Syria

Mideast Syria_Live.jpg

Syrian opposition fighters fire at government forces near Daraa customs in Daraa al-Balad, Syria, on Sept. 25, 2013. (Associated Press/Sham News Network via AP video)

9_252013_un-general-assembly-us-ru-38201.jpg

Talks on Tuesday during the U.N. General Assembly between Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Syria's chemical weapons were described as "constructive," diplomatic-speak for cautious optimism. (Associated Press)

Syrian.Rebel.photo.AP.jpg

** FILE ** Syrian rebels take up position in Idlib, Syria, Feb. 10, 2012. (Associated Press)

Mideast Syria_Lea.jpg

Syrian President Bashar Assad (right) gives an interview to Chinese state television channel CCTV in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Mr. Assad said his government will allow international experts access to its chemical weapons sites, but he cautioned that rebels might block them from reaching some of the locations. (AP Photo/SANA)

9_222013_un-general-assembly8201.jpg

Syria and Iran are just two of the global issues facing President Obama as he prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly this week. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

9_192013_us-syria-kerry8201.jpg

Secretary of State John Kerry makes a statement about Syria and chemical weapons ahead of next week's United Nations General Assembly at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)