President Barack Obama approaches the podium in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday, September 10, for a speech addressing the nation on the justification for possible military action against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The regime is accused of launching a horrific chemical weapons attack in the suburbs of Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.
Obama makes his case on Syria —
President Barack Obama approaches the podium in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday, September 10, for a speech addressing the nation on the justification for possible military action against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The regime is accused of launching a horrific chemical weapons attack in the suburbs of Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.
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During the 15-minute speech, Obama said that he needed congressional authorization to use military force as leverage in a newly emerged diplomatic opening from Russia.
Obama makes his case on Syria —
During the 15-minute speech, Obama said that he needed congressional authorization to use military force as leverage in a newly emerged diplomatic opening from Russia.
Evan Vucci/Pool/Getty Images
Obama stated that the proposal from Russia was a potentially promising sign, but warned that "it's too early to tell whether this offer will succeed, and any agreement must verify that the Assad regime will keep its commitments."
Obama makes his case on Syria —
Obama stated that the proposal from Russia was a potentially promising sign, but warned that "it's too early to tell whether this offer will succeed, and any agreement must verify that the Assad regime will keep its commitments."
Evan Vucci/Pool/Getty Images
The Russian plan, still lacking in details, calls for Syria to turn over its chemical weapons stockpiles to international control.
Obama makes his case on Syria —
The Russian plan, still lacking in details, calls for Syria to turn over its chemical weapons stockpiles to international control.
Evan Vucci/Pool/AP
Obama has asked Congress to postpone for now a vote authorizing military action until the diplomatic options have run their course, which will also allow additional time for United Nations inspectors to report their findings on Syria's chemical weapon use.
Obama makes his case on Syria —
Obama has asked Congress to postpone for now a vote authorizing military action until the diplomatic options have run their course, which will also allow additional time for United Nations inspectors to report their findings on Syria's chemical weapon use.
Evan Vucc/Pool/AP
The president stated that he felt that the credible threat of a military attack against Syria helped spur the possibility of a diplomatic solution.
Obama makes his case on Syria —
The president stated that he felt that the credible threat of a military attack against Syria helped spur the possibility of a diplomatic solution.
Evan Vucc/Pool/AP
Obama said he ordered the U.S. military to remain ready to attack in order to "keep up the pressure and to be ready to respond if diplomacy fails."
Obama makes his case on Syria —
Obama said he ordered the U.S. military to remain ready to attack in order to "keep up the pressure and to be ready to respond if diplomacy fails."
Evan Vucc/Pool/AP
Obama warned that "a failure to stand against the use of chemical weapons would weaken prohibitions against other weapons of mass destruction."
Obama makes his case on Syria —
Obama warned that "a failure to stand against the use of chemical weapons would weaken prohibitions against other weapons of mass destruction."
Evan Vucc/Pool/AP