Key Republicans are beginning to offer tepid praise for President Obama’s ability to build a coalition of five Arab countries who joined U.S. forces in carrying out airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State targets.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee, said Vice President Joe Biden called him Monday evening to inform him of five Arab partners: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
“I commend our allies in the region for stepping up and demonstrating their commitment to the fight against [the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria],” he said.
Chambliss said he’s “hopeful these strikes directed at hard targets will result in measurable progress toward degrading [the Islamic State’s] capabilities” and possibly even “taking out” fighters and leadership.”
“As the United States moves forward with military action to defeat [the Islamic State], we must continue to engage our allies in these efforts and work together to eliminate this dangerous cancer,” he said.
Chambliss’ statement appeared the strongest praise so far from a top Republican in Congress for the regional coalition’s participation in the airstrike campaign against the Islamic State.
Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, struck a positive note but stopped short of giving Obama credit for creating the regional coalition or commending their work so far.
“This is one step in what will be a long fight against [the Islamic State],” he said. “With strong coalition partners, a capable military, and a clear mission; it is a fight we can win.”
Others simply said the participation by Arab allies is “welcome” but continued chiding the administration for taking so long to carry out airstrikes in Syria.
“These airstrikes on [the Islamic State’s] command and training centers are long overdue,” said Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs panel.
“While this initial attack will be a big psychological blow to the terrorist group, an air campaign will need to be major and sustained,” he continued. “The reported participation of Arab allies in the region is welcome. This is their fight as much as ours.”
The president’s harshest critics on foreign policy were notably quiet Tuesday morning. Both Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham have yet to release official statements reacting to the news of the airstrikes in Syria, and their twitter feeds have been inactive since Monday afternoon.
