What's the evidence of Syrian chemical weapons attack?
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls it proof "beyond any reasonable doubt." Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says it's "very clear."President Barack Obama says the United States has "high confidence" that Syria used chemical weapons -- the strongest position the U.S. can take short of confirmation.Britain, France, and Germany say their intelligence backs up the same conclusion.But Russia has rejected those claims, insisting there's no such proof.
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls it proof "beyond any reasonable doubt." Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says it's "very clear."President Barack Obama says the United States has "high confidence" that Syria used chemical weapons -- the strongest position the U.S. can take short of confirmation.Britain, France, and Germany say their intelligence backs up the same conclusion.But Russia has rejected those claims, insisting there's no such proof.
Sec. Kerry signals Pres. Obama Oval Office address on Syria
(CNN) -- Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday he has "no doubt" President Barack Obama will soon make a speech on Syria from the Oval Office.Kerry's comment came at the end of a four-hour congressional hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he faced questions on the president's proposal to take military action in Syria.Many members of Congress have been calling on Obama to make his case directly to the American public--in addition to Congress--as he seeks congressional authorization to launch limited strikes in the war-torn country.Kerry's answer Wednesday came in response to a question by Rep.
(CNN) -- Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday he has "no doubt" President Barack Obama will soon make a speech on Syria from the Oval Office.Kerry's comment came at the end of a four-hour congressional hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he faced questions on the president's proposal to take military action in Syria.Many members of Congress have been calling on Obama to make his case directly to the American public--in addition to Congress--as he seeks congressional authorization to launch limited strikes in the war-torn country.Kerry's answer Wednesday came in response to a question by Rep.
Listening session on potential Syria strike held in Grafton
GRAFTON (WITI) -- 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.At a listening session in Grafton Wednesday, September 4th, Republican U.S. Rep.
GRAFTON (WITI) -- 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.At a listening session in Grafton Wednesday, September 4th, Republican U.S. Rep.
Russia 'doesn't exclude' support for U.N.-approved military strike on Syria
(CNN) -- As lawmakers in the United States and France debated the merits of military intervention in Syria's brutal civil war, Russia's president said Wednesday his country could back a U.N.-approved military strike on Syria if there's proof the regime used chemical weapons."If there are data that the chemical weapons have been used, and used specifically by the regular army, this evidence should be submitted to the U.N. Security Council," President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with The Associated Press and Russia's state Channel 1 television."It should be a deep and specific probe containing evidence that would be obvious and prove beyond doubt who did it and what means were used," he told the news agency.Putin said he "doesn't exclude" supporting a U.N. resolution on military strikes given strong evidence -- but also cautioned against the U.S. striking without one.Nations including the United States, France and Britain have concluded the Syrian government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack last month on rebel-held territory outside of Damascus.
(CNN) -- As lawmakers in the United States and France debated the merits of military intervention in Syria's brutal civil war, Russia's president said Wednesday his country could back a U.N.-approved military strike on Syria if there's proof the regime used chemical weapons."If there are data that the chemical weapons have been used, and used specifically by the regular army, this evidence should be submitted to the U.N. Security Council," President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with The Associated Press and Russia's state Channel 1 television."It should be a deep and specific probe containing evidence that would be obvious and prove beyond doubt who did it and what means were used," he told the news agency.Putin said he "doesn't exclude" supporting a U.N. resolution on military strikes given strong evidence -- but also cautioned against the U.S. striking without one.Nations including the United States, France and Britain have concluded the Syrian government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack last month on rebel-held territory outside of Damascus.
House leaders back Pres. Obama on Syrian situation
(CNN) -- The leaders of both parties in the House of Representatives emerged from a White House meeting Tuesday to support President Barack Obama's call for American strikes against government forces in Syria's civil war.House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters that only the United States has "the capability and capacity" to respond to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad."The use of chemical weapons is a barbarous act.
