President Obama will discuss US case for action in Syria with world leaders at G-20 summit in Russia next week, US officials say – @Reuters
Congress considers measure on military action in Syria
President Obama reportedly reversed course; decided Friday night to seek Congress’ authority on Syria – @AP
Congress considers measure on military action in Syria
White House believes Congress will vote in favor of US military strike in Syria, senior administration officials say – @Reuters
Man critically injured after being attacked by at least 5 pit bulls in Chicago – @ChicagoBreaking
By Ben Geman – 08/31/13 02:06 PM ET
President Obama announced Saturday that he’s seeking congressional authorization for a limited military strike against Syria over the Bashar Assad regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons against Syria.
Obama said he had made the decision that military action was justified by U.S. intelligence showing the use of chemical weapons.
He also said he had the authority under his executive powers to launch an attack, but argued seeking the blessing of Capitol Hill was a better route.
“I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people’s representatives in Congress,” Obama said in the Rose Garden. “The country will be stronger if we take this course and our actions will be more effective,” Obama said.
It is unclear whether Congress would grant authorization for a strike.
Polls suggest the country is split at best on the wisdom of military action against Syria, even to respond to the use of chemical weapons. And a host of lawmakers have raised reservations that range for whether the attacks would be successful, to whether they would draw the U.S. into a broader war.
Fatigue from the long conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have haunted efforts to win support for action against Syria in both the U.S. and Great Britain, where the British Parliament this week voted against using military force.
It is unclear when a congressional vote might take place. Congress is not set to return to Washington until Sept. 9, though it is possible leaders could bring lawmakers back early.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/319787-obama-to-make-rose-garden-statement-on-syria#ixzz2dZZGXd2L
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President Barack Obama meets with his National Security Staff to discuss the situation in Syria, in the Situation Room of the White House, Aug. 30, 2013. From left at the table: Attorney General Eric Holder; Secretary of State John Kerry; and Vice President Joe Biden. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)