Cebu_4_2
26th August 2013, 08:59 PM
After Syria chemical allegations, Obama considering limited military strike http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/Was7846116.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/national/kerry-chemical-weapon-use-undeniable-in-syria/2013/08/26/557cc68d-4a36-478f-8170-8d8a1085d047_video.html) Video: The Obama administration toughened its criticism of Syria's alleged chemical weapons use, with Secretary of State John Kerry cutting his vacation short to address the crisis as the U.S. considers possible military actions.
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By Karen DeYoung (http://www.washingtonpost.com/karen-deyoung/2011/03/02/AB56xmP_page.html) and Anne Gearan, Updated: Monday, August 26, 9:14 PM E-mail the writers (deyoungk@washpost.com;anne.gearan@washpost.com?su bject=Reader%20feedback%20for%20%27After%20Syria%2 0chemical%20allegations,%20Obama%20considering%20l imited%20military%20strike%27)
President Obama is weighing a military strike against Syria that would be of limited scope and duration, designed to serve as punishment for Syria’s use of chemical weapons and as a deterrent, while keeping the United States out of deeper involvement in that country’s civil war, according to senior administration officials.
The timing of such an attack, which would probably last no more than two days and involve sea-launched cruise missiles — or, possibly, long-range bombers — striking military targets not directly related to Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal, would be dependent on three factors: completion of an intelligence report assessing Syrian government culpability in last week’s alleged chemical attack; ongoing consultation with allies and Congress; and determination of a justification under international law.
Should Western countries intervene in the Syrian conflict? Yes
36%
No
64%
Cast your vote (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/should-western-nations-intervene-militarily-in-the-syrian-conflict/2013/08/26/d54d2900-0e57-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_page.html)
Results from an unscientific survey of Washington Post readers
Latest stories on Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world)
Obama weighing limited military strike over Syrian chemical claims (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-obama-determined-to-hold-syria-accountable-for-using-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/599450c2-0e70-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/National-Security/Images/Was7846090-1059.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-obama-determined-to-hold-syria-accountable-for-using-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/599450c2-0e70-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Karen DeYoung and Anne Gearan 9:14 PM ET
Such a move, designed as deterrent as well as punishment, would keep the U.S. from engaging deeper.
The world has mostly rejected chemical weapons (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/syria-attack-would-be-a-rarity-in-world-that-has-mostly-rejected-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/42475914-0e84-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Ernesto Londońo 9:06 PM ET
If confirmed, the large-scale attack in Syria would be a rarity.
Transcript: Kerry’s remarks on alleged Syria chemical attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/transcript-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-on-alleged-syria-chemical-attack/2013/08/26/40b0b4ea-0e8b-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/National-Security/Images/177990761-1062.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/transcript-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-on-alleged-syria-chemical-attack/2013/08/26/40b0b4ea-0e8b-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) Washington Post Staff 4:11 PM ET
Secretary of State John Kerry delivered remarks on the conflict in Syria on Monday.
U.N. team visits Damascus site (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/Foreign/Images/03837850.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Liz Sly 3:49 PM ET
After being shot at by snipers, weapons experts reach a town where poison gas was allegedly used.
Russia condemns ‘hysteria’ over Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/russia-says-western-attack-on-syria-would-be-catastrophic/2013/08/26/4a7ea122-0e5d-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/27/Interactivity/Images/AP0603160404701377563881.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/russia-says-western-attack-on-syria-would-be-catastrophic/2013/08/26/4a7ea122-0e5d-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) Will Englund 11:20 AM ET
As the Assad regime’s stalwart ally, Moscow says the West is ready to act before evidence is in hand.
U.N. to inspect site of alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-to-inspect-alleged-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria-lawmakers-call-for-us-military-response/2013/08/25/e171162e-0d94-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/25/National-Security/Images/2013-08-25T124746Z_01_SYR09_RTRIDSP_3_SYRIA-CRISIS.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-to-inspect-alleged-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria-lawmakers-call-for-us-military-response/2013/08/25/e171162e-0d94-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) Anne Gearan, Loveday Morris and Colum Lynch AUG 25
Top lawmakers said the time has come for a U.S. military response.
