McCain: Agreeing to Syria chemical weapons deal without military force is 'a loser'

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) on Sunday asserted that an agreement between the United States and Russia that met President Barack Obama's goal of securing Syria's chemical weapons without being drawn into a war was a "loser."

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced on Saturday that the framework would identify Syria's chemical weapons, place them under international control and then destroy them.

The deal between the U.S. and Russia did not include sanctions or mention the use of military force if Syria did not comply with the plan.

"I think it's a loser," McCain told NBC's David Gregory on Sunday. "Because I think it gave Russia a position in the Middle East, which they haven't had since 1970. We are now depending on the goodwill of the Russian people if Bashar Assad violates this agreement. And I am of the firm belief -- given his record -- that is a very, very big gamble."

Watch the video below from NBC's Meet the Press, broadcast Sept. 15, 2013.