E. Texas representatives weigh in on possible Syria deal

(KLTV) - East Texas representatives said Tuesday’s developments only make them more confident that military action is not the solution in Syria. Texas leaders in Congress have been vocally opposed to the use of force in the region over the last few weeks, many promised to vote no if taken to a vote.

Tyler Liberty Alliance president Joseph Yazdanpanahi believes the deal between Russia and Syria is one the government should be considering.

“We should be skeptical,” he said. “But at the same time, we should do what is in America's best interest and sending a bomb over to Syria and killing more people doesn't seem like a solution.”

Yazdanpanahi lead a rally last week against US intervention in Syria.

“If we do send a bomb over there, how is that going to stop more chemical weapons from being used?” he said. “What about retaliation? Is Iran going to retaliate? They are allies with Syria”

Local leaders in Washington agreed. US representative Jeb Hensarling held a telephone town hall Monday night. He said after talking with East Texas residents, “It is clear that the American people are not convinced of the need to move forward with the President’s plan.”

“This is a very bipartisan issue,” said US Representative Louie Gohmert. “The people on both sides of the aisle, I’d say a majority, are not supportive of the President striking in Syria.”

Yazdanpanahi, who still has an aunt living in the region, said it comes down to bigger problems to tackle here at home.

“With all of the conflicts, with the national debt crisis, with the economic situation, why would we want to have any more involvement that's not in our absolute best interest and an absolute necessity?” he said.

The president has scheduled an address to the nation on the issue for Tuesday at 8 p.m.

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