US Senate Committee: Obama can use limited force against Syria

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 4 September 2013 approved a resolution, granting President Barack Obama authority to use limited force against the President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

The Senate Committee voted 10 for and 7 against to approve the authorization of the resolution, the request for which was made by President Barack Obama on 31 August 2013.

The move will be debated by the US Congress in second week of September and after its authorisation President Obama will get the authority for limited military action against Syria for 60 days. The resolution does not allow the use of ground forces.

The resolution gives Obama the authority to deploy force in response to the Assad regime's criminal use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people. The President is authorised to extend the strike period by another 30 days under certain conditions.

The resolution states that military action must be aimed at deterring and preventing Syria from carrying out future chemical weapons attacks.

The US has alleged that the nerve agent SARIN was used by the Assad regime on 21 August 2013 in which least 1429 people were killed, including over 400 children.

About The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate. Throughout its history, the committee has been instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy, at different times supporting and opposing the policies of Presidents and Secretaries of The State.

The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation, ranging from the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It also holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations. Through these powers, the committee has helped shape foreign policy of broad significance, in matters of war and peace and international relations.