McCaul: US should accept foreign military assistance to fight ISIS

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Sunday it’s “unwise” for the U.S. to reject offers from foreign allies to provide ground forces to fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“We want the Sunnis and Arab moderates to fight Sunni extremists,” he said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” 

Just a few days ago, McCaul said the prince of Jordan said he was ready to put troops on the ground in Syria. 

“I don’t know why we wouldn’t consider that option of all the Arab nations,” McCaul said.

Earlier in the program, Secretary of State Kerry said in an interview that the U.S. is not in a position to do that yet.

{mosads}“Well we’re not looking to put troops on the ground. There are some who have offered to do so, but we are not looking for that at this moment anyway,” he said. 

McCaul appeared to rule out U.S. combat troops, but said the U.S. will need personnel on the ground in Syria.

“I don’t think we want to put conventional forces in the middle of all of this,” he said. “We will need advisers and special forces to guide airstrikes into Syria which we have not done to date.” 

McCaul said it’s a “positive sign” that the United Arab Emirates and other countries are stepping up to the plate to join the coalition against ISIS. 

On Thursday, Kerry received support for a “coordinated military campaign” from 10 Arab countries including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and six Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

McCaul said it’s “important” for Congress to authorize an expanded campaign for airstrikes. Lawmakers are expected to vote on an authorization to train and arm moderate Syrian rebels as early as this week. 

“Now it’s catch-up time,” said McCaul.