US Arming of Syrian Rebels Delayed Amid Disagreement in Congress

Intelligence committees divided, thwarting Obama Administration's plan

The Obama administration's month-old plan to arm opposition fighters in Syria has stalled as a result of congressional disagreements over whether and how to aid the rebels seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad.

To the growing frustration of those who won a long and contentious internal administration debate over the issue of supplying arms, members of the Senate and House intelligence committees remain divided on the proposal to send light weapons and ammunition to the rebel forces. Although administration officials initially estimated that supplies would be distributed "within weeks," delivery has not begun.