Republican senators erupted in anger after reports surfaced that Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville had called for a pause in military operations in the Middle East. The GOP firestorm began after Tuberville tweeted, “The international community must act together to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. All countries with troops in the region must pause military operations.”
In response, Republican senators roundly criticized the suggestion, accusing Tuberville of naivety and of making “dangerous and reckless” suggestions. Senator Lindsay Graham said, “There’s a wrong way to use Congressional authority and this is a wrong way to use it.” Other senators, such as Senator Ben Sasse, echoed Graham’s sentiments and said he was disappointed in Tuberville’s statements.
Tuberville later clarified his stance, saying that he was only inquiring the idea and had not made any policy prescriptions. However, he added that he has a “deep concern for the peace and security of the region” and that the US should not be engaged in a conflict without a clear mission.
