At least five killed in Kabul violence
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- At least five people were killed when a building was attacked in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.At least three attackers were gunned down by security forces, the city's police chief said.
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- At least five people were killed when a building was attacked in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.At least three attackers were gunned down by security forces, the city's police chief said.
Magnitude 8.2 earthquake rocks Russian Far East
(CNN) -- A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia's Ria Novosti news agency reported.
(CNN) -- A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia's Ria Novosti news agency reported.
North Korea fires more projectiles into the sea off its east coast
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea on Monday fired more projectiles into the sea off its east coast, South Korean officials said, urging Pyongyang to refrain from "tension-creating acts."But Pyongyang described the launches as a "regular military exercise."The South Korean Defense Ministry still needs to analyze exactly what the North has been firing for the past three days, said Choi Yong-su, an official in the ministry representative's office.They could be short-range missiles or a new kind of large-caliber artillery rocket, the ministry said.The North fired three projectiles into waters off its east coast Saturday and a fourth Sunday.
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea on Monday fired more projectiles into the sea off its east coast, South Korean officials said, urging Pyongyang to refrain from "tension-creating acts."But Pyongyang described the launches as a "regular military exercise."The South Korean Defense Ministry still needs to analyze exactly what the North has been firing for the past three days, said Choi Yong-su, an official in the ministry representative's office.They could be short-range missiles or a new kind of large-caliber artillery rocket, the ministry said.The North fired three projectiles into waters off its east coast Saturday and a fourth Sunday.
Bombs kills 9, wound 70 in Afghanistan
(CNN) -- At least nine people were killed and more than 70 others were injured Friday after two Toyota Corollas exploded in southern Afghanistan late Friday, a government official said.Three police officers were among those killed in the blasts, which occurred in Kandahar city, Jawid Faisal, a spokesman for the governor of southern Kandahar province said.There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
(CNN) -- At least nine people were killed and more than 70 others were injured Friday after two Toyota Corollas exploded in southern Afghanistan late Friday, a government official said.Three police officers were among those killed in the blasts, which occurred in Kandahar city, Jawid Faisal, a spokesman for the governor of southern Kandahar province said.There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Pickering, Mullen request public Benghazi hearing
(CNN) -- Irritated by a top Republican's portrayal of their work, the officials who led the independent review of the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, are demanding a public hearing to answer his criticisms, according to a letter obtained exclusively by CNN."The public deserves to hear your questions and our answers," former U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering and retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm.
(CNN) -- Irritated by a top Republican's portrayal of their work, the officials who led the independent review of the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, are demanding a public hearing to answer his criticisms, according to a letter obtained exclusively by CNN."The public deserves to hear your questions and our answers," former U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering and retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm.
White House releases Benghazi e-mails
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House released more than 100 pages of e-mails on Wednesday in a bid to quell critics who say President Barack Obama and his aides played politics with national security following the deadly terror attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.The e-mails detail the complex back and forth between the CIA, State Department, and the White House in developing unclassified talking points that were used to underpin a controversial and slow-to-evolve explanation of events last September 11.The talking points have become a political flashpoint in a long-running battle between the Obama administration and Republicans, who accuse it of not bolstering security prior to the attack, of botching the response to it, and of misleading the public for political gain less than two months before the November election.The GOP suggests that the administration removed specific terror references and stuck to an explanation -- later proved untrue -- that the attack was result of a spontaneous demonstration over an anti-Muslim film that was produced in the United States.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House released more than 100 pages of e-mails on Wednesday in a bid to quell critics who say President Barack Obama and his aides played politics with national security following the deadly terror attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.The e-mails detail the complex back and forth between the CIA, State Department, and the White House in developing unclassified talking points that were used to underpin a controversial and slow-to-evolve explanation of events last September 11.The talking points have become a political flashpoint in a long-running battle between the Obama administration and Republicans, who accuse it of not bolstering security prior to the attack, of botching the response to it, and of misleading the public for political gain less than two months before the November election.The GOP suggests that the administration removed specific terror references and stuck to an explanation -- later proved untrue -- that the attack was result of a spontaneous demonstration over an anti-Muslim film that was produced in the United States.
Russia calls 'spy' case provocation, but Boston fallout could be factor
(CNN) -- Moscow claims an American diplomat tried to recruit a spy for the United States, calling it a "Cold War" provocation.
(CNN) -- Moscow claims an American diplomat tried to recruit a spy for the United States, calling it a "Cold War" provocation.
Three coalition troops killed in Afghan bombing
(CNN) -- Three coalition service members in southern Afghanistan died after a bombing Tuesday, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said.Their nationalities were not released.
