John Kerry vents frustration over failure to use military in Syria

World Today

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has complained that his efforts in pushing for Syrian diplomacy have not been supported by the U.S. government. A recording leaked on Friday shows Kerry backed the use of military force in Syria, but admitted failure in the argument.

CCTV’s Omar Khan has more.

“Four people in the administration who have all argued for use of force and I lost the argument. I’ve argued use of force. I stood up – I’m the guy who stood up and announced that we’re going to attack Assad because of the weapons,” Kerry said.

The 40-minute video was released by the New York Times.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 22, Kerry told a group of Syrians that his call for U.S. action against the Assad government was not backed by military force.

The approximately 20 participants included representatives of four Syrian groups that provide education, rescue and medical services in rebel-held areas.

The Syrians also expressed frustration with the United States.

The meeting took place days after a ceasefire Kerry had negotiated with Russia, collapsed in the Syrian city of Aleppo.