Top Story: Did they or didn't they use chemical weapons? That question was asked before in Iraq; now, it's being asked about Syria as leaders around the world prepare for action.
- "I have no interest in any kind of open-ended conflict in Syria," President Obama said in an interview Wednesday with PBS NewsHour, "but we do have to make sure that when countries break international norms on weapons like chemical weapons that could threaten us, that they are held accountable." (MSNBC)
- Meanwhile, a bipartisan coalition in Congress sent a letter to the president Wednesday night urging him "to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria." (ABC News)
- U.K. intelligence officials say they believe Syria used chemical weapons against its own people, but Prime Minister David Cameron is holding back on military action until the U.N. Security Council had seen the findings of inspectors in Damascus. (NBC News)
- France has said it is ready to commit to military intervention in Syria if needed. (Washington Post)
- But while the U.S. is rallying support from its allies, Iran is standing by its alliance with Syria, threatening to retaliate against the U.S. if there is military action. (USA Today)
- U.S. ally Israel said Thursday that it would not join in the conflict in Syria, but would respond if Syria and its allies retaliated. (The Daily Star)
- Also involved: China is standing by its initial warnings against action in Syria, saying military intervention would only create more chaos in the Middle East. (South China Morning Post)
- Chinese officials are insisting that it is unclear if Syria used chemical weapons against civilians. (NY Times)
- There have also been reports of a connection between North Korea and Syria after North Korea reportedly tried to export gas masks to Syria in the Spring. The masks, along with ammunition and arms, were intercepted by Turkey. (LA Times)
- Over in Russia, it is unclear how Putin is planning to respond. Interfax news agency reports that two Russian warships have been sent to the Mediterranean, but officials are denying speculation that it is preparing for war. (Reuters)