Latest developments on crisis in Syria following Pres. Obama's speech
(CNN) -- Facing weak support for U.S. military action, President Barack Obama said that a plan suggested by Russia to have Syria hand over its chemical arsenal to international control could avert American strikes "if it's real."Syria's prime minister said Damascus supports the Russian initiative.
(CNN) -- Facing weak support for U.S. military action, President Barack Obama said that a plan suggested by Russia to have Syria hand over its chemical arsenal to international control could avert American strikes "if it's real."Syria's prime minister said Damascus supports the Russian initiative.
Report: Syria accepts proposal to turn over chemical weapons
(CNN) -- It's a stunning turn of events that could change everything on Syria -- if it pans out.Facing the threat of a U.S. military strike, the country's leaders Tuesday reportedly accepted a Russian proposal to turn over its chemical weapons.The development, reported by Syrian state television and Russia's Interfax news agency, came a day after the idea bubbled up in the wake of what appeared to be an off-the-cuff comment by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.And while U.S. officials say they remain skeptical, it quickly changed the debate in Washington from solely "Should the U.S. attack?" to "Is there a diplomatic way out of this mess?"Syrian Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said Tuesday that his country had agreed to the Russian proposal after what Interfax quoted him as calling "a very fruitful round of talks" with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday.Yet to be worked out are the details, such as where the arms would go, who would safeguard them and how the world could be sure Syria had handed over its entire stockpile of chemical weapons.But French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama have agreed to work together to explore the Russian proposal, a White House official said.And a bipartisan group of senators began work on a resolution that would keep the U.S. military on its leash if the United Nations passes a resolution saying Syria used chemical weapons, as U.S. officials allege, and ordering the country to hand over such weapons.The United States, France, Great Britain and other nations suspect the Syrian government of using chemical weapons repeatedly in its two-year-old civil war, including an August 21 incident that U.S. officials say killed more than 1,400 people.
(CNN) -- It's a stunning turn of events that could change everything on Syria -- if it pans out.Facing the threat of a U.S. military strike, the country's leaders Tuesday reportedly accepted a Russian proposal to turn over its chemical weapons.The development, reported by Syrian state television and Russia's Interfax news agency, came a day after the idea bubbled up in the wake of what appeared to be an off-the-cuff comment by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.And while U.S. officials say they remain skeptical, it quickly changed the debate in Washington from solely "Should the U.S. attack?" to "Is there a diplomatic way out of this mess?"Syrian Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said Tuesday that his country had agreed to the Russian proposal after what Interfax quoted him as calling "a very fruitful round of talks" with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday.Yet to be worked out are the details, such as where the arms would go, who would safeguard them and how the world could be sure Syria had handed over its entire stockpile of chemical weapons.But French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama have agreed to work together to explore the Russian proposal, a White House official said.And a bipartisan group of senators began work on a resolution that would keep the U.S. military on its leash if the United Nations passes a resolution saying Syria used chemical weapons, as U.S. officials allege, and ordering the country to hand over such weapons.The United States, France, Great Britain and other nations suspect the Syrian government of using chemical weapons repeatedly in its two-year-old civil war, including an August 21 incident that U.S. officials say killed more than 1,400 people.
President Obama asks Congress to delay Syria strike vote
(CNN) -- As a Russian proposal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons began to take shape, the White House eased off the gas on Tuesday in its drive for congressional approval to strike the Middle Eastern country.President Barack Obama asked congressional leaders to delay votes on authorizing military action in Syria while the diplomatic process works itself out, the president announced in a prime-time speech to Americans.Obama said he will continue talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and will send Secretary of State John Kerry to meet with his Russian counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday.The United States will also give U.N. inspectors the opportunity to report their findings about the suspected chemical attack that occurred August 21, the president said."Meanwhile, I've ordered our military to maintain their current posture to keep the pressure on (Syrian President Bashar al-)Assad and to be in a position to respond if diplomacy fails," Obama said in his 16-minute address.Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced on the Senate floor that he had canceled a briefing for all senators scheduled for Wednesday.He said the Senate schedule was driven by developments and not by an artificial timeline."It's important that we do this well, not quickly," he said. "We'll see what's going on.
