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July 19, 2013

Dempsey: Obama Admin Weighing Military Force in Syria 
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The top U.S. military officer says the Obama administration is
considering the use of military force in Syria. General Martin Dempsey,
chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services
Committee Thursday he has provided President Obama with military options
for the conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and rebel fighters.
Dempsey responded to heated questions on Syria from Arizona Sen. John Mc
Cain.

Sen. John Mc Cain: "I'm asking for your opinion."

Gen. Martin Dempsey: "About the use of kinetic strikes. That issue is
under deliberation inside of our agencies of government, and it would be
inappropriate for me to try to influence the decision with me rendering
an opinion in public about what kind of force we should use."

Mc Cain has vowed to block Dempsey's reconfirmation over what he says
are inadequate responses on Syria. The U.S. announced plans to arm the
rebels last month, but the effort has stalled amid questions by
Congress. Reuters, meanwhile, reports Britain has dropped its plans to
arm the rebels due to public opposition and fear the weapons it provides
could end up in the wrong hands.

 

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