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Saturday

Read And Listen: President Obama Turns To Congress On Syria

President Obama speaks about Syria from the Rose Garden at the White House on Saturday. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

The U.S. Response To Syria

Read And Listen: President Obama Turns To Congress On Syria

At the White House Saturday, Obama spoke about the possibility of a U.S. strike against Syria in response to the regime's alleged use of chemical weapons. While he said the U.S. should take military action, Obama said he would seek congressional authorization first.

President Obama's Full Speech

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The Impact of War

Chemical Weapons And Civilians: The Invisible Threat

A quarter century ago, Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group investigated chemical attacks against civilians in Iraq, and says recent images from Syria bring back the "horrible events" of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Chemical Weapons And Civilians: The Invisible Threat

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Obama Asks Congress To Approve Action On Syria

President Obama said Saturday he believes the United States should take military action against Syria, in response to last week's deadly chemical weapons attack. But in an about-face, Obama has decided to first seek a vote in Congress authorizing a military strike. It's a gamble. While approval from Congress would strengthen the president's hand, he could also suffer a stinging rebuke from lawmakers, much as British Prime Minister David Cameron did.

Obama Asks Congress To Approve Action On Syria

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On Syria, How Might Congress Vote?

Lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate are praising President Obama for seeking their authorization for any military action in Syria. Still, Congress isn't even scheduled to return to Washington until Sept. 9. And how might they vote? It's "kind of a gamble" says NPR congressional reporter Ailsa Chang.

On Syria, How Might Congress Vote?

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Republican Who Asked For Congressional Say Gets His Wish

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., had sent a letter to President Obama urging him to seek congressional approval before any military action against Syria. Surprisingly, on Saturday, Obama agreed. Cole talks about what comes next.

Republican Who Asked For Congressional Say Gets His Wish

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Education

What Makes The 'Smartest Kids In The World'?

Compared to the rest of the world, American schools don't stack up like they used to. But what's the best way to educate children? Author Amanda Ripley followed students and teachers across the globe to find out for her new book, The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way.

What Makes The 'Smartest Kids In The World'?

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World

While Britain Votes No, France Still Backs Strikes On Syria

Only 10 years ago, the French were derided in Washington political circles for their rejection of plans to invade Iraq. Now the so-called "cheese-eating surrender monkeys" are standing by the U.S. on Syria — while the country's closest European ally, Britain, has rejected military action.

While Britain Votes No, France Still Backs Strikes On Syria

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Obama To Seek Congressional Approval For Action Against Syria

At the White House Saturday, President Obama said he would seek congressional approval before taking action in Syria. Charles Dharapak/AP hide caption

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Charles Dharapak/AP

The Two-Way

Obama To Seek Congressional Approval For Action Against Syria

President Obama, speaking from the Rose Garden, said he'd decided to use military force against Syria, but was also seeking congressional authorization for the action.

President Obama's Full Speech

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Middle East

If 'Humanitarian,' Why Not Intervene In Syria Sooner?

Will a limited military strike prevent Syrian President Bashar Assad from launching future chemical attacks? Host Scott Simon speaks with former leader of Canada's Liberal Party Michael Ignatieff about so-called "humanitarian intervention" in Syria.

If 'Humanitarian,' Why Not Intervene In Syria Sooner?

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Middle East

How The Region Might React To An Attack On Syria

What would Iraq and Israel do if the U.S. launches military action against the Syrian government? Former analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency Joshua Foust speaks with host Scott Simon about the wider consequences for the Middle East.

How The Region Might React To An Attack On Syria

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Colorado Event Honors Iraq War Hero

The Two-Mile High Veterans Weekend event in Leadville, Colo., will pay special tribute to Leadville native Lance Cpl. Nick Palmer, who was killed in Fallujah in 2004. Host Scott Simon speaks with former State Department adviser and event co-organizer Kael Weston, as well as Nick Palmer's father, Brad Palmer.

Colorado Event Honors Iraq War Hero

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Middle East

Pentagon Plans Syria Strike Options

Ten years ago, the CIA made the wrong call about Iraq's weapons program. How careful are U.S. intelligence agencies being this time, investigating charges that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people? Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Larry Abramson, who has been traveling with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Pentagon Plans Syria Strike Options

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