Obama to address nation over Syria crisis

PRESIDENT OBAMA is set to address the nation tonight, a speech in which he will detail US strategy to combat the atrocities in Syria. He is expected to outline military and political efforts to try and combat the ISIS group in Syria and Iraq.

He is also thought to urge American legislators to give him authority to arm opposition forces in Syria.

Other elements of Obama’s plan include increased support for Iraqi security forces, as well as military and diplomatic commitments from partners in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.

“The president told the leaders that he has the authority he needs to take action against [IS] in accordance with the mission he will lay out in his address tomorrow night,” the White House said.

Although reluctant to take military action in Syria, President Barack Obama has recently authorised so-called inspection flights over Syria. It is understood they will involve drones and piloted aircraft. He will also talk about increased support, both diplomatically and military, from US allies in Europe and the Middle East

Obama’s television address will be broadcast tonight from the White House, at 21.00 local time (03.00 CET time). It comes on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the US.