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Rand Paul calls involvement in Syria 'a mistake'

Kentucky Republican Rand Paul questioned Secretary of State John Kerry's justifications for military action against Syria on Meet the Press Sunday, calling
Rand Paul’s comments on Meet the Press - Meredith Clark - 09/1/2013
Sen. Rand Paul makes his way to the Senate policy luncheons through the Senate subway in the U.S. Capitol on July 23, 2013.

Kentucky Republican Rand Paul questioned Secretary of State John Kerry's justifications for military action against Syria on Meet the Press Sunday, calling involvement in Syria a "mistake" that would not serve any American interest.

Paul told host David Gregory that while he was glad President Obama will seek congressional approval for the use of military force, he wants Obama to abide by the outcome of Congress' vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, has said that the Senate will vote on the President's proposal when it is back in session the week of September 9.

Even after Secretary Kerry announced Sunday that the United States had evidence that Syria used sarin gas on its own citizens, Paul said, "I think all of the bad things that you could imagine are all more likely if we get involved in the Syrian civil war."

"I see a young John Kerry who went to war, and I wish he remembered more of how awful war is, and that it shouldn't be a desired outcome," Paul said.

Kerry received a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.