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McCain calls for Syria hearing
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) called on Monday for a congressional hearing on Syria to look at the violence there and how the Obama administration is responding to it.
McCain, in a letter to Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), said that the committee should hold on the Pentagon’s planning for Syria, what risks are associated with military options being considered, and what coordination is being done with allies in the region.
“All options must now be on the table to stop the bloodletting in Syria,” McCain wrote. “It is incumbent on the Committee to lead a frank and open debate about the merits of the various options at our disposal.”
McCain has been one of the most vocal senators about potentially arming the Syrian opposition, along with Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). While McCain ruled out putting “boots on the ground” in Syria, the trio has said several times over the past week that providing aid and arms must be considered.
“The bloodshed must be stopped, and now is not the time to rule out any option that could save innocent lives in Syria and compel Assad to leave power.
