Monday, September 02, 2013

Developing: Obama and aides confront skeptical Congress on Syria strike


President Barack Obama and his top aides launched a full-scale political offensive on Sunday to persuade a skeptical Congress to approve a military strike against Syria, but faced a struggle to win over lawmakers from both parties and a war-weary American public.

Obama made calls to members of the House of Representatives and Senate, with more scheduled for Monday, underscoring the task confronting the administration before it can go ahead with using force in response to a deadly chemical attack blamed on the Syrian government.

Dozens of lawmakers, some in tennis shirts or shirtsleeves, cut short their vacations and streamed into the corridors of the Capitol building for a Sunday afternoon intelligence briefing on Syria with Obama's national security team.

When they emerged nearly three hours later, there was no immediate sign that the many skeptics in Congress had changed their minds. Many questioned the broad nature of the measure Obama is seeking, suggesting it needed to be narrowed. Keep reading

Also see
Obama Pushes to Win Congressional Support to Attack Syria
McCain to meet with Obama ahead of potential Syria vote
White House Girds for Battle With Congress
Lawmakers indicate need for narrower strike plan on Syria
What Message Would US Acting in Syria Send to Iran and North Korea?
The intelligence that gives Obama a better chance of attacking Syria
Russia Says American Evidence on Syria 'Does Not Convince Us at All'
World leaders wary of supporting Syrian air strike
Saudis Urge Action on Syria
Possible US-led attack on Syria sparks rallies
Bible's End Times Prophecy Linked to Possible US Attack on Syria

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