Even as the world waited Saturday to hear when President Barack Obama was to order military strikes against Syria's chemical-armed regime,the US leader was already under fire at home.
While the latest opinion polls show that the American public does not even support Obama's plan for a "limited, narrow" operation, his hawkish opponents demanded tougher action.
On Friday, the White House released an intelligence summary that it said showed that Bashar al-Assad's regime killed more than 1,400 civilians in a nerve gas barrage.
Obama said that the United States has a duty to respond, but has promised only a limited operation to punish the use of banned weapons rather than to topple Assad's government.
With Obama cloistered at the White House with his advisors, his former presidential opponent Senator John McCain took to the airwaves to call his plans "shameful."
"The president apparently wants to have a kind of a cosmetic strike, launch a few missiles and then say: 'Well, we responded.'," McCain told chat show host Jay Leno on NBC television.
"This is the same president that, two years ago, said Bashar al-Assad had to go. It's also the president that said that there would be a red line if they used chemical weapons," he said.
"Maybe that red line was written in disappearing ink? I don't know. But we have to be as good as our word. And is there any good options? No."
McCain said that if he were commander-in-chief, as he had hoped to be after the 2008 election he lost to Obama, he would destroy the Syrian regime's airbases and arm rebel fighters.
"To our everlasting shame, not one single weapon from the USA has reached the hands of General Idris and the Free Syrian Army. That is shameful, in my view," he declared.
In May, McCain -- a neoconservative 77-year-old former Vietnam War prisoner of war -- traveled to Syria and met rebel leaders fighting Assad.
He has since become the most strident voice calling for US intervention against Assad's Iranian-backed regime, and speaks for a hawkish Washington faction that feels Obama's caution has weakened America's hand.
Obama's top team -- Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Advisor Susan Rice and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel -- was to brief skeptical Republican members of Congress later in the day, as the window for strikes opened.
But, while McCain and his allies think the promised "tailored response" to Assad's gassing of Syrian civilians shamefully weak, many voters and US allies consider it reckless.
British lawmakers voted Thursday to veto their government's plan to join the US-led coalition forming to carry out strikes, leaving France as the only Western ally likely to take part.
And, according to an NBC News opinion poll published Friday, American voters oppose military intervention by a margin of 50 to 42.
AFP
Sat Aug 31 2013
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.