GOP lawmaker: Fight against Islamic State militants needs 'Arab face'

Published November 29, 2015

FILE - This April 14, 2011, file photo shows Rep. Robert Wittman, R-Va., speaking during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wittman said the U.S. “can help’’ in the battle against the Islamic State militant group but the overall effort “needs an Arab face’’ to be successful. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) (The Associated Press)

A Republican lawmaker says the battle against the Islamic State group needs to have "an Arab face," even as the U.S. continues to lead air strikes to help defeat those militants in the Middle East.

Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia said he agrees with a comment made by King Abdullah II while Wittman and other members of Congress were visiting Jordan this week.

Wittman said the U.S. can help in the fight, but the overall effort "needs an Arab face" to be successful.

Wittman chairs the readiness subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. He and five other lawmakers returned Tuesday from a five-day trip to Qatar, Afghanistan and Jordan.

King Abdullah is set to meet with President Barack Obama next week at the White House.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/gop-lawmaker-fight-against-islamic-state-militants-needs-arab-face