Bernie Sanders says GOP rivals 'seem to want' to get U.S. bogged down in Syria 'quagmire'

Bernie Sanders accuses Republicans of wanting a Syria &quot;quagmire&quot;

(Image credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

published 18 January 2016

NBC News asked the Democratic candidates in Sunday night's debate whether they would commit ground troops in Syria to combat the Islamic State, and all three candidates were opposed to the idea. Hillary Clinton said she had a three-point plan that definitely did not include U.S. ground troops. Bernie Sanders was more adamant. President Obama has gotten a lot of grief over his handing of the ISIS fight, Sanders said, but "I think he is doing the right thing." He added that "the nightmare scenario, which is what so many of my Republicans seem to want," is getting bogged down in a "quagmire" in Syria, like in Vietnam.

Martin O'Malley also said it would be a mistake to send in U.S. troops, reminding viewers that troops are somebody's children, and Republicans are insulting troops by calling them "boots on the ground."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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