The U.S. and its allies should deploy targeted strikes against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to push him towards a diplomatic solution to the country's ongoing civil war, according to one Republican member of Congress.
Reports emerged Tuesday that chemical weapons were used in an attack on rebel-held territory. President Donald Trump quickly accused Assad's government of carryout the attack.
"These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution," Trump said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., told CNN, "Right now, we have to strike the regime in response to this," and, "This is a major violation of international norms.
"This is the first conflict we've accepted the use of chemical weapons on the battleground since World War I. This can't be tolerated."
He added that airstrikes could be used to impair the government's ability to deploy these weapons.
"I'm ashamed of our government action so far — and inaction," he continued. "I wish I had the ability to move forces to do what needs to be done."
"There's been no stick or motivation to get to a diplomatic solution."
Kinzinger claimed that strikes would compel both the Syrian government and the international community to seek a diplomatic solution, but said he doesn't "think there's a future for Syria with Bashar al Assad in existence."
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