White House seeks support for Syria strike

Protesters march on Wilshire Blvd. during an anti-war rally in Los Angeles, California September 7, 2013. US President Barack Obama appealed on Saturday to a dubious American public to back his bid to use military force in Syria while supporters scrambled to persuade lawmakers to authorize the move.

Protesters march on Wilshire Blvd. during an anti-war rally in Los Angeles, California September 7, 2013. US President Barack Obama appealed on Saturday to a dubious American public to back his bid to use military force in Syria while supporters scrambled to persuade lawmakers to authorize the move.

Published Sep 8, 2013

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Washington - The White House is making a big push to rally members of Congress and the American public behind President Barack Obama's plan for a US military strike against Syria.

His administration says the government of Syrian President Bassar Assad used chemical weapons in an attack last month near Damascus, and that a strong US response is needed to deter the future use of deadly chemicals.

Syria claims rebels carried out the August 21 attack.

Obama's chief of staff, Denis McDonough, is set to make the White House's case during interviews on five Sunday talk shows.

Vice President Joe Biden plans to host a dinner Sunday night for a group of Senate Republicans.

And lawmakers should expect more phone calls from top officials.

Obama is giving a national address Tuesday night.

Recent opinion surveys show intense American skepticism about military intervention in Syria, even among those who believe Syria's government used chemical weapons on its people.

Congress resumes work Monday after its summer break, but already a heated debate is underway about Syria.

On Wednesday, the first showdown Senate vote is likely over a resolution authorizing the “limited and specified use” of US armed forces against Syria for no more than 90 days and barring American ground troops from combat.

A final vote is expected at week's end.

A House vote appears likely during the week of September 16.

Another bipartisan, classified briefing for Congress is set for Monday.

McDonough plans to meet Tuesday with the House Democratic Caucus, whose support could be crucial as Obama faces opposition from House Republicans.

Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, plans to discuss Syria in a speech Monday at the New America Foundation.

At least 150 people picketed outside the White House on Saturday to oppose any military action against Syria. Demonstrations also took place in New York City, Boston and Indianapolis and in Louisiana and Michigan.

Also Saturday, a US official released a DVD compilation of videos showing victims of the August 21 attack.

The DVD was shown to senators during a classified briefing on Thursday, and some of the videos were first broadcast on CNN.

Supporters of the Syrian rebels had posted the videos on YouTube. - Sapa-AP

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