(CNN) -- The leaders of both parties in the House of Representatives emerged from a White House meeting Tuesday to support President Barack Obama's call for American strikes against government forces in Syria's civil war.House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters that only the United States has "the capability and capacity" to respond to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad."The use of chemical weapons is a barbarous act.
Polls: Should U.S. launch strikes against Syria?
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two new national polls indicate the same thing: More Americans oppose rather than favor U.S. military strikes against Syria.According to an ABC News/Washington Post survey released Tuesday, 36% of the public supports launching missile strikes against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if the U.S. has determined that Damascus has used chemical weapons against its own citizens, with nearly six in ten opposing such a move.The poll indicates that support rises ten points, to 46%, and opposition drops eight points, to 51% if allies such as Great Britain and France participated in missile attacks against Syria.Last week Britain's Parliament rejected taking part in any military attack on Syria, depriving the president of a normally reliable ally.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two new national polls indicate the same thing: More Americans oppose rather than favor U.S. military strikes against Syria.According to an ABC News/Washington Post survey released Tuesday, 36% of the public supports launching missile strikes against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if the U.S. has determined that Damascus has used chemical weapons against its own citizens, with nearly six in ten opposing such a move.The poll indicates that support rises ten points, to 46%, and opposition drops eight points, to 51% if allies such as Great Britain and France participated in missile attacks against Syria.Last week Britain's Parliament rejected taking part in any military attack on Syria, depriving the president of a normally reliable ally.
Pentagon: Israel test-fires missile, U.S. helps
(CNN) -- Israel test-fired a missile Tuesday morning in the Mediterranean Sea with help from the United States, the Pentagon confirmed.The test comes amid region-wide jitters over U.S. talk of possible military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.The U.S. Defense Department confirmed that it "provided technical assistance and support" for Israel's missile test.But Pentagon spokesman George Little said the "test had nothing to do with United States' consideration of military action to respond" to Syria's alleged chemical weapons attack last month."The test was long planned to help evaluate the Arrow Ballistic Missile Defense system's ability to detect, track, and communicate information about a simulated threat to Israel.
(CNN) -- Israel test-fired a missile Tuesday morning in the Mediterranean Sea with help from the United States, the Pentagon confirmed.The test comes amid region-wide jitters over U.S. talk of possible military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.The U.S. Defense Department confirmed that it "provided technical assistance and support" for Israel's missile test.But Pentagon spokesman George Little said the "test had nothing to do with United States' consideration of military action to respond" to Syria's alleged chemical weapons attack last month."The test was long planned to help evaluate the Arrow Ballistic Missile Defense system's ability to detect, track, and communicate information about a simulated threat to Israel.
Busy week of Syria discussions ahead
(CNN) -- This is a busy of week of discussions on whether the United States should use military force to punish the Syrian government for the reported use of chemical weapons in its civil war.Congress will not vote on President Barack Obama's request to authorize the use of force until after it officially returns from recess September 9.Here is what is expected this week:TUESDAY-- Obama meets with House Speaker John Boehner, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and leaders of the key congressional national security committees at 9:45 a.m.-- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans an open hearing on Syria.
(CNN) -- This is a busy of week of discussions on whether the United States should use military force to punish the Syrian government for the reported use of chemical weapons in its civil war.Congress will not vote on President Barack Obama's request to authorize the use of force until after it officially returns from recess September 9.Here is what is expected this week:TUESDAY-- Obama meets with House Speaker John Boehner, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and leaders of the key congressional national security committees at 9:45 a.m.-- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans an open hearing on Syria.
Pres. Obama plans rebel aid with Syria strikes, senators say
(CNN) -- U.S. plans for strikes against Syria may be coupled with increased support for rebel forces in that country's civil war, two leading Republican senators said after meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday.Obama met in the Oval Office with Sens.
(CNN) -- U.S. plans for strikes against Syria may be coupled with increased support for rebel forces in that country's civil war, two leading Republican senators said after meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday.Obama met in the Oval Office with Sens.