One family lost 21 members in attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html)
One Syrian family lost 21 in suspected chemical attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/25/Foreign/Images/SYRIAVICTIMS0826021377459918.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) William Booth and Loveday Morris AUG 25
Relatives in Nazareth, Israel, mourn victims and wonder what happened.
“We’re actively looking at the various legal angles that would inform a decision,” said an official who spoke about the presidential deliberations on the condition of anonymity. Missile-armed U.S. warships are already positioned in the Mediterranean.
As the administration moved rapidly toward a decision, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the use of chemical weapons in an attack Wednesday against opposition strongholds on the outskirts of Damascus is now “undeniable.”
Evidence being gathered by United Nations experts in Syria was important, Kerry said, but not necessary to prove what is already “grounded in facts, informed by conscience and guided by common sense.”
The team of U.N. weapons investigators on Monday visited one of three rebel-held suburbs where the alleged attack took place, after first being forced to withdraw when their vehicles came under sniper fire. The Syrian government, which along with Russia has suggested that the rebels were responsible for the chemical attack, agreed to the U.N. inspection over the weekend.
Videos and statements by witnesses and relief organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have proved that an attack occurred, Kerry said. The U.S. intelligence report is to be released this week.
Among the factors, officials said, are that only the government is known to possess chemical weapons and the rockets to deliver them, and its continuing control of chemical stocks has been closely monitored by U.S. intelligence.
Kerry said Syrian forces had engaged in a “cynical attempt to cover up” their actions, not only by delaying the arrival of the U.N. team but by shelling the affected area continually. Any U.S. strike would probably await the departure of the U.N. inspectors (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html?hpid=z1)from Syria.
Kerry’s statement, which he read to reporters in the State Department briefing room without taking questions, was part of an escalating administration drumbeat, which is likely to include a public statement by Obama in coming days. Officials said the public warnings are designed partly to wring any possible cooperation out of Russia — or an unlikely admission from the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad — before Obama makes his decision.
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By Karen DeYoung (http://www.washingtonpost.com/karen-deyoung/2011/03/02/AB56xmP_page.html) and Anne Gearan, Updated: Monday, August 26, 9:14 PM E-mail the writers (deyoungk@washpost.com;anne.gearan@washpost.com?su bject=Reader%20feedback%20for%20%27After%20Syria%2 0chemical%20allegations,%20Obama%20considering%20l imited%20military%20strike%27)
President Obama is weighing a military strike against Syria that would be of limited scope and duration, designed to serve as punishment for Syria’s use of chemical weapons and as a deterrent, while keeping the United States out of deeper involvement in that country’s civil war, according to senior administration officials.
The timing of such an attack, which would probably last no more than two days and involve sea-launched cruise missiles — or, possibly, long-range bombers — striking military targets not directly related to Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal, would be dependent on three factors: completion of an intelligence report assessing Syrian government culpability in last week’s alleged chemical attack; ongoing consultation with allies and Congress; and determination of a justification under international law.
Should Western countries intervene in the Syrian conflict? Yes
36%
No
64%
Cast your vote (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/should-western-nations-intervene-militarily-in-the-syrian-conflict/2013/08/26/d54d2900-0e57-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_page.html)
Results from an unscientific survey of Washington Post readers
Latest stories on Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world)
Obama weighing limited military strike over Syrian chemical claims (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-obama-determined-to-hold-syria-accountable-for-using-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/599450c2-0e70-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/National-Security/Images/Was7846090-1059.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-obama-determined-to-hold-syria-accountable-for-using-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/599450c2-0e70-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Karen DeYoung and Anne Gearan 9:14 PM ET
Such a move, designed as deterrent as well as punishment, would keep the U.S. from engaging deeper.
The world has mostly rejected chemical weapons (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/syria-attack-would-be-a-rarity-in-world-that-has-mostly-rejected-chemical-weapons/2013/08/26/42475914-0e84-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Ernesto Londońo 9:06 PM ET
If confirmed, the large-scale attack in Syria would be a rarity.
