Peter King: U.S. Should Use Cruise Missiles On Syria, Or Else Iran Won’t Take ‘Seriously’ Ban on Nuclear Weapons

Representative Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security committee’s subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, thinks the United States must take military action in Syria.

“The use of chemical weapons does cross a line and we have to send a clear signal that’s not tolerated,” King tells National Review Online in an interview. “I would say cruise missiles. I would not put American troops on the ground.”

Noting that President Obama had called use of chemical weapons a “red line” in Syria last year, King stresses it is vital for the United States to take action, or risk Iran believing that warnings from the U.S. on having nuclear weapons were not serious.

“If Iran is going to take us seriously, we have to show that we’re willing to take action against Syria,” King says.

King says he has not been contacted by the White House, and does not agree President Obama needs congressional authorization to pursue action against Syria.

“I don’t support the War Powers Act, so I think the president, as a commander in chief, has the right to take action without getting approval from Congress,” King remarks, adding, however, that as a “practical matter,” it would be prudent for the White House to consult with Congress.