Yahoo! News: Iraq

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• Obama asks Congress to approve military strike against Syria
• Lawmakers begin to grapple with Syria question
• Possible US-led attack on Syria sparks rallies
• France to await US congressional decision on Syria
• Obama delays strike against Syria to seek Congress approval
• Analysis: Obama and Syria: The education of a reluctant war president
• Iraq protesters rail against lawmaker pensions
• Text: Obama statement on decision for U.S. strikes on Syria
• Obama asks Congress to authorize Syria strike
• Obama approves attacking Syria, but delays that for vote in Congress
• Hundreds of Iraqis protest against lawmaker privileges
• Obama will hold off on Syria strike until Congress has its say
• President Obama to Seek Approval from Congress Before Taking Action in Syria
• British PM feeling the heat on Syria snub
• Confirmed: Obama Will Seek Congressional Approval for Military Action in Syria
• Congress' top Republicans praise Obama on Syria
• U.N. rejects suggestion it's pulling out of Syria to allow strikes
• War talk means more worry for Syrians living in United States
• Syria anti-war protesters hail 'victory' in London
• Iranian MPs meet Assad, denounce possible US strike
• Protesters rail against Iraq MPs' benefits despite ban
• Putin rejects US's Syria chemical use claim, demands proof
• Car bomb in Iraqi city of Ramadi kills 12
• 13 dead in Iraq violence against Sunnis
• US strike will trigger reactions 'beyond' Syria: Iran
• Islamist rebels go into hiding ahead of Syria strikes
• UN experts leave Syria as US edges toward strike
• Paedophile pardoned in Morocco appears in Spanish court
• Arab states divided over US strikes on Syria
• Putin urges US to hold off on striking Syria
• Al-Qaida in Iraq calls on Egyptians to fight army
• Qaeda in Iraq urges Egyptians to rise against army
• Protesters rally over lawmakers' pensions in Iraq
• Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi: Egypt's new strongman
• Al Qaeda affiliate urges attacks on Egyptian army
• 10 things you need to know today: August 31, 2013
• Gunmen kill 5 Sunni worshippers in Iraq

Obama asks Congress to approve military strike against Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 05:10 PM PDT By Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama stepped back from the brink on Saturday and delayed an imminent military strike against Syria to seek approval from the U.S. Congress in a gamble that will test his ability to project American strength abroad and deploy his own power at home. Before Obama put on the brakes, the path had been cleared for a U.S. assault. Navy ships were in place and awaiting orders to launch missiles, and U.N. inspectors had left Syria after gathering evidence of a chemical weapons attack that U.S. officials say killed 1,429 people. ...

Lawmakers begin to grapple with Syria question Posted: 31 Aug 2013 05:04 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress, abruptly handed exactly the war powers many had demanded, grappled Saturday with whether to sign off on President Barack Obama's plan to punish Syria for an alleged chemical weapons attack. Now with a stake in the nation's global credibility, lawmakers were seeking more information about the possible consequences of striking a region without knowing what would happen next.

Possible US-led attack on Syria sparks rallies Posted: 31 Aug 2013 04:40 PM PDT HOUSTON (AP) — Protesters around the world took to the streets Saturday to protest for and against a possible U.S.-led attack on Syria, as President Barack Obama announced he would seek congressional approval for such a move.

France to await US congressional decision on Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 04:24 PM PDT PARIS (AP) — Mirroring U.S. policy, France will wait for its parliament to consider possible military action against Syria before President Francois Hollande decides whether to launch strikes, his office said Saturday.

Obama delays strike against Syria to seek Congress approval Posted: 31 Aug 2013 04:19 PM PDT By Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama stepped back from the brink on Saturday and delayed an imminent military strike against Syria to seek approval from the U.S. Congress in a gamble that will test his ability to project American strength abroad and deploy his own power at home. Before Obama put on the brakes, the path had been cleared for a U.S. assault. Navy ships were in place and awaiting orders to launch missiles, and U.N. inspectors had left Syria after gathering evidence of a chemical weapons attack that U.S. officials say killed 1,429 people. ...

Analysis: Obama and Syria: The education of a reluctant war president Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:30 PM PDT By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - He was the peace candidate who became a war president, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has regularly ordered executions by drone. Just three months ago, President Barack Obama called for an end to America's "perpetual war-time footing." On Saturday, he said he had decided to take military action against Syria for its apparent chemical weapons use, but would seek authorization from - and to share responsibility with - the U.S. Congress. ...

Iraq protesters rail against lawmaker pensions Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:22 PM PDT BAGHDAD (AP) — Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Iraqi cities on Saturday to protest lawmakers' perks despite an intense security crackdown, while bombing and shootings in and west of the capital killed 13 people in the latest bout of sectarian unrest rocking the country.

Text: Obama statement on decision for U.S. strikes on Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:22 PM PDT WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Saturday said he had decided the United States should strike Syrian government targets in response to a chemical weapons attack outside Damascus, but he would seek a congressional vote. The following is the full text of his remarks in the White House Rose Garden: "Good afternoon, everybody. Ten days ago, the world watched in horror as men, women and children were massacred in Syria in the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century. ...

