Obama, Congress Ready To Train And Equip Syrian Rebels To Fight ISIS, But Will Postpone Full-Fledged Military Response


President Barrack Obama’s plan to train and outfit Syrian rebels in their fight against the ISIS may get fast-track approval from the Congress, but the senior leaders in the government are quite wary of using America’s military might against the Islamic State Jihadists.

President Obama’s plan to offer tactile military training and arming the Syrian rebels in the fight against Islamic State militants appears headed for a rather quick passage through Capitol Hill this week, but congressional leaders have strongly indicated that they will postpone even a full debate on the use of direct military force until after the midterm elections.

The House is expected to grant Obama the short-term authority as part of a special amendment to a larger measure funding federal agencies, which is expected to pass after it is debated Tuesday and Wednesday, GOP leadership aides said. Once the House votes, the Senate would take up the issue by next week before adjourning for the elections, reported Washington Post.

It’s hard for the Americans to sit on the sidelines. Speaking about the interesting developments and the stand about to be taken by America, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), using an alternative acronym for the Islamic State, said.

“People are trying to be careful about making a large commitment before we have all the facts, but eventually we need to have a new authorization that’s simple and sweeping and empowers the president to use all means necessary to destroy ISIL. GOP colleagues who once favored not intervening in foreign conflicts seem to be in retreat. It’s hard for them to argue to do nothing, and they know it.”

World agrees to using “any means necessary” to curb the ISIS menace: Obama’s effort to build a broad global coalition has evidently picked up pace in Paris. World powers meeting in the French capital agreed to use “any means necessary” to combat the militant force surging in Iraq and Syria, and diplomats from 26 nations and several international organizations began dividing responsibilities for what Secretary of State John F. Kerry said will be an expanded international military, diplomatic and law enforcement assault on the group.

Iran plays spoilsport, Iran on Monday spurned an American request for cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State. U.S. officials, however, said the door remains open to a rare opportunity for Iran — to make common cause with the United States against its principal adversary in the Middle East, reported CBS News.

America has already conducted two air-strikes in the last few days, which are being characterized as the start of a new phase of offensive operations against the Islamic State. However, many international war veterans are cautioning against arming the Syrian rebels as arming the other party hasn’t always worked out to be the best option.

[Image Credit | Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA]

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