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Lawmakers Welcome President Asking For Their OK On Syria

August 31, 2013 • Many congressional leaders had pushed for the White House to seek authorization before going ahead with a strike against the Damascus regime.

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

Read And Listen: President Obama Turns To Congress On Syria

August 31, 2013 • 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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Chemical Weapons And Civilians: The Invisible Threat

August 31, 2013 • 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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Republican Who Asked For Congressional Say Gets His Wish

August 31, 2013 • 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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On Syria, How Might Congress Vote?

August 31, 2013 • 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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Obama Asks Congress To Approve Action On Syria

August 31, 2013 • 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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While Britain Votes No, France Still Backs Strikes On Syria

August 31, 2013 • 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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Jailed Leader Of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Suffers Heart Attack

Mohammed Badie, the leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, at the group's headquarters in Cairo in January 2010. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/Getty Images

Jailed Leader Of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Suffers Heart Attack

August 31, 2013 • The official MENA news agency denies reports that Mohammed Badie, who was arrested by Egyptian authorities earlier this month, has died.

Police officers walk out from the main gate of Weng's Cold Storage Industrial Co. Ltd. at the outskirts of Shanghai, China, on Saturday. Eugene Hoshiko/Associated Press hide caption

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Eugene Hoshiko/Associated Press

15 Killed In China Ammonia Leak

August 31, 2013 • The government in Shanghai says 26 other people were also hurt in the leak and that six of them are in critical condition.

Teen Gets Three Years In Gang Rape, Murder Of Indian Woman

A protester in India chants slogans as she braces herself against the spray fired from police water canons during a protest in December sparked by the gang rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student. Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images hide caption

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Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Teen Gets Three Years In Gang Rape, Murder Of Indian Woman

August 31, 2013 • The man, who was 17 when the crime took place, is one of six accused in a case that has shocked the nation and sparked international outrage.

Mandela Remains In 'Critical But Stable Condition'

In an image taken from video, South African President Jacob Zuma, left, sits with the ailing anti-apartheid icon Nelson Madela in April. Associated Press hide caption

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Associated Press

August 31, 2013 • 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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Middle East

Does Obama Need Congressional Approval On Syria?

August 31, 2013 • Nearly 200 members of Congress have signed letters insisting that the president submit plans for any military strike in Syria for authorization. Host Scott Simon talks with Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott of Washington, who has signed one of the letters.

Does Obama Need Congressional Approval On Syria?

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Middle East

White House Says It's Not Out To Topple Assad Regime

August 31, 2013 • President Obama says any military strike the U.S. makes against the Syrian government for suspected chemical attacks would be limited and unlike military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Host Scott Simon talks with Scott Horsley, NPR's White House correspondent, about the latest news on the Obama administration's efforts to build a coalition to strike Syria.

White House Says It's Not Out To Topple Assad Regime

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Middle East

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

August 31, 2013 • 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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Saturday August 31, 2013

President Obama's Full Speech

Chemical Weapons And Civilians: The Invisible Threat

Republican Who Asked For Congressional Say Gets His Wish

On Syria, How Might Congress Vote?

Obama Asks Congress To Approve Action On Syria

While Britain Votes No, France Still Backs Strikes On Syria

How The Region Might React To An Attack On Syria

Does Obama Need Congressional Approval On Syria?

White House Says It's Not Out To Topple Assad Regime

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