(CNN) -- Three coalition service members in southern Afghanistan died after a bombing Tuesday, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said.Their nationalities were not released.
'Shredded bodies' in 'horrific' Benghazi blast
(CNN) -- Children were among the victims Monday when a car bomb blew up near a hospital in the Libyan city of Benghazi, a security official told state TV."Children with shredded bodies and wounds to the head," Benghazi Security Directorate spokesman Tareq Khraz told state TV Libya Al Ahrar. "I cannot even describe the scene to you, but believe me, it was horrific."The car bomb detonated near Al Jalaa hospital but not immediately in front of the building.
(CNN) -- Children were among the victims Monday when a car bomb blew up near a hospital in the Libyan city of Benghazi, a security official told state TV."Children with shredded bodies and wounds to the head," Benghazi Security Directorate spokesman Tareq Khraz told state TV Libya Al Ahrar. "I cannot even describe the scene to you, but believe me, it was horrific."The car bomb detonated near Al Jalaa hospital but not immediately in front of the building.
China: 28 miners killed in coal mine explosion
(CNN) -- A coal mine explosion in China's southwestern Sichuan province killed 28 miners, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.A total of 108 miners were working underground when the gas explosion occurred near the city of Luzhou on Saturday, Xinhua said, citing provincial work safety officials.Late Saturday night, rescuers had saved 81 miners, but 27 others were confirmed dead.
(CNN) -- A coal mine explosion in China's southwestern Sichuan province killed 28 miners, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.A total of 108 miners were working underground when the gas explosion occurred near the city of Luzhou on Saturday, Xinhua said, citing provincial work safety officials.Late Saturday night, rescuers had saved 81 miners, but 27 others were confirmed dead.
Obama administration emails raise new questions on Benghazi
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An e-mail discussion about talking points the Obama administration used to describe the deadly attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, show the White House and State Department were more involved than they first said in the decision to remove an initial CIA assessment that a group with ties to al Qaeda was involved, according to CNN sources with knowledge of the e-mails.The talking points have become a political flashpoint in a long-running battle between the administration and Republicans, who say that officials knew the attack last September 11 was a planned terror operation while they were telling the public it was an act of violence that grew out of a demonstration over a video produced in the United States that insulted Islam.That was the story that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told five days later when she made the rounds of all five Sunday morning television talk shows.Obama administration officials have long said that Rice was using official talking points that were edited almost exclusively by the intelligence community.The attack also occurred two months before the November election, in which President Barack Obama's campaign often pointed out that it had "decimated" al Qaeda.White House spokesman Jay Carney on Friday called the controversy a "distraction" from the facts and said the administration had raised the possibility of extremist involvement from the start.He told reporters the administration was careful with information on Benghazi and was open with the public once facts were established.An interagency discussion over the talking points to describe the attack just days previous that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans included the White House, State Department, CIA, FBI and Justice Department officials.A senior administration official told CNN that the e-mails were made available to Congress earlier this year and nothing contradicts what it has said."The White House made stylistic edits to the talking points to emphasize that the investigation was ongoing as to who was responsible" and to simplify certain phrasing, the official said.Carney added that the only edit made by the White House or the State Department was to change the description of the targeted facility to a diplomatic post from consulate.The e-mail exchange and alterations to the talking points were first reported by ABC and The Weekly Standard and confirmed by CNN appear to contradict that assertion.A source familiar with the matter said then-State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland raised concerns over the CIA's first version of the talking points, saying that they went further than what she was allowed to say about the attack during her briefings and that she believed the CIA was attempting to exonerate itself at the State Department's expense by suggesting CIA warnings about the security situation were ignored.Carney said on Friday there was a "deliberative process" around the talking points involving several agencies.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An e-mail discussion about talking points the Obama administration used to describe the deadly attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, show the White House and State Department were more involved than they first said in the decision to remove an initial CIA assessment that a group with ties to al Qaeda was involved, according to CNN sources with knowledge of the e-mails.The talking points have become a political flashpoint in a long-running battle between the administration and Republicans, who say that officials knew the attack last September 11 was a planned terror operation while they were telling the public it was an act of violence that grew out of a demonstration over a video produced in the United States that insulted Islam.That was the story that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told five days later when she made the rounds of all five Sunday morning television talk shows.Obama administration officials have long said that Rice was using official talking points that were edited almost exclusively by the intelligence community.The attack also occurred two months before the November election, in which President Barack Obama's campaign often pointed out that it had "decimated" al Qaeda.White House spokesman Jay Carney on Friday called the controversy a "distraction" from the facts and said the administration had raised the possibility of extremist involvement from the start.He told reporters the administration was careful with information on Benghazi and was open with the public once facts were established.An interagency discussion over the talking points to describe the attack just days previous that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans included the White House, State Department, CIA, FBI and Justice Department officials.A senior administration official told CNN that the e-mails were made available to Congress earlier this year and nothing contradicts what it has said."The White House made stylistic edits to the talking points to emphasize that the investigation was ongoing as to who was responsible" and to simplify certain phrasing, the official said.Carney added that the only edit made by the White House or the State Department was to change the description of the targeted facility to a diplomatic post from consulate.The e-mail exchange and alterations to the talking points were first reported by ABC and The Weekly Standard and confirmed by CNN appear to contradict that assertion.A source familiar with the matter said then-State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland raised concerns over the CIA's first version of the talking points, saying that they went further than what she was allowed to say about the attack during her briefings and that she believed the CIA was attempting to exonerate itself at the State Department's expense by suggesting CIA warnings about the security situation were ignored.Carney said on Friday there was a "deliberative process" around the talking points involving several agencies.
