A rebel fighter cleans his weapon in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Friday. Syria's civil war continues, even as the country follows a schedule of releasing information on its chemical weapons program. AFP/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
The U.S. Response To Syria The White House says there is "compelling" evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime used chemical weapons against its own people on Aug. 21, 2013, killing 1,429 people. Having called chemical weapons use a "red line," the U.S. is considering a military strike.
Special Series
The U.S. Response To Syria
Secretary of State John Kerry discusses the U.S.-Russia plan to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons with top British diplomat William Hague (left) and French diplomat Laurent Fabius, on Monday. Former weapons inspector David Kay says the plan includes "unrealistic" deadlines. Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
Protesters gather outside the White House on Tuesday before President Obama addressed the nation about the situation in Syria. Obama said he was asking Congress to delay authorizing a strike on Syria to allow a diplomatic plan to work. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption
The Syrian regime calls a new deal on its chemical weapons a victory, in a reaction that came one day after the U.S. and Russia announced the plan. On Saturday, live coverage of the the deal drew the attention of a Damascus flower shop owner. Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
A U.S. Marine carries a light flame-thrower while wearing experimental clothing designed to protect against atomic, biological and chemical warfare in 1960. Keystone/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama's speeches about Syria have at times seemed to reveal his own internal struggle on the topic. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption
A Free Syrian Army fighter looks through the scope of his sniper rifle at an area controlled by forces loyal to President Bashar Assad in Aleppo. Reuters/Landov hide caption
Russia's President Vladimir Putin welcomes President Obama at the start of the G-20 summit on Sept. 5 in St. Petersburg. Russia. Eric Feferburg/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
Vice President Joe Biden, projected on screens, gestures as he addresses the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2013 Policy Conference in March. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption
Russian President Vladimir Putin penned an op-ed in The New York Times to counter President Obama's arguments about possible military strikes against Syria. Klimentyev Mikhail/ITAR-TASS /Landov hide caption
President Obama walks out of a meeting with the Senate Democratic Caucus at the Capitol on Tuesday. Michael Reynolds/EPA /LANDOV hide caption
President Obama walks along the West Wing Colonnade toward the Oval Office ahead of Tuesday night's speech on Syria. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption
President Obama addresses the nation in a live televised speech from the East Room of the White House on Tuesday. Evan Vucci/Pool/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama addresses the nation in a live televised speech from the East Room of the White House on Tuesday. Pool/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama walks toward the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption
In Washington, D.C., this week, there have been demonstrations both in favor of and against a military strike on targets in Syria. Outside the White House on Monday, supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad waved a Syrian flag with his face on it. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
Farmers ride in their tractor in the drought-hit region of Hasaka in northeastern Syria on June 17, 2010. Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
The Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Takla in the Syrian Christian town of Maaloula is seen on Sept. 7. The town is now controlled by a rebel group with al-Qaida ties. AFP/Getty Images hide caption
Benjamin Ferencz speaks at the inauguration of the "Memorial Nuremberg Trials" information and documentation center in Nuremberg, Germany, on Nov. 21, 2010. After World War II, Ferencz served as a chief prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals. AFP/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
Ahmed al-Hurani, left, and his son, Bassam, live in the West Bank. Eleven members of their family living in Syria died in the chemical attack on Aug. 21. Emily Harris/NPR hide caption
President Obama holds a press conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday on the sideline of the G-20 summit. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama during his news conference Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama on Friday at the G-20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/Landov hide caption
From 'Morning Edition': White House adviser Tony Blinken talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep
Syrian rebel fighters run run for cover during clashes Wednesday with government forces in Aleppo. Syria's largest city has been bitterly divided since heavy fighting broke out more than a year ago. The government army controls the western part of the city; the rebels control the east. Residents risk sniper fire as they cross back and forth. Aleppo Media Center/AP hide caption