Dennis Ross Continues to Oppose Military Action in Syria

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross attended a classified briefing on the situation in Syria on Sunday and said on Monday that he continued to oppose American military action against that nations regime.

"Yesterday, I attended a classified briefing for members of Congress on the assessment of Syria, Ross said on Monday. I join President Obama in strongly condemning the regime's use of chemical weapons against their people. However, the decision to use military force against Bashar al-Assad is one that the president of the United States must seek approval first from Congress.

Last week, 140 of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the president stating that engaging our military in Syria, when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization, would violate the separation of powers that is clearly delineated in the Constitution, Ross added. After being briefed yesterday, I continue to not support the use of military force in Syria at this time. What is the compelling national interest at stake that requires our military involvement? I have yet to learn of any exit strategy, or what may be the impact of retaliatory strikes by Assad against our allies.

I believe that the most prudent option to resolve the conflict in Syria is to continue to work in a more concerted diplomatic manner with other countries in the region, Ross said in conclusion.