Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the Obama administration is consulting with allies to "further develop the facts" about last week's alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, and options for a response.

 

Demonstrators rally on the north side of the White House to protest any U.S. military action against Syria
Demonstrators rally on the north side of the White House to protest any U.S. military action against Syria (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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And Hagel says the administration also is seeking input from Congress, but that discussions with lawmakers are "not to convince anyone of anything."

Lawmakers from both parties have been pressing President Barack Obama to provide a legal rationale for military action in Syria.

A top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says U.S. officials who held a teleconference with lawmakers Thursday night told them that 1,300 Syrian civilians died in last week's chemical attack in Syria, allegedly carried out by President Bashar Assad's troops.

An intelligence report similar to the findings shared with lawmakers is expected to be released publicly today.

After Syria defeat, UK minister warns on retreat

LONDON (AP) — Treasury chief George Osborne is warning that Britain should not turn its back on the world after a stunning parliamentary defeat over a government motion for military intervention in Syria.

He told BBC on Friday that he understands that many lawmakers and British citizens do not want U.K. military involvement in Syria, where the government is suspected of using chemical weapons against civilians.

He said there will be "national soul-searching" about Britain's global role after the 'no' vote.

Prime Minister David Cameron had sought to rally Parliament behind plans for military action against the regime of President Bashar Assad, but failed to win a majority.

He said he will respect Parliament's view, indicating Britain would not for now take a military role.


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