Breaking: President Obama Formally Requests Congress Approve Military Strike Against Syria [View all]

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Last edited Sat Aug 31, 2013, 08:20 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Reuters

@BreakingNews: White House: President Obama formally requests Congressional authorization for military strikes on Syria - @Reuters

Obama asks Congress to approve military strike against Syria

Sat Aug 31, 2013 8:10pm EDT

By Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama stepped back from the brink on Saturday and delayed an imminent military strike against Syria to seek approval from the U.S. Congress in a gamble that will test his ability to project American strength abroad and deploy his own power at home.

Before Obama put on the brakes, the path had been cleared for a U.S. assault. Navy ships were in place and awaiting orders to launch missiles, and U.N. inspectors had left Syria after gathering evidence of a chemical weapons attack that U.S. officials say killed 1,429 people.

But Obama decided to seek the backing of U.S. lawmakers before attacking, as polls showed strong opposition from Americans already weary of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Approval will take at least 10 days, if it comes at all.

"Today I'm asking Congress to send a message to the world that we are ready to move as one nation," Obama said in a dramatic shift he announced in the White House Rose Garden.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE97K0EL20130901