“The Los Angeles Times” quotes official sources in Washington that say that the White House asked to increase the number of targets in Syria and that the operation will be three days long.
Photography: Reuters
“The Los Angeles Times” reports that according to high ranking sources in American government, the Pentagon has widened the scope of attack, which includes bombing for three days – longer than the time set in the original plan.
Furthermore the sources were quoted saying that the wider and longer plan of attack shows the growing belief that the US will need to exercise stronger force in order to cause damage to Syrian President Bashar Assad’s army.
Two American officers were quoted in the report, saying that the White House has asked to increase the number of targets – over 50 more than first planned. At the same time, the officers said that the Pentagon is considering using bombers – in addition to the 5 destroyers that have already arrived in the Mediterranean.
Kerry:” Obama does not need a majority in congress”
While the White House has been busy recruiting support for an attack for several days now, it seems that American Secretary of State is preparing for the possibility of failure in the vote in congress. In an interview to the “Huffington Post” this weekend Kerry explained that the President has the right to instruct an attack even if congress does not agree.
“Constitutionally, any president whether he is a republican or a democrat, fills the post of commander in chief of the American forces, and as such he has the right to make decisions on the security of the United States” Kerry said.
Kerry hinted in the interview that according to American law, the president is not obligated to give up his plan if it is not approved by congress.