Harf: Questions remain after US launches airstrikes in Syria

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Marie Harf compares Obama, Trump responses to Syria

Fox News contributor and former State Department spokesperson weighs in

Marie Harf, a former State Department spokesman during the Obama administration, on Friday said President Trump’s response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons was correct, but warned that there are still unanswered questions.

“Tonight, great response,” Harf said in an interview with Fox News’ Shepard Smith. “But what if they (Syrian military) do it again? What if they use barrel bombs? What are we going to do for Syrian refugees who we say can’t come to the U.S., but we’re willing to drop bombs on their country? I hope the Trump administration is thinking this through.”

The U.S. launched nearly five dozen cruise missiles at a Syrian airfield Friday in response to a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians. Trump said the base was used as the staging point for Tuesday's chemical weapons attack on rebel-held territory.

Harf worked closely with former Secretary of State John Kerry and President Obama when the administration had an opportunity to take military action in Syria in 2013. The administration did not get the approval from Congress to send boots on the ground, which led Obama to go the diplomatic route.

“A lot of us do wish there were times we were more militarily engaged in Syria,” Harf said.

She added that the Obama administration was looked at all possible consequences of possible military action in the region at the time, including the possibility of Hezbollah attacking U.S. military bases.

“In a region that is on fire, now with the addition of ISIS as a huge threat to the region, there are a lot of things that could happen if the U.S. gets more militarily involved,” Harf said.