Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney vows to pursue a more aggressive policy toward the Middle East in an attempt to draw a sharp contrast with how President Barack Obama has handled the region.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY, SAYING:

"I know the President hopes for a safer, freer, and a more prosperous Middle East allied with the United States. I share this hope. But hope is not a strategy"

In remarks at the Virginia Military Institute -- Romney pledged that his administration would provide weapons to elements of the Syrian opposition who share U.S. values -- to help defeat President Bashar al-Assad.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY, SAYING:

"In Syria, I will work with our partners to identify and organize those members of the opposition who share our values and ensure they obtain the arms they need to defeat Assad's tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets"

The speech comes ahead of the Oct. 16 presidential debate which will cover both domestic and foreign policy in a town hall format.