Obama wants 500 million to train and equip "moderate rebels"

[planosteve]

(CNN) -- The Obama administration says it will seek $500 million from Congress to help "train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the moderate Syrian armed opposition," funding that, if approved, would deepen U.S. involvement in that country's civil war.

National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden announced on Thursday that the administration would seek the money that she said would build on "longstanding efforts" by the United States "to empower the moderate Syrian opposition."

"These funds would help defend the Syrian people, stabilize areas under opposition control, facilitate the provision of essential services, counter terrorist threats, and promote conditions for a negotiated settlement," she said.

The $500 million request would be part of a $1.5 billion so-called regional stabilization initiative, which would involve partnering with Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq -- Syria's neighbors.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/26/politics/ ... index.html

[ann jusko]

If Obama wants to fund anyone, I'm against it. He either is stupid or always supporting the wrong thing for a goal no one else wants.

[planosteve]

If Obama wants to fund anyone, I'm against it. He either is stupid or always supporting the wrong thing for a goal no one else wants.

That's certainly been the case in Syria for the last 3 1/2 years. And in Libya. And in Ukraine. Let's see have I forgotten anybody?

[ann jusko]

He supported the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. So glad Egyptians knew what they wanted and needed.