Middle East Policies - Page 664

December 20, 2015

Assad threatens 'repercussions' if US launches strike on Syria

Syrian President Bashar Assad, during an interview that aired Monday morning, threatened "repercussions" from any American attack on Syria. 

December 20, 2015

Transcript of President Obama's interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace

Obama tells Fox News' Chris Wallace US is willing to negotiate with Russia and Syria over proposal to have Syria turn over chemical weapons to international control, taking a sharp turn from his 'red line' on eve of speech to the American people.

December 20, 2015

US says 14 more nations join statement on Syria

The White House says 14 more nations have signed on to a statement blaming Syrian President Bashar Assad's government for a chemical weapons attack and calling for a strong international response.

December 20, 2015

Obama, his team sharpen Syria pitch as Congress prepares to vote

The White House is putting a sharp edge on its pitch for Congress’ support for a military strike on Syria -- challenging members when they return Monday to act on indisputable evidence of a recent chemical attack on Syrian residents and suggesting the Iran and Hezbollah is watching.

December 20, 2015

Benghazi anniversary hurts White House push to win Syria support

The Obama administration’s effort Sunday to win support for a punitive military strike on Syria is faced opposition and criticism in part because of its handling of the fatal Benghazi terror attacks, which occurred one year ago  Wednesday.

December 20, 2015

Petraeus backs Obama in push for strike on Syria

Retired Army Gen. David Petraeus is throwing his considerable weight behind the push for military action against Syria, saying a failure to act, “would have serious ramifications not just in the Mideast, but around the world.”

December 20, 2015

CIA authenticates 13 videos showing Syrian gas attack aftermath, official says

U.S. intelligence officials say they have authenticated at least 13 videos that show the aftermath of an alleged Syrian gas attack, in which men and children are seen struggling for breath and convulsing, according to a government official.

December 20, 2015

Obama faces uphill battle on support for Syria strike after G-20 push

President Obama emerged from the G-20 summit in Russia acknowledging steep challenges in his attempt to garner support for a military strike against Syria from world leaders and members of Congress ahead of a critical vote on a use-of-force resolution.

December 20, 2015

Obama leaving door open to Syria strike if Congress balks

As opposition mounts on Capitol Hill to a Syria strike, the question hanging over the stand-off is: If Congress votes "no," will the president go ahead with a military strike anyway?

December 20, 2015

Pro-strike lawmakers mum as startling videos surface of Syrian rebels

Lawmakers who were early champions of a U.S. strike on Assad regime targets in Syria have stayed mum as video clips emerge appearing to show opposition soldiers both killing unarmed men and indicating they have possession of chemical weapons.