Sources: 3 countries offer military assets for U.S. attack on Syria
(CNN) -- Three Middle Eastern nations have offered the United States use of their military assets for action against Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday.Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates are the first to do so, and other countries are expected to as well, Kerry said in a phone call to Democratic lawmakers, according to two people who were on the call.The prospect of military strikes has resulted in about 100 defections from the Syrian military, he said on the call, according to the sources.A total of 127 Democrats from the House of Representatives were on the call, a Democratic aide told CNN.But the tough sell for action was clear in the call.
(CNN) -- Three Middle Eastern nations have offered the United States use of their military assets for action against Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday.Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates are the first to do so, and other countries are expected to as well, Kerry said in a phone call to Democratic lawmakers, according to two people who were on the call.The prospect of military strikes has resulted in about 100 defections from the Syrian military, he said on the call, according to the sources.A total of 127 Democrats from the House of Representatives were on the call, a Democratic aide told CNN.But the tough sell for action was clear in the call.
64-year-old Diana Nyad completes historic Cuba-to-Florida swim
KEY WEST, Florida (CNN) -- This time, neither storm nor jellyfish, nausea nor utter fatigue could keep 64-year-old endurance swimmer Diana Nyad from achieving her lifelong ambition of conquering the Straits of Florida.On Monday, Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage, willing her way to a Key West beach just before 2 p.m. ET, nearly 53 hours after jumping into the ocean in Havana for her fifth try in 35 years.Nyad pumped her fist as she walked onto the beach toward an awaiting medic before being guided to an ambulance.Dozens of onlookers -- some in kayaks and boats, many others wading in the water or standing on shore -- gathered to cheer her on as she finished the more-than-100-mile swim.It was a long-awaited triumph for Nyad, who was making her fifth attempt since 1978 and her fourth since turning 60.The first four tries were marked by gut-wrenching setbacks; if the rough, strength-sapping seas didn't force her to quit, an hours-long asthma attack or paralyzing and excruciating jellyfish stings did.But for this swim, besides donning a suit meant to protect her against her jellyfish nemesis, she wore a special mask to prevent jellyfish stings to her tongue, a key factor in her failed attempt last year.She and her support team didn't encounter many jellyfish this time.
KEY WEST, Florida (CNN) -- This time, neither storm nor jellyfish, nausea nor utter fatigue could keep 64-year-old endurance swimmer Diana Nyad from achieving her lifelong ambition of conquering the Straits of Florida.On Monday, Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage, willing her way to a Key West beach just before 2 p.m. ET, nearly 53 hours after jumping into the ocean in Havana for her fifth try in 35 years.Nyad pumped her fist as she walked onto the beach toward an awaiting medic before being guided to an ambulance.Dozens of onlookers -- some in kayaks and boats, many others wading in the water or standing on shore -- gathered to cheer her on as she finished the more-than-100-mile swim.It was a long-awaited triumph for Nyad, who was making her fifth attempt since 1978 and her fourth since turning 60.The first four tries were marked by gut-wrenching setbacks; if the rough, strength-sapping seas didn't force her to quit, an hours-long asthma attack or paralyzing and excruciating jellyfish stings did.But for this swim, besides donning a suit meant to protect her against her jellyfish nemesis, she wore a special mask to prevent jellyfish stings to her tongue, a key factor in her failed attempt last year.She and her support team didn't encounter many jellyfish this time.
As it builds coalition on Syria, U.S faces skeptical allies
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An Israeli web site only has one question: Has the attack happened yet?
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An Israeli web site only has one question: Has the attack happened yet?
What are the odds of a U.S. strike against Syria?
(CNN) -- When President Barack Obama said this weekend that bombing Syrian targets is the right thing to do, and then asked Congress to approve it, the international crisis took a turn toward a fierce domestic battle.There are so many moving parts to this complicated story that it can become quite difficult to keep up.Let this Q&A bring you up to speed on the dizzying developments.Is the U.S. going to war with Syria?No -- at least not yet.
