Obama Backs Diplomacy on Syria, But Force Still Possible -- Voice of America
WHITE HOUSE — President Barack Obama Tuesday laid out his case for stopping the Syrian government from using chemical weapons. The president also cautiously endorsed a Russian diplomatic initiative to defuse the crisis.
In his 15-minute address to the American people, President Obama referred to the diplomatic developments of recent days as “encouraging signs.”
Under the Russian proposal, Syria would surrender its chemical weapons to the United Nations, and the United States would freeze its plans for military strikes on Syria.
The president held out cautious optimism that the plan could work.
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MIDDLE EAST
UN report uncovers Syria war crimes.
Opposition fears Russia deal means U.S. won’t ever intervene in Syria.
Question of enforcement casts cloud on Syria plan.
Reprieve from Syria strikes brings relief in Damascus.
Iran threatens widespread retaliation against U.S. and allies.
Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran'.
Deadly blast targets security facility in Egypt's Sinai.
ASIA
Thousands flee as Philippine forces battle Islamists.
Philippines mulls removing 'Chinese' blocks at Shoal.
North Korea, South Korea to reopen Kaesong industrial park next week.
Japan increases security around disputed islands.
5 policemen killed in Thailand's restive south.
India prosecutors seek death for Delhi rapists, defense urges mercy. Indian gang-rapists to be sentenced Friday.
Marijuana cultivation still widespread in Afghanistan, report says.
AFRICA
Blast damages Libyan foreign ministry building in Benghazi.
Militias seize villages in western CAR.
'Significant progress' in Congo, M23 talks.
Bissau parliament blocks amnesty bill for coup leaders.
Congo explosions: Soldiers jailed by Brazzaville court.
Uganda Supreme Court to hear case of expelled MPs.
EUROPE
Kerry, Lavrov to meet on Russian proposal after Russia balks at plan for U.N. action.
EU rejects Russian pressure on Ukraine, seeks trade ties.
Barroso's state of union: EU must not delay reforms.
Exclusive: French draft, disliked by Russia, would give Syria chemical arms ultimatum.
France to miss 2013 deficit target, lowers 2014 growth.
Italian lawmakers delay showdown over Berlusconi.
Senior British politician charged with sexual offences.
AMERICAS
America honors 9/11 victims on anniversary.
Obama takes Syria case to the public in White House address.
Clashes in Chile on anniversary of 1973 military coup.
Reporter Glenn Greenwald to testify at Brazil spy probe.
Violent crime spike worries Jamaica security chief.
Venezuela pulls out of OAS's Human Rights Court.
In Venezuela, surrounded by dark plots (real or not).
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Some former Guantanamo Bay detainees still returning to battle, report says. Number of released Gitmo detainees returning to terrorism increases.
Guantánamo judge makes secret ruling on secret motion in secret hearing.
U.S. officials identify extremist groups in Benghazi attack.
Lawmaker warns: Chaos from Assad fall could give al Qaeda chemical weapons.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
The world's billionaires: 2,000 strong and growing.
Dow average adds Goldman Sachs, Nike and Visa.
Google, Facebook and others face increasing pressure from government spying revelations.
If the NSA can hack your bank account, who else can?
Oracle calls off America's Cup race after big New Zealand win.