Sen. Rubio Urges Trump To Create "Alternative" Syrian Regimen With Turkey, Saudi

Senator Marco Rubio says the U.S. airstrike in Syria was effective because it had a very clear goal — to warn Assad to step down. 

Rubio says in a statement that the U.S. airstrikes will hopefully diminish the Assad regime and "his capacity to commit atrocities against innocent civilians."

U.S. warships in the Mediterranean fired nearly 60 missiles Thursday evening at the base where the U.S. says Syrian forces launched a chemical attack on civilians. 

The senator adds that the people in Syria will never accept Assad as their rightful ruler. After launching the missile strike last night, the U.S. will have to figure out where it wants to end up.

"President Trump has made it clear to Assad and those who empower him that the days of committing war crimes with impunity are over."

A one-time rival of President Trump, Rubio says Trump should reach out to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Turkey, to discuss ways to get Assad to step down and create a new regime.

Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey have already responded with support regarding the attack. 

A statement from the Saudi Press Agency expresses "full support ... for the American military operations on military targets in Syria." Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusogulu says "We welcome the U.S. operation." The country also believes the airstrikes are "a positive response to the Assad regime's war crimes."


Many other political officials have already given statements regarding the action — tallying up mixed reactions:

  • In a joint statement, Republican Senators John McCain (Arizona) and Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) say "We salute the skills and professionalism of the U.S. Armed Forces who carried out tonight's strikes in Syria."
  • Democratic Senator Barbara Lee (California) believes, "This is an act of war. Congress needs to come back into session and hold a debate. Anything less is an abdication of our responsibility." 
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has responded, saying "Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do. I salute the professionalism and skill of our Armed Forces who took action today.”

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