(CNN) -- As a Russian proposal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons began to take shape, the White House eased off the gas on Tuesday in its drive for congressional approval to strike the Middle Eastern country.President Barack Obama asked congressional leaders to delay votes on authorizing military action in Syria while the diplomatic process works itself out, the president announced in a prime-time speech to Americans.Obama said he will continue talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and will send Secretary of State John Kerry to meet with his Russian counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday.The United States will also give U.N. inspectors the opportunity to report their findings about the suspected chemical attack that occurred August 21, the president said."Meanwhile, I've ordered our military to maintain their current posture to keep the pressure on (Syrian President Bashar al-)Assad and to be in a position to respond if diplomacy fails," Obama said in his 16-minute address.Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced on the Senate floor that he had canceled a briefing for all senators scheduled for Wednesday.He said the Senate schedule was driven by developments and not by an artificial timeline."It's important that we do this well, not quickly," he said. "We'll see what's going on.
Kerry acknowledges Syrian rebel concerns, says aid reaching them now
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday acknowledged concerns by some in the moderate Syrian opposition that limited U.S. military assistance had not reached them as fast as they had wanted, but he said that issue has now been resolved for the most part."It is accurate to say that some things have not been getting to the opposition as rapidly as one would have hoped," Kerry said during a Google + Hangout discussion. "Part of that was sort of early organizational effort, but then subsequently it took a while for Congress to approve certain components of it and finally it just takes time to start it."Kerry said he was not able to disclose what specifically has been sent in the form of weapons by the United States to the Syrian opposition."A coordinated effort is being made among the many supporters of the moderate opposition to get them the assistance they need," in addition to ongoing non-lethal, medical and humanitarian assistance to the opposition Kerry said.Congress approved a limited amount of military assistance in the form of small arms and ammunition to flow to Syrian rebels after the Obama administration asserted the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had used chemical weapons on a small scale.The administration is now seeking authorization from Congress for a limited military strike against the al-Assad regime following a purported chemical weapons attack last month that the administration said killed more than 1,400 people."I can tell you that many of the items that people complained were not getting to them are now getting to them," Kerry said.As to whether any of that military assistance from the United States could find its way to any of the extremists groups also fighting the Syrian regime, Kerry said the United States is working to assure that does not happen."We have put down a firm barrier between the assistance that goes to the moderate opposition and anything to those groups," Kerry said of extremist groups in Syria. "Their numbers are not as high as some people have estimated in terms of actual real fighters on the ground and capable."
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday acknowledged concerns by some in the moderate Syrian opposition that limited U.S. military assistance had not reached them as fast as they had wanted, but he said that issue has now been resolved for the most part."It is accurate to say that some things have not been getting to the opposition as rapidly as one would have hoped," Kerry said during a Google + Hangout discussion. "Part of that was sort of early organizational effort, but then subsequently it took a while for Congress to approve certain components of it and finally it just takes time to start it."Kerry said he was not able to disclose what specifically has been sent in the form of weapons by the United States to the Syrian opposition."A coordinated effort is being made among the many supporters of the moderate opposition to get them the assistance they need," in addition to ongoing non-lethal, medical and humanitarian assistance to the opposition Kerry said.Congress approved a limited amount of military assistance in the form of small arms and ammunition to flow to Syrian rebels after the Obama administration asserted the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had used chemical weapons on a small scale.The administration is now seeking authorization from Congress for a limited military strike against the al-Assad regime following a purported chemical weapons attack last month that the administration said killed more than 1,400 people."I can tell you that many of the items that people complained were not getting to them are now getting to them," Kerry said.As to whether any of that military assistance from the United States could find its way to any of the extremists groups also fighting the Syrian regime, Kerry said the United States is working to assure that does not happen."We have put down a firm barrier between the assistance that goes to the moderate opposition and anything to those groups," Kerry said of extremist groups in Syria. "Their numbers are not as high as some people have estimated in terms of actual real fighters on the ground and capable."
President Obama delivers address to nation on Syria Tuesday night
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama tried Tuesday to sell a military intervention he never wanted to an American public that opposes it, telling the nation that he needed authorization to attack Syria for chemical weapons use as leverage in a newly emerged diplomatic opening from Russia.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama tried Tuesday to sell a military intervention he never wanted to an American public that opposes it, telling the nation that he needed authorization to attack Syria for chemical weapons use as leverage in a newly emerged diplomatic opening from Russia.
