U.S. Plans Extended Strikes Against Syria

Obama needs a new war

U.S. officials planning potential military strikes on Syria aren't limited to a one-day operation, an administration official said, as the UN Security Council's permanent members considered a resolution condemning last week's suspected chemical attack.

The U.S. and its allies are still working to define goals for a military strike on Syria, said the official, who asked not to be identified discussing war-planning efforts. U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said today the United Nations resolution offered by his country would authorize action to protect civilians in Syria.

U.S. and British officials say there's little doubt that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces are responsible for the chemical attacks near Damascus that opposition groups say killed more than 1,300 people. The head of the UN said its inspectors in Syria need time to establish the facts.