Marines on alert if U.S. personnel evacuate Libya
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Several dozen combat-ready U.S. Marines stationed in southern Spain have been put on alert to potentially move into Libya and assist in the evacuation of American personnel if the unrest grows there in the coming days, a senior military official confirms to CNN.The Marines have not yet moved from their base, but could be ordered to move closer to Libya so they could get there faster if a full evacuation is ordered.The Marines in Spain are supposed to be ready to move within six hours of notification.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Several dozen combat-ready U.S. Marines stationed in southern Spain have been put on alert to potentially move into Libya and assist in the evacuation of American personnel if the unrest grows there in the coming days, a senior military official confirms to CNN.The Marines have not yet moved from their base, but could be ordered to move closer to Libya so they could get there faster if a full evacuation is ordered.The Marines in Spain are supposed to be ready to move within six hours of notification.
Focus in Benghazi hearings shifts from Pres. Obama to Clinton
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama's been in the bull's eye of Republicans and conservatives since 2008, but after Wednesday's hearing on last September's terror attack in Benghazi, Libya, many on the right are shifting their aim at former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Soon after the hearing by the GOP-led House Oversight Committee looking into the events surrounding the death of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans, a recently formed pro-Republican opposition research group blasted out an e-mail with the headline "Benghazi Hearing Raises Serious Questions About Clinton."America Rising PAC then followed up Thursday with a Web video which it says outlines "the serious questions raised about Hillary Clinton's leadership yesterday in a House Oversight Committee hearing."The Republican National Committee and American Crossroads, the Karl Rove-backed pro-GOP super PAC, also issued e-mails critical of Clinton, America's top diplomat at the time of the attack last September 11.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama's been in the bull's eye of Republicans and conservatives since 2008, but after Wednesday's hearing on last September's terror attack in Benghazi, Libya, many on the right are shifting their aim at former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Soon after the hearing by the GOP-led House Oversight Committee looking into the events surrounding the death of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans, a recently formed pro-Republican opposition research group blasted out an e-mail with the headline "Benghazi Hearing Raises Serious Questions About Clinton."America Rising PAC then followed up Thursday with a Web video which it says outlines "the serious questions raised about Hillary Clinton's leadership yesterday in a House Oversight Committee hearing."The Republican National Committee and American Crossroads, the Karl Rove-backed pro-GOP super PAC, also issued e-mails critical of Clinton, America's top diplomat at the time of the attack last September 11.