(CNN) -- When President Barack Obama said this weekend that bombing Syrian targets is the right thing to do, and then asked Congress to approve it, the international crisis took a turn toward a fierce domestic battle.There are so many moving parts to this complicated story that it can become quite difficult to keep up.Let this Q&A bring you up to speed on the dizzying developments.Is the U.S. going to war with Syria?No -- at least not yet.
Syrian natives living in Milw. react to crisis in home country
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Shamcy and Dima Alghazzy, originally of Syria, say Bashar al-Assad's regime has tormented the people of their native country for far too long.The couple hopes an alleged chemical attack that recently killed 1,400 civilians will be the world's last straw."It's been a very scary two years, but it's been petrifying for the last two weeks," said Alghazzy. "He's been unchecked for so long and he's upping the ante and it culminated in last week's massacre.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Shamcy and Dima Alghazzy, originally of Syria, say Bashar al-Assad's regime has tormented the people of their native country for far too long.The couple hopes an alleged chemical attack that recently killed 1,400 civilians will be the world's last straw."It's been a very scary two years, but it's been petrifying for the last two weeks," said Alghazzy. "He's been unchecked for so long and he's upping the ante and it culminated in last week's massacre.
White House pushes Congress on Syria after Obama's recoil
(CNN) -- The Obama administration pushed forward Sunday on a new path toward military action in Syria, urging Congress to support the president's call.Tests found signatures of sarin gas in blood and hair samples collected from the Damascus site of an alleged chemical weapons attack, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.The samples were collected separately from a United Nations investigation into the August 21 attack and provide further proof that the Syrian regime attacked its own people, Kerry said.With "each day that goes by, this case is even stronger," he said, arguing that the United States must act."If you don't do it, you send a message of impunity," Kerry said.
(CNN) -- The Obama administration pushed forward Sunday on a new path toward military action in Syria, urging Congress to support the president's call.Tests found signatures of sarin gas in blood and hair samples collected from the Damascus site of an alleged chemical weapons attack, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.The samples were collected separately from a United Nations investigation into the August 21 attack and provide further proof that the Syrian regime attacked its own people, Kerry said.With "each day that goes by, this case is even stronger," he said, arguing that the United States must act."If you don't do it, you send a message of impunity," Kerry said.
Latest developments in Syrian crisis
(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has pushed the pause button on the path toward U.S. military action in Syria by asking Congress to support his call to strike targets in the Middle Eastern country.
(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has pushed the pause button on the path toward U.S. military action in Syria by asking Congress to support his call to strike targets in the Middle Eastern country.
U.S. beefs up security measures before possible military strike on Syria
(CNN) -- U.S. authorities are tightening up domestic security measures ahead of a possible U.S. military attack on Syria.The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are warning of a higher risk of cyber attacks after months of similar disruptions by hackers known as the Syrian Electronic Army.One such attack brought down the website of The New York Times in recent days, and authorities say more attacks are likely.Warnings from Iranian officials that any U.S. attack on Syria could be met with retaliation has also prompted warnings of possible terror threats in the United States or its interests abroad, U.S. law enforcement officials said.FBI officials have asked agents around United States to focus on ongoing investigations related to Syria and the surrounding region, checking in with contacts and informants, and "redoubling their efforts," as one official said.Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have intervened in the 2-year-old Syrian civil war on the side of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
(CNN) -- U.S. authorities are tightening up domestic security measures ahead of a possible U.S. military attack on Syria.The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are warning of a higher risk of cyber attacks after months of similar disruptions by hackers known as the Syrian Electronic Army.One such attack brought down the website of The New York Times in recent days, and authorities say more attacks are likely.Warnings from Iranian officials that any U.S. attack on Syria could be met with retaliation has also prompted warnings of possible terror threats in the United States or its interests abroad, U.S. law enforcement officials said.FBI officials have asked agents around United States to focus on ongoing investigations related to Syria and the surrounding region, checking in with contacts and informants, and "redoubling their efforts," as one official said.Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have intervened in the 2-year-old Syrian civil war on the side of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Pope Francis calls for day of fasting for Syria
(CNN) -- To robust applause from the gathered faithful, Pope Francis called Sunday for a day of prayer and fasting over the violence in Syria.Devoting the totality of his weekly remarks in St.
