This morning, the United States is considering military action against syria after what secretary of state john kerry described as undeniable use of chemical weapons. Without mincing words, kerry said there must be consequences for the attack. Susan mcginnis is here in new york with the latest. Good morning, susan. Annemarie, it is clear that the u. S. Is moving closer to a military response, Officials Say the white house is still considering how to respond to this deadly gas attack. On monday, secretary kerry made it clear the president believes there must be accountability. What we saw in syria last week should shock the conscience of the world. It defies any code of morality. Reporter kerry was responding to last weeks attack outside damascus, the video of suffering men, women and children is difficult to watch. They were exposed to what experts believe was nerve agents, hundreds died. The indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, the killing of women and children and incideno women an
Laboratory analysis. Three weeks away. Footage of soldiers performing drills with paymenttriotic music while president asads regime is blaming the obvious chemical attack on rebels. Good to have you with us. Confident and ready to strike at a moments notice, president obama said his defense team is ready to strike syrian targets when given the order to do so. This mission is not timesensitive. It will be effective tomorrow or next week or one month from now. And i am prepared to give that order. But having made my decision as commander in chief, based on what i am convinced is our National Security interests, i am also mindful that i am the president of the worlds oldest constitutional democracy. Thats why i have made a second decision. I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American Peoples representatives in congress. For the last several days, weve heard from members of congress who want their voices to be heard. I absolutely agree. This morning i spoke with all fou
Moving a consensus or passing the buck. President obamas permission to seek on syria is met with disapproval and met with praise. Patty reports from washington. As inspectors are back at the head of syria, a u. S. Missiles strike seems imminent sending syrians fleeing across the border. A small group of protestors outside the white house urgeed restraint. Their chants heard faintly in the rose garden as barack obama came out he wants to strike. Hes great but now wants congress. While i want the Authority Without congress authorization know the country will be stronger if we take this forth and our actions will be more e e effective. Issues are too big. Reporter but it wont happen soon. The president is not calling congress back in to session. Some politicians will return in the coming days. There wont be a full debate or both until after both houses have returned from summer recess on september 9th. It came as a big surprise since members of his administration started talking tough on
Goods to have you with us, president obama says military action should be taken after chemical weapons were used in syria. He says it should not be openended there would be no american perhaps on the ground. And it would be limited in scope. But before that can happen, the president is planning to get congressional approval. We get more now from mike in washington. Reporter the president began by once again making the case for military action. But i am confident that we can hold the assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons, deter this kind of behavior and degrade their capacity to carry it out. Reporter then the surprise. Mr. Obama said hell go to congress for approval. I know the country will be stronger if we take this course and our actions will be everybody more effective. Reporter in a statement Republican House leaders who had not publicly called for a vote well well copped the move. But it is a bitterly divided congress. Not only between the parties, but within
Woodruff we continue our march on washington conversation series, as a father and son reflect on what that event has young people were found with courage and some often radical symptoms, i wouldnt have the ifill and we close with the story of Army Staff Sergeant ty Michael Carter, who received the nations highest military honor today for his bravery druing the war on afghanistan. Thats all ahead on tonights newshour. Major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by bnsf railway. And by the alfred p. Sloan foundation. Supporting science, technology, and improved Economic Performance and Financial Literacy in the 21st century. And with the ongoing support of these institutions and foundations. And friends of the newshour. This program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. And by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. Thank you. Woodruff the United States insisted today it is undeniable that syrias rulers gassed their own people last week,