The situation in war-torn Syria is "deteriorating by the day," and the United States should be involved — not with boots on the ground — but by coordinating efforts among rebels and neighboring states, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Michigan said on Sunday.
Responding to fellow Intelligence Committee member Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., Rogers agreed on CBS’ "Face the Nation" that the U.S. cannot be the "sheriff for the whole world."
"But we do want to be the coach," said Rogers.
U.S. involvement in the region is vital, Rogers added, because 8 percent of world trade passes through the Suez Canal. If the region becomes too unstable if can affect prices here and around the globe.
Though there are things the United States can do, he said, "We're going to have to play for the best 'worst' option at this point. That's the bad news. We've waited such a long time."
Asked whether that might mean a no-fly zone with "planes in the sky," Rogers said that no-fly zones can be enforced without putting U.S. aircraft at risk. Shooting down Syrian aircraft would have a dramatic effect, he added.
"It's a game-changer when airplanes and helicopters start falling out of the sky."
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