WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is proposing the U.S. should take a more assertive role in Syria, put conditions on aid to Egypt and tighten sanctions on Iran. He's looking to paint President Barack Obama as a weak leader who has limited America's influence on global affairs.

Romney on Monday plans a major foreign policy speech at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. Romney plans to say it's time to change course in the Middle East and accuse Obama of passive leadership in the world.

According to prepared remarks, Romney plans to say the U.S. should work with other countries to better arm rebels fighting in Syria's civil war. Obama's campaign is criticizing Romney as unprepared to be commander in chief.

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