(CNN) -- To robust applause from the gathered faithful, Pope Francis called Sunday for a day of prayer and fasting over the violence in Syria.Devoting the totality of his weekly remarks in St.
Pres. Obama urges military action against Syria, seeks Congressional okay
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The war of words over how the U.S. should approach potential military strikes in Syria will only intensify in the coming days as President Barack Obama asks Congress to officially weigh in.After he and top officials in his administration outlined evidence behind their claim that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for a chemical attack that killed 1,400 and injured 3,000 earlier this month, Obama's call Saturday for congressional authorization to strike Syria surprised Washington but was applauded by members on both sides of the aisle.Some, however, questioned what would happen in the turbulent country in the week before Congress returns from its August recess on September 9.Several Senate Democrats on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees pushed on a Friday conference call with administration officials for Obama to formally consult them.And more than 160 House members - including 98 Republicans and 63 Democrats - signed letters to Obama asking that make his case before them.They pointed to his responsibilities under the 1970s-era War Powers Resolution that attempted to resolve sometimes conflicting constitutional provisions assigning the president commander-in-chief powers and Congress the authority to declare war."While the founders wisely gave the office of the president the authority to act in emergencies, they foresaw the need to ensure public debate - and the active engagement of Congress - prior to committing U.S. military assets," one such letter read. "Engaging our military in Syria when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization would violate the separation of powers that is clearly delineated in the Constitution."They sharply criticized as unconstitutional Obama's decision not to seek authorization before the 2011 U.S. military action in Libya, which included airstrikes.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The war of words over how the U.S. should approach potential military strikes in Syria will only intensify in the coming days as President Barack Obama asks Congress to officially weigh in.After he and top officials in his administration outlined evidence behind their claim that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for a chemical attack that killed 1,400 and injured 3,000 earlier this month, Obama's call Saturday for congressional authorization to strike Syria surprised Washington but was applauded by members on both sides of the aisle.Some, however, questioned what would happen in the turbulent country in the week before Congress returns from its August recess on September 9.Several Senate Democrats on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees pushed on a Friday conference call with administration officials for Obama to formally consult them.And more than 160 House members - including 98 Republicans and 63 Democrats - signed letters to Obama asking that make his case before them.They pointed to his responsibilities under the 1970s-era War Powers Resolution that attempted to resolve sometimes conflicting constitutional provisions assigning the president commander-in-chief powers and Congress the authority to declare war."While the founders wisely gave the office of the president the authority to act in emergencies, they foresaw the need to ensure public debate - and the active engagement of Congress - prior to committing U.S. military assets," one such letter read. "Engaging our military in Syria when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization would violate the separation of powers that is clearly delineated in the Constitution."They sharply criticized as unconstitutional Obama's decision not to seek authorization before the 2011 U.S. military action in Libya, which included airstrikes.
Syria missile strike: What would happen next?
(CNN) -- As the United States weighs possible military strikes on Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack, it has to consider a critical question: then what?A broad cross-section of experts on the region agree: A missile strike could worsen the war in Syria and usher in a host of new problems."The key issue is not the tactics of the strikes, but the strategic aftermath," says Anthony Cordesman, a former Defense Department official now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Most experts believe a strike would target the Syrian regime's weapons arsenal -- not suspected sites of chemical weapons stockpiles.
(CNN) -- As the United States weighs possible military strikes on Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack, it has to consider a critical question: then what?A broad cross-section of experts on the region agree: A missile strike could worsen the war in Syria and usher in a host of new problems."The key issue is not the tactics of the strikes, but the strategic aftermath," says Anthony Cordesman, a former Defense Department official now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Most experts believe a strike would target the Syrian regime's weapons arsenal -- not suspected sites of chemical weapons stockpiles.