House Speaker John Boehner says Republicans in Congress are willing to work with the White House on President Obama’s strategy to defeat the terrorist group the Islamic State. But Boehner is unsure if the plan is enough to stop the threat.President Obama’s strategy includes expanding ongoing U.S. military airstrikes in Iraq into neighboring war-torn Syria, arming moderate Syrian rebels and sending 475 military advisors to Iraq. Boehner says an F-16 is not a strategy and that someone’s boots will have to be on the ground.
Vermont Congressman Peter Welch, a Democrat, says he is skeptical of airstrikes in Syria and is concerned a limited ground force could turn into an open-ended commitment.
“I don’t believe those who criticize this as not being enough militarily have got it right,” Welch said. “Because there is no amount of military might from the outside that can solve problems that have to be solved by the people who live in that region.”
President Obama is also calling for support from NATO members and Arab nations.
