President Barack Obama said Wednesday that although he has not yet made a decision about a potential military strike against the Syrian government over its use of chemical weapons, any action the U.S. may decide to take against Syria must send a “pretty strong signal” that prevents further proliferation.
“I have not made a decision, but I think it’s important that if, in fact, we make a choice to have repercussions for the use of chemical weapons, then the Assad regime, which is involved in a civil war, trying to protect itself, will have received a pretty strong signal, that in fact, it better not do it again,” Obama said in an interview with PBS’ “NewsHour.”
Although he said he had “no interest” in an “open-ended conflict” with Syria, Obama reiterated that his administration believes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime did in fact carry out a chemical weapons attack and must face “international consequences.”
Watch the interview segment below, courtesy of PBS:
Correction: This post incorrectly attributed the interview segment to CBS. The video is courtesy of PBS.
