Credit: Getty Images
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) blasted President Barack Obama over his decision to intervene in Syria and send weapons to rebel forces.
Pointing out the obvious, Cruz warned that there were al-Qaeda elements supporting the rebels in the region. He also brought up reports of severe brutality and crime at the hands of the "rebels."
"In recent weeks, a training video has been posted on an al-Qaeda website showing young rebel recruits in Syria singing, not only about overthrowing Assad," Cruz explained, "but also how quote, 'the World Trade Center was turned into rubble.'"
Cruz said the real goal of the rebel forces is to overthrow the Assad regime and establish and Islamic state.
"These forces are engaged with a deadly struggle with the Assad regime and President Obama has chosen this moment to signal that it is now suddenly in our vital security interests to intervene in Syria," he said. "It seems far more likely a recipe for disaster."
The Texas Republican said arming the Syrian rebels with guns and ammunition will only add to the problem.
"Regardless, let me suggest a simple rule," Cruz said. "Don't give weapons to people who hate us. Don't give weapons to people who want to kill us."
Cruz also took a shot at Obama for not pitching his plan to arm the rebels directly to the American people, instead having a White House spokesperson deliver the news.
Referring to a recent Pew poll, Cruz pointed out that 70 percent of Americans oppose arming rebels in Syria and do not want to get pulled into another conflict overseas.
“In a case where his policy is so at odds with the will of the people, it’s beholden on the President to make his case and persuade us that this proposed intervention is necessary,” Cruz added.
Featured image via AP
(H/T: Washington Examiner)
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