congress that initiates war. >> reporter: the white house says the president can launch air strikes in syria without congressional approval. but his request for authorization and funding to train syrian rebels is sparking controversy. >> we're going to pick a side or try to pick a side and same as we did when we went into iraq. same as we've done in afghanistan. and that hasn't worked well for us. >> reporter: general john allen is coordinating the administration's efforts to get international partners in a united front against isis. he'll brief president obama today at the white house. dan, reena? >> karen, thank you. a dozen major wildfires are sweeping across california this morning fueled by ferocious winds, stifling and dry heat. thousands of residents have been forced to pack up and get out. the smoke and flames have descended on the tiny town of weed near the oregon border damaging and destroying 100 homes. a fire near yosemite national park is still burning out of control after burning down more than 30 homes.