pro-Israel lobby group backs action in Syria

The influential pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC urged U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday to approve a resolution allowing the Obama administration to retaliate for chemical weapons use in Syria.

"America's allies and adversaries are closely watching the outcome of this momentous vote," AIPAC said in the letter signed by its president, Michael Kassen, and chief executive, Howard Kohr.

Members of Obama's administration have been urging lawmakers to back intervention, often making the case that failure to act against Syria would endanger Israel by allowing instability on its borders and emboldening Iran, which western powers believe is developing nuclear weapons,"This is a critical moment when America must also send a forceful message of resolve to Iran and Hezbollah - both of whom have provided direct and extensive military support to Assad," AIPAC said in its statement.

source reuters.com