I have a number of links on this GD thread re Syria

[Mass]

99. Well, they are trying to downplay the comment as much as they can.

Last edited Mon Sep 9, 2013, 04:56 PM - Edit history (1)

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/09/world/meast/syria-civil-war/

In Washington, a White House official expressed doubt that al-Assad could be trusted to follow through.
"We want to take a hard look at the proposal. We'll obviously discuss the idea with the Russians. And, of course, we would welcome a decision and action by Syria to give up its chemical weapons," said Deputy National Security Adviser Antony Blinken. But he added that Syria's refusal to disclose its arsenal "doesn't give you a lot of confidence."
Another U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called Kerry's comments a "major goof." The secretary of state "clearly went off-script" in making the remarks.
"There is no one in the administration who is taking this Syria proposal seriously," the U.S. official said.

Same for Hillary. It was interpreted as positive, but, when you hear it, it is just like Kerry,except worse: she talks about holding Russia responsible (uh?). But you will hear she is for diplomacy.

Though other reports are more positive, including ABC, stating that the State department did not dismiss the idea. Depending what report you read, you will have a totally different idea of what is happening, or what is said.