Obama to make statement on Syria at 1:15 p.m. EDT

[News_Editor]

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will deliver a statement from the White House on Saturday afternoon to address the situation with regards to Syria, U.S. officials said, a day after the government released a report that accused the Syrian government of using chemical weapons.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Obama would deliver a statement on Syria from the Rose Garden of the White House, but did not say what the president would discuss. "The President will deliver a statement on Syria at 1:15 pm today in the Rose Garden," he said.

The statement comes less than a day after the U.S. government accused the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of using chemical weapons during an attack near the Syrian capital of Damascus last week. A report based on information from U.S. intelligence agencies claimed at least 1,429 people, including 426 children, were killed in the attack.

On Friday, Obama said such attacks threaten U.S. national security interests by violating international norms against the use of chemical weapons. He said he had not yet made a final decision about what course of action to take in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons, but said the world "has an obligation" to maintain the norm against the use of such weapons.

"We are looking at the possibility of a limited, narrow act that would help make sure that not only Syria, but others around the world, understand that the international community cares about maintaining this chemical weapons ban and norm," Obama said before meeting with Baltic leaders.

A day earlier, on late Thursday, British lawmakers rejected a proposal that would have paved the way for military action in Syria, marking a stunning defeat for Prime Minister David Cameron whose government had been expected to join the U.S. in possible airstrikes against Assad's regime.

(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)

[iondricka]

Current time in New York

Saturday, 31 August 2013, 12:55:41 EDT

[rubin]

Russian President Vladimir Putin urges U.S. President Barack Obama to think about possible fatalities in Syria if he decides to launch a military operation against this country.

"I would like to address Obama as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate: before using force in Syria, it would be good to think about future casualties," Putin told journalists in Vladivostok on Saturday.

"Russia is urging you to think twice before making a decision on an operation in Syria," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the British parliament's decision not to sanction the United Kingdom's participation in a possible military operation against Syria, noting that this decision was an absolute surprise to him.

"The British parliament's decision on Syria is an absolute surprise to me. It shows that there are people guided by common sense there," Putin told journalists in Vladivostok on Saturday.

[Jingthing]

You can watch live here:

http://www.hulkus.com/watch-msnbc-live-streaming/

[Jingthing]

Russian President Vladimir Putin urges U.S. President Barack Obama to think about possible fatalities in Syria if he decides to launch a military operation against this country.

Putin, supporter of Assad, trying to guilt trip Obama. That's rich!

Edited August 31, 2013 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

The President's speech has started.

[Chicog]

Well he's basically said he's going to bomb them, but not invade. But he won't say when.

But he's going to ask Congress first.

OK so that's a pretty pointless speech then.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Chicog

[rubin]

Putin is defending Russia's national security interests in the Middle East same as Mr Obama is doing for his own country. This controversy can be endless.

However, Putin is calling for peace and negotiations while the US is calling for war and punishment for unproven facts of the Syrian govt using chemicals. Putin is supporting Assad but whom does Obama support? The Al Qaeda, Chechen, Kosovo bandits from all over the world from the ''opposition'' who are cutting heads of the Roman Catholic priests in front of guerrillas' children who will grow up and will be chopping heads of the Americans and EU troops fighting in the next Middle East wars.

Edited August 31, 2013 by rubin

[Jingthing]

The U.S. government is confident of the evidence against the Syrian government, close ally of Putin's Russia.

They have not always been right. Iraq was a horrible example of that.

But they haven't always been wrong either.

Not sure this is the right place to post totally off topic and very inflammatory anti-American propaganda from Russia.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Jingthing

[Chicog]

Putin is defending Russia's national security interests in the Middle East same as Mr Obama is doing for his own country. This controversy can be endless.

However, Putin is calling for peace and negotiations while the US is calling for war and punishment for unproved facts of the Syrian govt using chemicals. Putin is supporting Assad but whom does Obama support? The Al Quaeda, Chechen, Kosovo bandits from all over the world from the ''opposition'' who are cutting heads of Roman Catholic priests in front of their children who will grow up and will be chopping heads of the Americans and EU troops fighting in the next Middle East wars.

