Middle East/North Africa

President Obama on Tuesday told Congress he is extending the imposition of sanctions against Syria for another year — they were due to expire on May 11.

In a notice to Congress, Obama said Syria has reduced the facilitation of foreign fighters into Iraq, it's ongoing civil war against Syrian civilians means the sanctions will continue.

But the president added the "perceived" use of chemical weapons was not enough to compel him to military action.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday he hopes to find “common ground” with Russia over Syria during his visit to Moscow.

Deborah Jones told a Senate panel Tuesday, she would make hunting her predecessor's killers a top priority.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he believes the U.S. is moving quickly to arm Syrian opposition forces.

“I do think we’ll be arming the opposition shortly,” Corker said Tuesday on “CBS This Morning.” “We’re doing a lot more there on the ground than really is known, but we do have to change the equation … we’ve got to change the balance there and I do think we will be arming the rebels soon.”

Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced legislation on Monday that would provide arms to vetted opposition groups.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) on Monday introduced a bill that would provide arms to vetted rebel groups.

The escalating crisis in Syria will likely be at the top of Secretary of State John Kerry's agenda during his first meeting with Defense Department Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon. 

White House press secretary Jay Carney dismissed new testimony Monday about the State Department's handling of the terror attack in Benghazi, arguing the panel that investigated the government's response had provided a "critical" and thorough account.

"There was an accountability review board led by two men of unimpeachable expertise and credibility that oversaw a process that was rigorous and unsparing," Carney said.

The Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday featuring new testimony from a trio of State Department employees who claim to have new information challenging the government's official account. 

The White House on Monday defended President Obama's “red line” on Syria.