Connecticut lawmakers are wary of President Obama’s plan to launch a military strike against Syria after chemical weapons were allegedly used against civilians there.
Several lawmakers said they have no doubt that Syria President Bashar Assad used chemical weapons on his own people. However, they expressed strong concerns that the president’s plan to respond with a military strike lacks a clear objective and could ultimately embroil the U.S. in another protracted and expensive war in the Middle East.
“I am not in favor of putting boots on the ground there,’’ said U.S. Rep. John Larson, who represents the Hartford area.
Before authorizing military action, Larson said he wants to know “what our objective is and what our exit strategy is.” And, he added, “I want to hear more in-depth why the administration thinks this is an imminent threat.”
Larson is planning to hold a forum at West Hartford town hall this afternoon to update constituents and get their views on whether or not the U.S. should intervene in Syria.
Reports from Hartford Courant staff writers Daniela Altimari and Nicholas Rondinone are included.