GOP Combat Veterans Lead Fight Against Syrian Military Strike

Republican congressmen who have witnessed the horrors of war for themselves as combat veterans are among those leading the way in opposition to American involvement in Syria.

Reps. Kerry Bentivolio of Michigan, Chris Gibson and Michael Grimm of New York, Doug Collins of Georgia, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Steve Stivers of Ohio have all come out saying they oppose air strikes.

In an article for the Detroit News, Bentivolio, a Vietnam War veteran who also served in the latest Iraq conflict, set out his stall against military intervention.

"What has been happening in Syria is truly a human tragedy. The nation has been torn apart by civil war. Tens of thousands have either lost their lives or been driven from their homes. It is without a doubt that Assad is not a friend of ours," he said.

"However, it has also been made clear that those who oppose him have direct ties to al-Qaida. Whoever wins this war will not be affectionate toward the United States."

He added that he does not believe American involvement is a matter of national security, and that President Barack Obama has not made an adequate case to that end.

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