Summarizing the latest updates in the rapidly changing Syria story.
From Bloomberg
U.S. ACTIONS:
- Fifth destroyer heads to eastern Mediterranean [5]
- U.S. makes case at UN Security Council meeting held at Russia’s request; members decline to comment as they leave
- President Obama speaks with Germany’s Merkel; leaders agree Syrian use of gas was “severe breach of international law,” Merkel spokesman says
- State Dept spokeswoman Marie Harf tells reporters consultation “incredibly important,” yet “we make our own decisions in our own timeline”
- Obama administration on track to release public intelligence report this week, White House spokesman Josh Earnest says
- White House to hold unclassified briefing for lawmakers this evening as members of Congress insist they must approve action
- Speaking on condition of anonymity, 3 U.S. officials say intercepted Syrian communications provide no ironclad evidence that Assad or members of his inner circle ordered the attack
SYRIAN ACTIONS:
- Syrians Move Weapons Ahead of Possible Attack: Reuters Link
- Assad tells Syrians he will defend them against “threats of direct aggression” in comments reported on state television
INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS:
- Putin, Merkel back efforts to find diplomatic solution
- U.K. releases assessment showing it’s “highly likely” that Syrian govt was behind mass killing of civilians; govt says exceptional measures possible without UN backing
- Fabius says France preparing Syria response with partners
- UN inspectors to leave Syria by early Aug. 31, report to UN Secretary-General
- Harper says Canada has no plans for military mission
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