Former U.S. general David Petraeus said Saturday that he supports President Obama's plan for military action in Syria in response to Bashar al-Assad's apparent use of chemical weapons against the opposition. In a statement given to Politico, Petraeus said that an intervention was "necessary" to deter Iran, North Korea, and other would-be agressors." The statement was clearly timed to buck up support for Obama as he faces a highly uncertain vote in Congress on whether to authorize the use of military force. "Failure of Congress to approve the president's request would have serious ramifactions not just in the Middle East but around the world," Petraeus said.