Putin is calling for "peace and negotiations" because he knows while that particular stalemate goes on, it maintains the status quo of the Syrian military gradually eradicating its opponents a few hundred or thousand at a time until there is no more fight in them - using weapons purchased from and supplied by Russia.

Don't forget in the initial phases of the rebellion, Assad's troops were quite happy to rape and murder, and dump bodies by the roadside to try and send a message.

There are no "your bad guys are worse than our bad guys" here. It is a vile and brutal conflict.

[rubin]

It's not anti-American propaganda, I have nothing against America, however the facts are showing that the West is supporting the Syrian opposition. Come back to earth!

[rubin]

I'm not saying Assad is a perfect guy, both sides in this conflict made terrible murders and crimes. However there should be fair investigation of the facts whose side used the chemicals.

[Chicog]

It's not anti-American propaganda, I have nothing against America, however the facts are showing that the West is supporting the Syrian opposition. Come back to earth!

Yes, and the facts are also showing that Putin is arming Syrian troops, when you say he is all for "peace and negotiation".

[Jingthing]

So Obama will ask for congress's approval. I predict they will approve. The element of surprise was gone anyway. I personally do not agree with Obama's decision on this. It seems WEAK.

[rubin]

Putin is supplying weapons for DEFENSE against aggression. To protect PEACEFUL and INNOCENT civilians against aggressors who are much more technically equipped. You may call it 'humanitarian aid".

Edited August 31, 2013 by rubin

[Jingthing]

Putin is supplying weapons for DEFENSE against aggression. To protect PEACEFUL and INNOCENT civilians against aggressors who are much more technically equipped. You may call it 'humanitarian aid".

Seriously, do you think the world believes that?

[Chicog]

Putin is supplying weapons for DEFENSE against aggression. To protect PEACEFUL and INNOCENT civilians against aggressors who are much more technically equipped. You may call it 'humanitarian aid".

My friend, I think you are deluded.

It's also not beyond the realms of possibility that the chemical weapons came from Putin as well.

[rubin]

You know, in Russia no one cares what the West is thinking about it. And I'd refrain to address to the whole World, which is big and does not consist of America lovers.

[rubin]

The chemical weapons could be supplied not only by Russia, there are some other countries who could do that. However, which side used it - Assads' or the others - is unproven.

[Chicog]

What would you accept as proof, given the release of the preliminary declassified report which talks of the intelligence used to draw that conclusion?

Have you even read it?

Here you go:

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/08/30/obama-administration-releases-report-on-syria-chemical-weapon-use

I assume the one the relevant congressional committee(s) will read contains a lot more classified information.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Chicog

[Chicog]

You know, in Russia no one cares what the West is thinking about it. And I'd refrain to address to the whole World, which is big and does not consist of America lovers.

In Russia, one is not allowed to go against the government's opinion. It can end up with you in jail or worse.

[rubin]

This classified report containing some secret proofs which can not be disclosed to public are beyond any criticism. The UN specialists on chemical weapons have arrived to the Hague today and are asking 2 weeks to make the results. Then we will know the truth, but now it reminds Mr Bush's operation of eradication of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which were not found.

[rubin]

You know, in Russia no one cares what the West is thinking about it. And I'd refrain to address to the whole World, which is big and does not consist of America lovers.

In Russia, one is not allowed to go against the government's opinion. It can end up with you in jail or worse.

Yes, in Russia anyone who is against the government is quartered on the Red Square by a drunk bear. How did you know that?

[wooloomooloo]

I'm glad the UK isn't going to be involved. But, I wouldn't bat an eyelid if an American Tomahawk Cruise Missile lands on Assad's head.

I would prefer no civilian casualties. That's probably not going to happen but what are the alternatives?

When I consider if collateral damage involved my family, I'm sure I'd object. What is right and what is wrong?

[F430murci]

Russian President Vladimir Putin urges U.S. President Barack Obama to think about possible fatalities in Syria if he decides to launch a military operation against this country.

