Idaho senators express uneasiness at arming Syrian rebels

Although the Senate gave its OK to President Obama’s request to arm and train Syrian rebels to fight ISIS on Thursday, Idaho’s two Republican senators voted against the plan.

The Senate took up the issue a day after the House approved the plan and then tucked it into a bill that would continue funding the U.S. government. The vote was 78-22, CNN reported.

“I have real reservations about choosing from over 200 different ethnic and religious groups within Syria and arming those that are labeled ‘moderate’ by some in our government,” said Sen. Jim Risch, who serves on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. “I am not convinced there is a group of ‘moderate’ rebels in Syria. There is no easy choice here, but President Obama has not laid out a clear strategy, instead the strategy I have seen is not in my opinion destined to succeed, but drag us further into the mire. I want to support a winning strategy, but I cannot support his $500 million proposal without a better plan.”

Sen. Mike Crapo said he wanted more information from the White House before he could support the plan.

“ISIS poses a very real threat to the United States and our national security,” said Crapo. “The president’s announced action leaves many questions for the American people and Congress. Unless the administration provides more details about a comprehensive strategy, I cannot support it.”