October 22, 2012
Live Blog: Mitt Romney and Barack Obama Presidential Debate at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida
Romney's policy on Syria has shifted slightly from previous statements. He said he doesn't want to have the U.S. military involved in Syria, but he wants to ensure the opposition to the Assad regime has arms.
"In the past, Romney criticized Obama's policy towards Syria by emphasizing the need to provide the rebels with heavy weapons," says Dr. Nora Bensahel, Center for New American Security deputy director of studies and senior fellow. "This evening, he emphasized diplomacy more than military assistance, which is more similar to the approach that the administration has pursued during the past year."
Obama said Monday the U.S. has organized the international community, including the formation of The Friends of Syria, to make it clear that "Assad has got to go."