Beyond US strikes, signs of intensifying UN diplomacy on Syria

Obama administration officials have said that the goal of military action in Syria would be to uphold the universal prohibition of chemical weapons and not regime change, citing that the conflict must be resolved politically.

Syria

Obama makes case for 'decisive' but 'limited' action on Syria

President Obama has said the military action he is considering for Syria will not deeply involve the US in the conflict, but will "have a positive impact on our national security over the long term."

Syria

Arsal clashes a threat to Lebanon's future

The outcome of the clashes in Arsal between the Lebanese army and fundamentalists supporting the Syrian opposition may hold the key to how Lebanon can resolve its political crises.

Lebanon

Does Iran benefit from Gaza crisis?

Iran reconsiders Hamas ties; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fixation on Iran may have distracted him from the threat from Hamas; Asmaa Al-Ghoul reports from Gaza; the Islamic State offers no support for Hamas.

Qatar

Obama cabinet briefs Congress on Syria, as UK participation looks in doubt

Senior Obama administration national security officials will brief lawmakers on the chemical weapons attack in an unclassified phone call.

Syria

Kerry: World 'watching to see if Syria can get away with it'

President Obama has said that he is consulting lawmakers over military options in Syria and that the US will only take limited military action that will not involve boots on the ground.

Syria

Obama tasks Congress with Syria vote: 'We should have this debate'

Obama has decided to seek congressional approval for limited airstrikes on Syria to punish and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.

Syria

Russia urges Syria to surrender chemical arms to avert strikes

Russia announced that it has given a proposal to the Syrian Government which would require the Syrian regime to place their chemical weapons under international control and allow their subsequent destruction.

Syria

Obama, Putin previously discussed plan to secure Syria chemical arms

US and Russian officials confirmed that discussions over securing Syria's chemical arms had been talking place for months before the alleged August chemical attack.

Syria

Ex IDF intel chief: Plan to remove Syria chemical arms 'important test'

Former Israeli Defense Forces intelligence chief Amos Yadlin has said that the removal of chemical weapons from Syria with out US military force would be a "genuine achievement for President Obama."

Syria

Framework text: US, Russia reach deal to remove Syria chemical arms

After three days of negotiations in Geneva Russia and the US have reached an agreement under which Syria would declare all of its chemical weapons sites within seven days and have all of its chemical weapons destroyed or removed by mid 2014.

Syria

Framework text: US, Russia reach deal to remove Syria chemical arms

After three days of negotiations in Geneva, the US and Russia have reached an agreement which requires Syria to declare all of its chemical weapons sites within seven days and submit to the removal and destruction of its chemical arms by mid-2014.

Syria