President Obama needs to get in the game and become a greater force in the Syrian conflict and help rebel fighters, former president Bill Clinton said on Wednesday.
Mr. Clinton made the remarks to Sen. John McCain, during a question-answer session reported by The Times of Israel.
“Some people say, ’OK, see what a big mess it is? Stay out!’ I think that’s a big mistake,” Mr. Clinton said, The Times of Israel reported. “I agree with you about this. Sometimes it’s just best to get caught trying, as long as you don’t overcommit — like, as long as you don’t make an improvident commitment.”
Mr. Clinton also suggested that Mr. Obama’s cautious approach in Syria could come back to bite him. Relying on public polls, for instance, to make policy decision can make a president “look like a total fool,” he said, in context of talking about his own military intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo, The Times of Israel reported.
Mr. McCain, who recently visited with rebel fighters in Syria, has been calling for more aid to the Free Syrian Army for some time. He favors the United States providing arms to the rebel fighters, while the administration’s official stance has been to provide non-military assistance only.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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