White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters Tuesday that it is "profoundly in the interest" of the U.S. and of the international community to respond to the Syrian government's violation of a international norms through the use of chemical weapons. However, Carney made it clear that any options being considered in Syria are not aimed at regime change.
The White House is still weighing its response to last week's alleged chemical attacks, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said this morning that the U.S. military is ready for action if the Obama administration orders an intervention. “We are prepared," Hagel told BBC, "we have moved assets in place to be able to fulfill and comply with whatever option the president wishes to take.”
A U.N. chemical weapons team still remains in Syria, where they postponed a second day of inspections outside of Damascus today due to security concerns, and "in order to improve preparedness and safety for the team." Inspections are expected to resume tomorrow.
On Tuesday, NBC Foreign Correspondent Ayman Mohyeldin and Washington Post Diplomatic Correspondent, Anne Gearan joined NOW with Alex Wagner to discuss the administration's options on Syria.