"I would like to address Obama as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate: before using force in Syria, it would be good to think about future casualties," Putin told journalists in Vladivostok on Saturday.

"Russia is urging you to think twice before making a decision on an operation in Syria," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the British parliament's decision not to sanction the United Kingdom's participation in a possible military operation against Syria, noting that this decision was an absolute surprise to him.

"The British parliament's decision on Syria is an absolute surprise to me. It shows that there are people guided by common sense there," Putin told journalists in Vladivostok on Saturday.

This is much more appropriate here:

This entire human tragedy says a whole lot about Russians than anyone. Russia and Putin are supporting a war criminal commiting genocide. Awesome!

If Russia for once would step up and do the right thing, it would end a lot of suffering for innocent women and children. Alas, Russia and Putin care little about suffering they cause to its own people so why should they care about poor little Syrian children getting toasted by napalm.

Putin's grand standing is perhaps driven by an inherent Napolean complex and effort to conceal that he is facilitating and supporting a war criminal. And for what??? Russia will still get access to Tartus regardless who is in control. Perhaps the reason is far more nefarious.

Edited August 31, 2013 by F430murci

[NeverSure]

Obama will take action but only with congressional approval. I don't approve of taking action, but Obama painted himself into a corner. The allies pretty much deserted him. Politically the idea is unpopular without congressional approval as shown by a poll in another thread.

Now it's anyone's guess as to what congress will say, or how long it would take them to decide. They don't even have to discuss it it they don't want to and there are rules for that (for getting a vote to the floor) and they can just ignore it. Or, they can rush back to DC and quickly approve it.

Obama's looking like a wimp. First he's going to, then he finds himself standing alone, now he wants approval.

Who knows?

Edited August 31, 2013 by NeverSure

[F430murci]

Obama will take action but only with congressional approval. I don't approve of taking action, but Obama painted himself into a corner. The allies pretty much deserted him. Politically the idea is unpopular without congressional approval as shown by a poll in another thread.

Now it's anyone's guess as to what congress will say, or how long it would take them to decide. They don't even have to discuss it it they don't want to and there are rules for that (for getting a vote to the floor) and they can just ignore it. Or, they can rush back to DC and quickly approve it.

Obama's looking like a wimp. First he's going to, then he finds himself standing alone, now he wants approval.

Who knows?

Exactly why politicians and people like you that have this sort of attitude are the crux if the problem with this country. Politics, personalities and egos should not be dictating the outcome of important issues like these.

[Jingthing]

Congress won't rush back but they will debate and vote on this. You can take that to the bank. There is also the chance the the McCain camp will have influence and a LARGER type of action, quite possibly involving Iran in that it would provoke them to respond, could even be approved. Or not.

[F430murci]

The troubling part is that on Fox News and several channels that were anti Bama getting involved are now saying that "Assad and Iran starred Bama in the eyes and he blinked." What gives. They criticize and use the media to block action and then they criticize when he acquiesces to call for congressional approval by making US look weak.

Two faced people talking out of both sides of their mouth.

[NeverSure]

Obama will take action but only with congressional approval. I don't approve of taking action, but Obama painted himself into a corner. The allies pretty much deserted him. Politically the idea is unpopular without congressional approval as shown by a poll in another thread.

Now it's anyone's guess as to what congress will say, or how long it would take them to decide. They don't even have to discuss it it they don't want to and there are rules for that (for getting a vote to the floor) and they can just ignore it. Or, they can rush back to DC and quickly approve it.

Obama's looking like a wimp. First he's going to, then he finds himself standing alone, now he wants approval.

Who knows?

Exactly why politicians and people like you that have this sort of attitude are the crux if the problem with this country. Politics, personalities and egos should not be dictating the outcome of important issues like these.

People like me? I control nothing. We elect representatives and a POTUS to represent us, not to dictate to us.

This is Obama's problem. He said he was going to attack Syria, but when he found himself standing alone, he blinked. Talk to him about "politics...dictating the outcome of important issues like these.