President Obama said Monday that the use of Syria’s chemical weapons is a red line that could significantly change the U.S. calculus toward getting involved in the conflict.
“We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people,” Obama said at a press conference. Weapons being moved or utilized “would change my calculus,” he said.
Obama said the likelihood of a “soft landing” for Syrian President Bashar Assad seemed remote, as the violence in Syria has raged between opposition forces and Assad’s troops.
He said that the Obama administration was preparing for a range of contingency plans in Syria, as the 18-month long conflict has shown little sign of slowing. The administration has made clear to everyone in the region, Obama said, that the chemical weapons were a red line that would have "enormous consequences."
He reiterated that the United States remains focused on humanitarian aid and working with the international community to consult with the logistics of a political transition should Assad fall.
For more on Obama's remarks, click here.
