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Syrian opposition looks to Congress for military boost

With Syrian Opposition Coalition leader Ahmad Jarba visiting Washington next month, rebels hope US lawmakers will back more arms assistance to moderate opposition forces.

Syrian National Council members Bassma Kodmani (R) speaks as Najib Ghadbian (L) listens July 17, 2012 at a press conference in New York. Journalists are reflected in a door (R). AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA        (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/GettyImages)
Syrian National Council member Bassma Kodmani speaks as fellow member Najib Ghadbian (left) listens at a news conference in New York, July 17, 2012. — AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Stan Honda

Syrian rebels are counting on Congress to help them make their case to the White House for more and better weapons when their leaders descend on Washington next month.

Despite setbacks on the ground, the Syrian Opposition Coalition is taking some solace from the bipartisan criticism of the Obama administration’s limited response to the conflict. The rebels hope the increasing calls for stepped-up action as the war enters its fourth year will boost coalition leader Ahmad Jarba’s request for anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons when he visits Washington from May 7 to May 14.

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