Rep. West: US should be cautious before arming Syrian rebels

{mosads}Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe
Lieberman (I-Conn.) have said that the U.S. should consider arming the Syrian
opposition to help oust the Assad regime, which has killed thousands during the uprising, according to United Nations
estimates.

Carney said Tuesday that President Obama is not considering arming the Assad’s opponents yet, and that the U.S. is looking at what steps it can take in concert with allies to further pressure the Syrian strongman.

Obama administration officials have blasted Russia and China after they vetoed a UN Security Council resolution this weekend that would have laid the groundwork for Assad to relinquish power.

White House press secretary Jay Carney has said that Russia
and China are making a “losing bet” on Assad and that “there
will be a transition” in Syria.