From Washington, this is VOA News.
I’m Michael Brown reporting.
Residents of Syria's rebel-held city of Aleppo have reported a surge in airstrikes, which local monitors say have killed at least 30 people.
Aleppo, the country's second biggest city, has been divided among government troops, rebel militias, Islamic extremists and Kurdish fighters since 2012.
The Syrian government announced a renewed offensive on the city after U.S. and Russia failed to salvage a cease-fire that had defused hostilities for nearly a week.
U.S. military and intelligence officials are questioning whether Russia has the will or the capability to do anything about the growing crisis in Syria, accusing Moscow of perpetuating a humanitarian catastrophe.
“…But we can’t be the only ones trying to hold this door open. Russia and the regime (Syrian government) must do their part or this will have no chance. The question now is whether there remains any real chance of moving forward because it is clear we cannot continue on the same path any longer…”
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
U.S. President Barack Obama will veto legislation Friday that would allow survivors and relatives of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S. to sue Saudi Arabia's government for damages.
Mr. Obama has said the legislation would expose Americans overseas to legal risks.
Congress is expected to try to override the president's veto, which would require votes by two-thirds of the lawmakers to complete.
Riyadh has denied any involvement in the attacks. However, 15 of the 19 airline hijackers were identified as Saudis.
This is VOA News.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.