TED CRUZ: US IS NOT 'AL-QAEDA'S AIR FORCE'

◼ On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz distilled the current debate over possible military action in Syria to its essential dilemma. While Syrian President Bashar Assad is certainly a ruthless dictator, the forces aligned against him are dominated by jihadis and elements of terrorist organizations. Cruz noted that Americans didn't enlist in the military to "serve as Al-Qaeda's Air Force." - Mike Flynn/Breitbart

◼ GOP Hawks Turning Sour on Syria Intervention? - Guy Benson/Townhall

Based on their muddled and incoherent performances at yesterday's Senate hearings, Secretaries Kerry and Hagel left the distinct impression that the administration is flailing.

◼ Secretary of State John Kerry said at Wednesday’s hearing that Arab counties have offered to pay for the entirety of unseating President Bashar al-Assad if the United States took the lead militarily. - Aaron Blake/Washington Post

“With respect to Arab countries offering to bear costs and to assess, the answer is profoundly yes,” Kerry said. “They have. That offer is on the table.”

Asked by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) about how much those countries would contribute, Kerry said they have offered to pay for all of a full invasion....