Doomed Libya ambassador: 'We're under attack'
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Late on the night of last September 11, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens spoke to his deputy for the final time from the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya."Greg, we're under attack," Stevens told Gregory Hicks.Within hours, Stevens and three other Americans were dead, victims of an armed terrorist assault that has since become a political and foreign policy flashpoint in Washington's partisan wars.The dramatic narrative recounted by Hicks at a six-hour Republican-led House hearing on Wednesday reflected the knowledge of a high-level insider who was in Libya that long night and was deeply involved in trying to react to events.His efforts to determine the circumstances of the attack and muster help for those under siege in eastern Libya were later praised by his superiors and by President Barack Obama.The step-by-step account riveted the Republican-led Oversight Committee proceeding that was also marked by sharp partisan exchanges over the merits of continued congressional inquiries over the attack.Republicans once again accused the Obama administration of trying to cover up the fact that it was a well-orchestrated assault by militants, failing to adequately explain events to the public, and then refusing to cooperate with congressional investigators.Democrats once again accused Republicans of using tragedy for political gain.Hicks -- praised by Republicans as a "whistleblower" -- was joined at the witness table by Eric Nordstrom, a former regional security officer in Libya, and Mark Thompson, the State Department's acting deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism.Our goal "is to get answers, declared committee chairman Rep.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Late on the night of last September 11, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens spoke to his deputy for the final time from the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya."Greg, we're under attack," Stevens told Gregory Hicks.Within hours, Stevens and three other Americans were dead, victims of an armed terrorist assault that has since become a political and foreign policy flashpoint in Washington's partisan wars.The dramatic narrative recounted by Hicks at a six-hour Republican-led House hearing on Wednesday reflected the knowledge of a high-level insider who was in Libya that long night and was deeply involved in trying to react to events.His efforts to determine the circumstances of the attack and muster help for those under siege in eastern Libya were later praised by his superiors and by President Barack Obama.The step-by-step account riveted the Republican-led Oversight Committee proceeding that was also marked by sharp partisan exchanges over the merits of continued congressional inquiries over the attack.Republicans once again accused the Obama administration of trying to cover up the fact that it was a well-orchestrated assault by militants, failing to adequately explain events to the public, and then refusing to cooperate with congressional investigators.Democrats once again accused Republicans of using tragedy for political gain.Hicks -- praised by Republicans as a "whistleblower" -- was joined at the witness table by Eric Nordstrom, a former regional security officer in Libya, and Mark Thompson, the State Department's acting deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism.Our goal "is to get answers, declared committee chairman Rep.
20 dead in Mexico tanker blast
(CNN) -- A speeding tanker truck carrying gas crashed and exploded in a huge fireball along a highway near Mexico City Tuesday, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more, officials said.Salvador Neme, the secretary for citizen security in Mexico state, said two of the victims were children.Flames engulfed cars and houses near the explosion, video from CNN affiliate Foro TV showed.According to initial reports from police, the tanker was speeding and the driver lost control, crashing into several homes and cars before exploding, Mexico's state-run Notimex news agency reported.Hours after the explosion, 33 wounded victims remained hospitalized, state officials said.The driver of the tanker was also in the hospital, but under arrest, Neme said.The blast occurred in the municipality of Ecatepec, in the state of Mexico.At least 45 homes were damaged and 16 vehicles burned in the city, a large suburb near the nation's capital, Ecatepec Mayor Pablo Bedolla said.Authorities opened a shelter in the area for 100 people left homeless after the fiery blast.
(CNN) -- A speeding tanker truck carrying gas crashed and exploded in a huge fireball along a highway near Mexico City Tuesday, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more, officials said.Salvador Neme, the secretary for citizen security in Mexico state, said two of the victims were children.Flames engulfed cars and houses near the explosion, video from CNN affiliate Foro TV showed.According to initial reports from police, the tanker was speeding and the driver lost control, crashing into several homes and cars before exploding, Mexico's state-run Notimex news agency reported.Hours after the explosion, 33 wounded victims remained hospitalized, state officials said.The driver of the tanker was also in the hospital, but under arrest, Neme said.The blast occurred in the municipality of Ecatepec, in the state of Mexico.At least 45 homes were damaged and 16 vehicles burned in the city, a large suburb near the nation's capital, Ecatepec Mayor Pablo Bedolla said.Authorities opened a shelter in the area for 100 people left homeless after the fiery blast.
42 Syrian soldiers dead in reported Israeli strike
DAMASCUS, Syria (CNN) -- Concern over the possibility of broader war in the Middle East grew Monday in the wake of reported airstrikes on Syrian military installations.The reported strikes killed 42 Syrian soldiers, the opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday, citing medical sources.
DAMASCUS, Syria (CNN) -- Concern over the possibility of broader war in the Middle East grew Monday in the wake of reported airstrikes on Syrian military installations.The reported strikes killed 42 Syrian soldiers, the opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday, citing medical sources.
Ahead of visit, U.S. and South Korea ties stronger than ever
(CNN) -- On the eve of meetings between President Barack Obama and South Korean President Park Geun-hye, a White House official says the recent saber rattling by North Korea has only strengthened the relationship between the allies.Daniel Russel, White House special assistant and senior director for Asian affairs, told reporters on a conference call Monday Obama will use Park's visit to "reaffirm the strong commitment" of the U.S. to the defense of the Republic of South Korea.Park will meet with Obama in the Oval Office Tuesday, followed by a working lunch and a joint news conference with the two leaders.Monday a U.S. official confirmed to CNN that two North Korean Musudan missiles have been withdrawn from a launch site in the eastern part of the country and sent to a storage facility.Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened to attack the United States, South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons.Russel told reporters it would be "premature" to make a judgment about whether the North Korean "provocation cycle is going up, down or zig-zagging." He said, "No one should be prepared to declare a victory yet," referring to the reports of North Korean missiles being moved off the launch sites.Russel said Tuesday's meeting between Obama and Park would make it "crystal clear" the two leaders stand "shoulder to shoulder" in terms of policy toward North Korea.Russel saying the U.S. and its partners would need to see "credible and irreversible steps" signaling a commitment on the part of North Korea to end their nuclear program and completely denuclearize the peninsula before the U.S. and its allies would consider adjusting sanctions against North Korea.Tuesday's talks will also focus on economic cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea, as well as other political and security issues including Afghanistan, Syria, climate change and clean energy.Park made history in February by becoming South Korea's first female president.
