Syria crisis: Barack Obama says international community set red line on chemical weapons

Washington: President Barack Obama says the international community and Congress's credibility are on the line if a chemical attack on civilians in Syria goes unanswered. Obama is seeking congressional and international support for military action against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Obama rejected suggestions he set a red line for action against Syria in the event Assad used chemical weapons. He said the red line was set by the international community and by Congress which ratified a treaty condemning the use of chemical weapons.

He acknowledged that a military response will not resolve the civil war in Syria, but is needed to send a clear message.