US plans to punish Syria with military action may be on hold for the moment. President Obama says he has not made a decision, and Republicans and Democrats in Congress are demanding a consultation. Last night, on the PBS News Hour, the President discussed the possible consequences of the kind of action he's contemplating. Meanwhile, the British parliament is balking at providing support. Military experts and diplomats agree that a limited strike won't change the course of Syria's civil war, and could lead to retaliation. Many questions remain: what's the evidence of crimes against humanity? Is Syria a threat to the US? Will intervention lead to a wider war?
Is the White House Playing a Waiting Game?
Credits
Guests:
- Ryan Crocker - former U.S. ambassador to six countries in the Middle East and the Muslim world, and distinguished chair in diplomacy and security at RAND
- Scott Rigell - US Congress - @RepScottRigell
- Mona Yacoubian - Stimson Center - @myacoubian
- Marwan Bishara - Al Jazeera English - @marwanbishara