Obama's call for Syria strike draws protests at home

(CBS News) WASHINGTON - President Obama spoke to the American people Saturday afternoon pressing his case for military action against the Syrian regimeand calling the chemical attack that claimed more than 1,400 lives in Syria 10 days ago "a menace that must be confronted." But the president also made it clear he does not want to proceed alone and will seek authorization and support for a limited strike from Congress.

Meanwhile, the president didn't have to look far to find those opposed to the idea of a U.S. strike against the Assad regime. Some of the very vocal opposition was heard right outside the Oval Office.

"President Obama, take your hands off Syria!" declared one protester.

• Obama seeks Syria strike with Congress' approval
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Outside the White House on Saturday, protesters called possible military action in Syria illegal and immoral.

"The American people are opposed to it," said another person.

There were dozens of people, like 28-year-old Lana Ismail. "In war, the first thing to go is the truth," she said.

A Syrian-American, Ismail said she's seen the horrible aftermath, but she doesn't know who to believe or trust.

"I think the U.S. should get all the facts straight before we go in," she said.

The president knows he has a tough sell ahead not just in the U.S., but around the world.

In Yemen, thousands took to the streets waving their flags in support of Bashir Assad.

And, in London, another protest applauded lawmakers there who voted against the Obama administration's plan.

Just feet away from the White House gates, a man in a white shirt was arrested for spitting on a protester against military action. It is an emotional debate.