President Obama says "breakthrough" is possible on Syria
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Russia's proposal for Syria to surrender its chemical weapons to international control was a "potentially positive development," but could be a stall tactic, President Barack Obama told CNN on Monday."We're going to run this to ground," Obama said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, adding that the United States will work with Syrian ally Russia and the international community "to see if we can arrive at something that is enforceable and serious."A 'breakthrough' on the horizon?Obama said the new proposal that emerged Monday from Russia resulted from his threat to attack Syria for violating an international ban on using chemical weapons, as his administration contends occurred on August 21 in suburban Damascus.He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the Syrian chemical weapons and the U.S. push for a military response at last week's G20 summit in St.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Russia's proposal for Syria to surrender its chemical weapons to international control was a "potentially positive development," but could be a stall tactic, President Barack Obama told CNN on Monday."We're going to run this to ground," Obama said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, adding that the United States will work with Syrian ally Russia and the international community "to see if we can arrive at something that is enforceable and serious."A 'breakthrough' on the horizon?Obama said the new proposal that emerged Monday from Russia resulted from his threat to attack Syria for violating an international ban on using chemical weapons, as his administration contends occurred on August 21 in suburban Damascus.He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the Syrian chemical weapons and the U.S. push for a military response at last week's G20 summit in St.
Pres. Obama: Russia proposal for Syria 'positive development' -- if it's real
(CNN) -- A new possibility for a diplomatic solution in the standoff between Syria and the United States surfaced unexpectedly Monday as the war-torn country said it supported a proposal to hand over control of its chemical weapons.But a key question loomed: Is that a viable option or simply a stall tactic as President Bashar al-Assad's government tries to stave off U.S. military action?"It's certainly a positive development when the Russians and Syrians both make gestures towards dealing with these chemical weapons," President Barack Obama told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Monday.Asked whether the proposed idea was enough to avert a military strike on Syria, Obama said, "It's possible if it's real."The U.S. president spoke hours after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told reporters in Moscow that his nation "welcomes" a proposal that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made during talks on Monday.
(CNN) -- A new possibility for a diplomatic solution in the standoff between Syria and the United States surfaced unexpectedly Monday as the war-torn country said it supported a proposal to hand over control of its chemical weapons.But a key question loomed: Is that a viable option or simply a stall tactic as President Bashar al-Assad's government tries to stave off U.S. military action?"It's certainly a positive development when the Russians and Syrians both make gestures towards dealing with these chemical weapons," President Barack Obama told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Monday.Asked whether the proposed idea was enough to avert a military strike on Syria, Obama said, "It's possible if it's real."The U.S. president spoke hours after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told reporters in Moscow that his nation "welcomes" a proposal that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made during talks on Monday.
Obama hits new low on foreign policy in CNN polling
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
Videos show glimpse into evidence for Syria intervention
(CNN) -- Men sprawled on a tile floor, shirtless and convulsing.
(CNN) -- Men sprawled on a tile floor, shirtless and convulsing.
Lawmakers predict rocky future for Syria proposal
(CNN) -- Several lawmakers argued Sunday that President Barack Obama has a steep uphill battle ahead in persuading Congress to support U.S. military action in Syria.Citing concerns about funding, fears of escalated U.S. involvement and skepticism of the president's plan, Republicans and Democrats alike said they're not convinced the U.S. should launch military strikes.Rep.
(CNN) -- Several lawmakers argued Sunday that President Barack Obama has a steep uphill battle ahead in persuading Congress to support U.S. military action in Syria.Citing concerns about funding, fears of escalated U.S. involvement and skepticism of the president's plan, Republicans and Democrats alike said they're not convinced the U.S. should launch military strikes.Rep.
How the Syria debate in Congress could play out this week
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.
Sec. John Kerry seeks Europe's backing for action against Syria
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday sought Europe's support for military action in Syria after the Group of 20 summit ended with a stalemate between Washington and Russia on the issue.U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, spoke on the sidelines of the St.
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday sought Europe's support for military action in Syria after the Group of 20 summit ended with a stalemate between Washington and Russia on the issue.U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, spoke on the sidelines of the St.
