a firm, rapid response, President Obama has called for an indefinite delay. He lacks a clear strategy, and now he’s following Russia’s lead.”

Ryan said that “Syria’s civil war isn’t our fight, but we have a stake in the outcome.” He said the “best punishment” for Bashir Assad’s “war crimes is for moderate elements of the opposition to prevail. But the President’s ill-conceived, half-hearted proposal will do little to help.”

“It will make America look weak, when we need to be strong,” Ryan said. “It will merely curse the past, when we need to protect the future. For all these reasons, I cannot support it.”

The 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee, who agreed with President Barack Obama’s red line on Syria’s use of chemical weapons during a debate last October, issued the statement a day after the president postponed a Congressional vote on the resolution in favor of a diplomatic solution with Russia.

 

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