The U.S. has “lost the respect of allies and adversaries alike”, Kevin McCarthy

McCarthy, R-Calif., who spoke after the president addressed the United Nations, said the U.S. should consider putting some special forces on the ground in Iraq to help coordinate airstrikes against Islamic State militants.

He also backed a no-fly zone in northern Syria to stem the flow of refugees, and provide a space for Syrian rebels to fight the militants – steps the White House has so far opposed.

“We have lost the respect of allies and adversaries alike. We have isolated Israel while emboldening nations like Iran. We let North Korea threaten South Korea, Russia encroach on Ukraine and now China is asserting a greater sphere of influence,” McCarthy said. “Wherever we look, the world is less safe and less secure because America is less engaged.”