WASHINGTON, Aug 28 (AP): One year ago, President Barack Obama was barreling toward airstrikes in Syria when he abruptly announced that he first wanted approval from congressional lawmakers. The move threw his policy into confusion and the strikes were eventually scrapped.
Now, as Obama again contemplates military action in Syria, the White House is suggesting it may not be necessary to get a sign-off from Congress. While cautioning that Obama has made no final decisions, officials say there is a difference between last year's effort to strike Syria's government in retaliation for chemical weapons use and a bombing campaign against Islamic State militants that is now under consideration.
"The situation a year later is markedly different," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said when asked about the prospect of Obama again seeking congressional authorization. "What we're talking about now is confronting a terrorist group that has sought safe haven in Syria. This is a group that poses a threat to Americans in the region and could potentially, down the line, pose a broader threat to American interests and our allies around the globe."
Obama again faces Congress question on Syria
FE Team | Published: August 29, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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