Obama asks Congress to authorize Syria strike Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:15 PM PDT Taking a huge political gamble, US President Barack Obama on Saturday asked Congress to authorize military action against Syria, in a move which lifted the threat of immediate strikes on President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Obama approves attacking Syria, but delays that for vote in Congress Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:09 PM PDT President Obama has approved a military attack on Syria for its use of chemical weapons against rebel forces and civilians. But in a Rose Garden statement Saturday, the President also said he would seek congressional authorization before doing so.

Hundreds of Iraqis protest against lawmaker privileges Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:48 PM PDT BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Baghdad and central and southern Iraq on Saturday against generous pension payments to lawmakers in a county where many are still struggling to get jobs and basic services. Police surrounded the rare demonstration in the capital and security forces armed with batons, teargas and water canon broke up one gathering in the southern city of Nassiriya, witnesses and security forces said. The protests marked widespread anger at the monthly payments of thousands of dollars and other benefits to government and parliamentary officials. ...

Obama will hold off on Syria strike until Congress has its say Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:46 PM PDT By Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from an imminent military strike against Syria to seek the approval of the U.S. Congress, in a decision that likely delays U.S. action for at least 10 days. Obama, in a stern statement from the White House Rose Garden, said he had authorized the use of military force to punish Syria for a chemical weapons attack August 21 that U.S. officials say killed 1,429 people. Military assets to carry out a strike are in place and ready to move on his order, he said. ...

President Obama to Seek Approval from Congress Before Taking Action in Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:45 PM PDT President Obama to Seek Approval from Congress on Syria

British PM feeling the heat on Syria snub Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:40 PM PDT British Prime Minister David Cameron's authority was being questioned Saturday following his stunning parliamentary defeat on action against the Syrian regime.

Confirmed: Obama Will Seek Congressional Approval for Military Action in Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:39 PM PDT In response to the deadly chemical attack that took the lives of almost 1,500 people in Syria this week, President Obama announced on Saturday that he will seek congressional approval to take limited military action against the country.  Speaking from the White House, Obama characterized the attack by the country's Assad regime as "assault on human dignity." "This would not be an open-ended intervention," the president explained." We would not put boots on the ground. Instead, our action would be designed to be limited in duration and scope. ...

Congress' top Republicans praise Obama on Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 12:38 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Leading congressional Republicans praised President Barack Obama's decision to seek lawmakers' approval before punishing Syria for a chemical attack. But it was far from clear whether they would support such a strike in a region rife with warfare and the specter of retaliation.

U.N. rejects suggestion it's pulling out of Syria to allow strikes Posted: 31 Aug 2013 11:33 AM PDT By Louis Charbonneau and Edith Honan UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations on Saturday vehemently rejected suggestions that the world body was somehow stepping aside to allow U.S. air strikes on Syria over an alleged chemical attack, saying its humanitarian work in the conflict-ravaged nation would continue. "I have seen all kinds of reporting suggesting that the departure of the chemical weapons team somehow opens a window for military action of some kind," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters. ...

War talk means more worry for Syrians living in United States Posted: 31 Aug 2013 11:16 AM PDT By Victoria Cavaliere PATERSON, New Jersey (Reuters) - As President Barack Obama tries to persuade Congress that the time has come for military action in Syria, one slice of the population - immigrants from that war-torn country - has more cause to worry. Syrians living in the United States are deeply divided about what should be done - with some calling for a swift bombing campaign to unseat President Bashar al-Assad, while others blame the crisis on rebel groups. Yet both camps are united in fearing that U.S. strikes will only mean more bloodshed back home. ...

Syria anti-war protesters hail 'victory' in London Posted: 31 Aug 2013 11:04 AM PDT More than a thousand anti-war protesters rallied in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday to proclaim "victory" after Britain's parliament blocked Prime Minister David Cameron from taking military action in Syria.

Iranian MPs meet Assad, denounce possible US strike Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:56 AM PDT Iranian MPs held talks Saturday in Syria with President Bashar al-Assad and denounced any possible Western attack on that country over chemical weapons allegations, the head of the delegation said.

Protesters rail against Iraq MPs' benefits despite ban Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:53 AM PDT Thousands of protesters in and around Baghdad and south Iraq angrily railed against lawmakers' lavish benefits on Saturday despite heavy security measures that kept many away, particularly in the capital.

Putin rejects US's Syria chemical use claim, demands proof Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:34 AM PDT Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday dismissed claims that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons, demanding that the United States provide proof rather than taking rash action.

Car bomb in Iraqi city of Ramadi kills 12 Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:27 AM PDT RAMADI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb killed 12 people and wounded at least 20 other in the Iraqi city of Ramadi on Saturday, police and medical sources said. The attack took place near a checkpoint on a busy street in the center of Ramadi, 100 km (60 miles) west of Baghdad. Police were among the killed. "The explosion was so huge. I saw pieces of cars and bodies," witness Qasim Mohammed said. He said been working in his photography shop when the attack took place. "A tyre hit my shop. Some women were among those killed," he said. ...

