"The American people have spoken out against the president's agenda on a number of fronts, and presumably one of those fronts is on foreign policy," Mr Chafee said.

"And at this late stage in my term, I'm not going to endorse something the American people have spoken out against."

This is both good for the country and a brilliant move by Lincoln Chafee. By coming out like this, he solidifys his position as a centrist who will follow where the voters say to go. If he wants to run for Governor, he's lined himself up well.

BBC NEWS | Americas | US envoy to UN 'set to lose job'