Alerts go to law enforcement ahead of 9/11 anniversary
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal authorities have issued a series of general alerts to law enforcement for vigilance with the approach of the Sept. 11 anniversary and a possible U.S. military strike in Syria, law enforcement officials said.U.S. law enforcement officials say there's no indication of specific plots in the Unites States related to the 9/11 anniversary, which is the first since the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.The alerts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Department have been issued in recent weeks and address possible risks, including cyberattacks by the Syrian Electronic Army, a group that has been blamed for attacks that have disabled access to newspaper and other websites.With U.S. lawmakers debating President Barack Obama's plans to launch military strikes on government forces in Syria, to retaliate for what the U.S. says were chemical attacks on civilians, the FBI has ordered agents around the country to re-examine open cases involving Syria and nearby countries.Agents are being asked to talk to informants and suspects and to develop new information on possible threats from Syria, and its Iranian and Hezbollah allies.Hezbollah, classified in the United States as a terrorist group, is known to operate fund-raising links in the United States, though U.S. officials say the group is believed to highly prize its U.S. fund-raising and wouldn't likely risk it by carrying out an attack inside its borders.In recent weeks, the State Department issued a travel warning and temporarily closed embassies and consulates in several countries following what officials said were threats from al Qaeda-linked terrorists in Yemen.The embassy threat hasn't subsided entirely, officials say.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal authorities have issued a series of general alerts to law enforcement for vigilance with the approach of the Sept. 11 anniversary and a possible U.S. military strike in Syria, law enforcement officials said.U.S. law enforcement officials say there's no indication of specific plots in the Unites States related to the 9/11 anniversary, which is the first since the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.The alerts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Department have been issued in recent weeks and address possible risks, including cyberattacks by the Syrian Electronic Army, a group that has been blamed for attacks that have disabled access to newspaper and other websites.With U.S. lawmakers debating President Barack Obama's plans to launch military strikes on government forces in Syria, to retaliate for what the U.S. says were chemical attacks on civilians, the FBI has ordered agents around the country to re-examine open cases involving Syria and nearby countries.Agents are being asked to talk to informants and suspects and to develop new information on possible threats from Syria, and its Iranian and Hezbollah allies.Hezbollah, classified in the United States as a terrorist group, is known to operate fund-raising links in the United States, though U.S. officials say the group is believed to highly prize its U.S. fund-raising and wouldn't likely risk it by carrying out an attack inside its borders.In recent weeks, the State Department issued a travel warning and temporarily closed embassies and consulates in several countries following what officials said were threats from al Qaeda-linked terrorists in Yemen.The embassy threat hasn't subsided entirely, officials say.
Sarin traces found in Syria chemical weapons attack
(CNN) -- British military scientists found traces of sarin gas in soil and clothing taken from a patient treated near the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack outside Syria's capital, the prime minister's office said Thursday.Scientists at the Porton Down military laboratory concluded the samples were unlikely to have been faked, and Britain is sharing its findings with the United Nations, the office said.The revelation is the most specific statement by British officials regarding the chemical they believe was used in the August 21 attack on a rebel stronghold near Damascus, though the office didn't explicitly say who was responsible.
(CNN) -- British military scientists found traces of sarin gas in soil and clothing taken from a patient treated near the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack outside Syria's capital, the prime minister's office said Thursday.Scientists at the Porton Down military laboratory concluded the samples were unlikely to have been faked, and Britain is sharing its findings with the United Nations, the office said.The revelation is the most specific statement by British officials regarding the chemical they believe was used in the August 21 attack on a rebel stronghold near Damascus, though the office didn't explicitly say who was responsible.
Obama cancels West Coast trip over Syria crisis
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama's trip to the West Coast next week that was set to include remarks to a labor group has been canceled so he can continue making the case for strikes in Syria, the White House said Thursday.Obama was slated to deliver an address Monday at a meeting of the AFL-CIO in Los Angeles, and attend a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.The president and his aides have been pressing their case to lawmakers for a military strike in Syria for the past several days.
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama's trip to the West Coast next week that was set to include remarks to a labor group has been canceled so he can continue making the case for strikes in Syria, the White House said Thursday.Obama was slated to deliver an address Monday at a meeting of the AFL-CIO in Los Angeles, and attend a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.The president and his aides have been pressing their case to lawmakers for a military strike in Syria for the past several days.
