US: Proven link of Assad to gas attack lacking

Anti-war activists hold placards after marching to Union Square in Manhattan, New York September 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Obama faces a tough audience on Capitol Hill. A survey by The Associated Press shows that House members who are staking out positions are either opposed to or leaning against Obama's plan for a military strike by more than a 6-1 margin.

"Lobbing a few Tomahawk missiles will not restore our credibility overseas," said Rep. Mike McCaul, the Texas Republican who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee.

Added Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., "For the president to say that this is just a very quick thing and we're out of there, that's how long wars start."

Almost half of the 433 House members and a third of the 100-member Senate remain undecided, the AP survey found. Two seats in the 435-member House are vacant.

"Just because Assad is a murderous tyrant doesn't mean his opponents are any better," said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

But some of Assad's opponents are pleading for aid.

"The world is watching, and Syrians are wondering: When is the international community going to act and intervene to protect them?" said Saleh.

On Saturday, a US official released a DVD compilation of videos showing attack victims that the official said were shown to senators during Thursday's classified briefing. The graphic images have become a rallying point for the administration. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Intelligence Committee, also posted videos on the committee's website.

But McDonough conceded the United States doesn't have concrete evidence Assad was behind the chemical attacks.

Recent opinion surveys show intense American skepticism about military intervention in Syria, even among those who believe Syria's government used chemical weapons on its people.