U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is opposed to military intervention in Syria, yet he is predicting passage in the U.S. Senate of the president’s request for authorization to use force in that country. “It’s complicated,” Risch told IdahoReporter.com.
Risch pointed out that the dialog in Washington has been focusing on the notion that America “must do something,” yet he is asking what the implications will be long term if the U.S. does act as the president is seeking. Of the country’s foreign policy dilemma and President Obama’s plans for responding to the Syrian government’s abuses, Risch said, “I think it’s a big, really bad mistake.”
Noting that President Obama abruptly changed his plans last weekend to include congressional input, Risch said that “the president started down this road by himself, but was reigned-up by members of his own party saying that he needed to go to Congress, which is the way it should be.”
Risch says he is uncertain of the president’s military proposal will pass in the U.S. House of Representatives, although he notes that Speaker of the House John Boehner has announced his support.
Risch’s full comments can be heard HERE.