Transcript: Kerry’s remarks on alleged Syria chemical attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/transcript-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-on-alleged-syria-chemical-attack/2013/08/26/40b0b4ea-0e8b-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/National-Security/Images/177990761-1062.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/transcript-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-on-alleged-syria-chemical-attack/2013/08/26/40b0b4ea-0e8b-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) Washington Post Staff 4:11 PM ET
Secretary of State John Kerry delivered remarks on the conflict in Syria on Monday.
U.N. team visits Damascus site (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/26/Foreign/Images/03837850.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html) Liz Sly 3:49 PM ET
After being shot at by snipers, weapons experts reach a town where poison gas was allegedly used.
Russia condemns ‘hysteria’ over Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/russia-says-western-attack-on-syria-would-be-catastrophic/2013/08/26/4a7ea122-0e5d-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/27/Interactivity/Images/AP0603160404701377563881.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/russia-says-western-attack-on-syria-would-be-catastrophic/2013/08/26/4a7ea122-0e5d-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) Will Englund 11:20 AM ET
As the Assad regime’s stalwart ally, Moscow says the West is ready to act before evidence is in hand.
U.N. to inspect site of alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-to-inspect-alleged-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria-lawmakers-call-for-us-military-response/2013/08/25/e171162e-0d94-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/25/National-Security/Images/2013-08-25T124746Z_01_SYR09_RTRIDSP_3_SYRIA-CRISIS.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-to-inspect-alleged-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria-lawmakers-call-for-us-military-response/2013/08/25/e171162e-0d94-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html) Anne Gearan, Loveday Morris and Colum Lynch AUG 25
Top lawmakers said the time has come for a U.S. military response.
One family lost 21 members in attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html)
One Syrian family lost 21 in suspected chemical attack (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/08/25/Foreign/Images/SYRIAVICTIMS0826021377459918.jpg (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/one-syrian-family-lost-21-in-suspected-chemical-attack/2013/08/25/5c036186-0db7-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html) William Booth and Loveday Morris AUG 25
Relatives in Nazareth, Israel, mourn victims and wonder what happened.
“We’re actively looking at the various legal angles that would inform a decision,” said an official who spoke about the presidential deliberations on the condition of anonymity. Missile-armed U.S. warships are already positioned in the Mediterranean.
As the administration moved rapidly toward a decision, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the use of chemical weapons in an attack Wednesday against opposition strongholds on the outskirts of Damascus is now “undeniable.”
Evidence being gathered by United Nations experts in Syria was important, Kerry said, but not necessary to prove what is already “grounded in facts, informed by conscience and guided by common sense.”
The team of U.N. weapons investigators on Monday visited one of three rebel-held suburbs where the alleged attack took place, after first being forced to withdraw when their vehicles came under sniper fire. The Syrian government, which along with Russia has suggested that the rebels were responsible for the chemical attack, agreed to the U.N. inspection over the weekend.
Videos and statements by witnesses and relief organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have proved that an attack occurred, Kerry said. The U.S. intelligence report is to be released this week.
Among the factors, officials said, are that only the government is known to possess chemical weapons and the rockets to deliver them, and its continuing control of chemical stocks has been closely monitored by U.S. intelligence.
Kerry said Syrian forces had engaged in a “cynical attempt to cover up” their actions, not only by delaying the arrival of the U.N. team but by shelling the affected area continually. Any U.S. strike would probably await the departure of the U.N. inspectors (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-team-headed-to-site-of-alleged-chemical-attack-comes-under-sniper-fire-turns-back/2013/08/26/5ea074c8-0e3f-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html?hpid=z1)from Syria.
Kerry’s statement, which he read to reporters in the State Department briefing room without taking questions, was part of an escalating administration drumbeat, which is likely to include a public statement by Obama in coming days. Officials said the public warnings are designed partly to wring any possible cooperation out of Russia — or an unlikely admission from the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad — before Obama makes his decision.