(CNN) -- On the eve of meetings between President Barack Obama and South Korean President Park Geun-hye, a White House official says the recent saber rattling by North Korea has only strengthened the relationship between the allies.Daniel Russel, White House special assistant and senior director for Asian affairs, told reporters on a conference call Monday Obama will use Park's visit to "reaffirm the strong commitment" of the U.S. to the defense of the Republic of South Korea.Park will meet with Obama in the Oval Office Tuesday, followed by a working lunch and a joint news conference with the two leaders.Monday a U.S. official confirmed to CNN that two North Korean Musudan missiles have been withdrawn from a launch site in the eastern part of the country and sent to a storage facility.Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened to attack the United States, South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons.Russel told reporters it would be "premature" to make a judgment about whether the North Korean "provocation cycle is going up, down or zig-zagging." He said, "No one should be prepared to declare a victory yet," referring to the reports of North Korean missiles being moved off the launch sites.Russel said Tuesday's meeting between Obama and Park would make it "crystal clear" the two leaders stand "shoulder to shoulder" in terms of policy toward North Korea.Russel saying the U.S. and its partners would need to see "credible and irreversible steps" signaling a commitment on the part of North Korea to end their nuclear program and completely denuclearize the peninsula before the U.S. and its allies would consider adjusting sanctions against North Korea.Tuesday's talks will also focus on economic cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea, as well as other political and security issues including Afghanistan, Syria, climate change and clean energy.Park made history in February by becoming South Korea's first female president.
Witness names released for Wednesday Benghazi hearing
(CNN) -- A senior Republican has released names of witnesses for a Wednesday congressional hearing on the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, including two characterized by Republicans as whistleblowers.Rep.
(CNN) -- A senior Republican has released names of witnesses for a Wednesday congressional hearing on the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, including two characterized by Republicans as whistleblowers.Rep.
Families bid adieu to Army Reservists headed overseas
PEWAUKEE (WITI) -- Sunday, May 5th was a tough day for families of 150 Wisconsin Army Reservists, as the soldiers headed off for a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan.
PEWAUKEE (WITI) -- Sunday, May 5th was a tough day for families of 150 Wisconsin Army Reservists, as the soldiers headed off for a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan.
Pres. Obama: 'Do not foresee' American boots on ground in Syria
(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama does not foresee a scenario of "American boots on the ground in Syria," telling reporters Friday that it would not be good for the United States or for that country."As a general rule, I don't rule things out as commander-in-chief because circumstances change," Obama said during a joint news conference with President Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica, where the president stopped during a three-day visit to the region."...Having said that, I do not foresee a scenario in which boots on the ground in Syria, American boots on the ground in Syria, would be good for America or be good for Syria."Obama said he has consulted with leaders in the region, who want to see stability return to Syria, and "they agree with that assessment."Even so, the president said that if the United States confirms the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government against its people, "that's a game changer for us."He did not elaborate on what steps would be taken, repeating as he has said previously that the United States would wait until it has more details of evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria before making any decision on whether to alter strategy."We have evidence that chemical weapons have been used.
(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama does not foresee a scenario of "American boots on the ground in Syria," telling reporters Friday that it would not be good for the United States or for that country."As a general rule, I don't rule things out as commander-in-chief because circumstances change," Obama said during a joint news conference with President Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica, where the president stopped during a three-day visit to the region."...Having said that, I do not foresee a scenario in which boots on the ground in Syria, American boots on the ground in Syria, would be good for America or be good for Syria."Obama said he has consulted with leaders in the region, who want to see stability return to Syria, and "they agree with that assessment."Even so, the president said that if the United States confirms the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government against its people, "that's a game changer for us."He did not elaborate on what steps would be taken, repeating as he has said previously that the United States would wait until it has more details of evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria before making any decision on whether to alter strategy."We have evidence that chemical weapons have been used.