13 dead in Iraq violence against Sunnis Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:24 AM PDT Violence mostly targeting Sunnis in Baghdad and west Iraq left 13 people dead on Saturday, including five worshippers killed by gunmen at a mosque, the latest in spiralling violence.

US strike will trigger reactions 'beyond' Syria: Iran Posted: 31 Aug 2013 10:04 AM PDT The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards warned Saturday that a US strike on Syria would trigger reactions beyond the borders of Tehran's key regional ally, ISNA news agency reported.

Islamist rebels go into hiding ahead of Syria strikes Posted: 31 Aug 2013 09:21 AM PDT By Erika Solomon BEIRUT (Reuters) - An anticipated U.S.-led strike on Syria has not only put government forces on alert, it has also alarmed rebels, in particular Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda who worry they too are targets. The United States said on Friday it was planning a limited response to punish Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a "brutal and flagrant" chemical weapons attack it says killed more than 1,400 people in Damascus two weeks ago. But Islamist rebels are wary, particularly experienced foreign militants who have joined their ranks and may have seen at first-hand U.S. ...

UN experts leave Syria as US edges toward strike Posted: 31 Aug 2013 09:02 AM PDT BEIRUT (AP) — U.N. experts who collected samples from last week's alleged chemical weapons strike outside Damascus left Syria for the Netherlands on Saturday, hours after President Barack Obama said he is weighing "limited and narrow" action against the Syrian regime his administration blames for the attack.

Paedophile pardoned in Morocco appears in Spanish court Posted: 31 Aug 2013 08:57 AM PDT A paedophile who was controversially pardoned by the king of Morocco appeared in a Spanish court on Saturday accused of sexually abusing a girl in Spain in 2004, court sources said.

Arab states divided over US strikes on Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 08:37 AM PDT Divided over a conflict they failed to resolve diplomatically, Arab countries are powerless observers of possible US strikes on Syria not designed to achieve what most of them want -- President Bashar al-Assad's downfall.

Putin urges US to hold off on striking Syria Posted: 31 Aug 2013 08:37 AM PDT MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin urged President Barack Obama on Saturday not to rush into a decision on striking Syria, but to consider whether strikes would help end the violence and be worth the civilian casualties they would inevitably cause.

Al-Qaida in Iraq calls on Egyptians to fight army Posted: 31 Aug 2013 06:15 AM PDT CAIRO (AP) — A leader of al-Qaida's Iraqi branch called Saturday on Egyptians to fight their army and derided the Muslim Brotherhood as "evil" for seeking power through democracy.

Qaeda in Iraq urges Egyptians to rise against army Posted: 31 Aug 2013 06:06 AM PDT An Al-Qaeda front group based in Iraq and Syria called for Egyptians to take up arms against their country's military, in an audio message posted on the Internet on Saturday.

Protesters rally over lawmakers' pensions in Iraq Posted: 31 Aug 2013 03:17 AM PDT BAGHDAD (AP) — Witnesses say hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Iraqi cities to protest lawmakers' perks despite an intense security crackdown.

Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi: Egypt's new strongman Posted: 31 Aug 2013 03:00 AM PDT How popular is el-Sissi?The cult of personality around Egypt's new leader is immediately apparent in Cairo. Posters of him are everywhere, many of them bearing the slogan "The one we can trust." Charismatic and telegenic, el-Sissi is given to passionate and sentimental speeches about patriotism and the glory of Egypt. Fawning profiles in the Egyptian press routinely portray him as Egypt's savior. ...

Al Qaeda affiliate urges attacks on Egyptian army Posted: 31 Aug 2013 02:34 AM PDT DUBAI (Reuters) - One of al Qaeda's most militant affiliates has called on Egyptians to take up arms against their army, saying a bloody crackdown on Islamist protesters showed peaceful methods were futile, according to an Internet statement posted on Saturday. Scores of Egyptian security forces have been killed in a series of attacks by suspected Islamist militants - mostly in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula - since Islamist President Mohamed Mursi was deposed last month. ...

10 things you need to know today: August 31, 2013 Posted: 31 Aug 2013 01:35 AM PDT 1. Kerry says U.S. has "high confidence" Syria used chemical weaponsSecretary of State John Kerry called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "murderer and a thug" and claimed that U.S. intelligence had "high confidence" that Assad's regime launched last week's chemical weapons attack on a Damascus suburb that killed 1,429 people. Kerry said that any action President Barack Obama "might decide to take" would be "limited" and "not involve any boots on the ground. ...

Gunmen kill 5 Sunni worshippers in Iraq Posted: 30 Aug 2013 11:57 PM PDT BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi authorities say that gunmen have stormed a Sunni mosque in Baghdad, killing five people.

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