Presidents Obama, Putin to talk about Syria at G-20 summit
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will have an opportunity to speak "on the margins" of the G-20 summit in Russia, a White House official said.The development is a significant departure from what senior administration officials had said previously about Obama's trip to the international forum in St.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will have an opportunity to speak "on the margins" of the G-20 summit in Russia, a White House official said.The development is a significant departure from what senior administration officials had said previously about Obama's trip to the international forum in St.
Pope Francis to G20: Keep your armies out of Syria
(CNN) -- Pope Francis on Thursday wrote to the G20 leaders, saying that military intervention in Syria would be "futile" and urging them to seek a diplomatic solution instead."To the leaders present, to each and every one," Francis wrote in a public letter, "I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution."The pope's letter was addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is hosting the G20 meeting, where the Syrian conflict is expected to take center stage.Francis has condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for a day of prayer and fasting on Sept. 7 to press for peace in Syria.He also chided the international community for letting "one-sided interests" prevent them from finding a solution.But while lamenting the "senseless massacre unfolding" in Syria, he has also rejected calls for a military strike against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also urged President Obama and Congress not to use military force in Syria."A central moral question is: Will more or less lives and livelihoods be destroyed by military intervention?" Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Richard Pates, who represent the bishops, wrote to Congress on Thursday."Instead of employing armed force," the bishops continued,"in this situation our nation, working with the international community, should direct all of its energies urgently and tirelessly toward dialogue and negotiation."
(CNN) -- Pope Francis on Thursday wrote to the G20 leaders, saying that military intervention in Syria would be "futile" and urging them to seek a diplomatic solution instead."To the leaders present, to each and every one," Francis wrote in a public letter, "I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution."The pope's letter was addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is hosting the G20 meeting, where the Syrian conflict is expected to take center stage.Francis has condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for a day of prayer and fasting on Sept. 7 to press for peace in Syria.He also chided the international community for letting "one-sided interests" prevent them from finding a solution.But while lamenting the "senseless massacre unfolding" in Syria, he has also rejected calls for a military strike against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also urged President Obama and Congress not to use military force in Syria."A central moral question is: Will more or less lives and livelihoods be destroyed by military intervention?" Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Richard Pates, who represent the bishops, wrote to Congress on Thursday."Instead of employing armed force," the bishops continued,"in this situation our nation, working with the international community, should direct all of its energies urgently and tirelessly toward dialogue and negotiation."
Showdown on Syria expected at G-20 summit in Russia
(CNN) -- It's supposed to be a summit about the global economy, but the debate over possible military strikes against Syria will likely overshadow the G-20 conference this week.The meeting in Russia will pit two leaders with polar opposite views on Syria -- U.S. President Barack Obama, who wants to launch limited military strikes against the Syrian regime for its apparent use of chemical weapons, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country stands by its longtime ally in the Middle East.The views of the 18 other countries at the G-20 run the gamut -- but could be influenced by whatever happens in St.
(CNN) -- It's supposed to be a summit about the global economy, but the debate over possible military strikes against Syria will likely overshadow the G-20 conference this week.The meeting in Russia will pit two leaders with polar opposite views on Syria -- U.S. President Barack Obama, who wants to launch limited military strikes against the Syrian regime for its apparent use of chemical weapons, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country stands by its longtime ally in the Middle East.The views of the 18 other countries at the G-20 run the gamut -- but could be influenced by whatever happens in St.
Senate committee approves resolution authorizing Syria strike
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the world set a red line against chemical weapons use that he now seeks to apply to Syria, while a Senate committee approved a resolution authorizing the U.S. military attack that he is planning.By a 10-7 vote, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the resolution that authorizes a limited military response, giving Obama an initial victory in his push to win congressional approval.The measure now goes to the full Senate for debate next week.
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the world set a red line against chemical weapons use that he now seeks to apply to Syria, while a Senate committee approved a resolution authorizing the U.S. military attack that he is planning.By a 10-7 vote, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the resolution that authorizes a limited military response, giving Obama an initial victory in his push to win congressional approval.The measure now goes to the full Senate for debate next week.