Boehner Opposes McCain on Syrian Airstrikes

WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner says the situation in Syria is muddled and U.S. military involvement to end the bloodshed would be premature.

The Ohio Republican was asked Tuesday about Republican Sen. John McCain's call for the United States to launch airstrikes against President Bashar Assad's regime to force him out of power.

McCain has the backing of Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Independent Joe Lieberman. The three were at the forefront in pressing for military intervention last year against the Libyan regime of Moammar Gadhafi.

Boehner told reporters at a news conference that the Syrian situation is too complicated and until there is a clear direction, it would be premature for the U.S. to get involved militarily.