US congressional panels approve arms aid to Syrian opposition

The US House and Senate intelligence committees have approved on Monday sending weapons to the Syrian opposition by the Obama administration. Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Rogers said in a written statement despite "very strong concerns about the strength of the administration’s plans in Syria and it's chances for success, the House committee reached consensus after much discussion and review.” Officials said both the House and Senate panels voted on the administration’s plan last week. Administration officials including Vice President Biden, CIA Director John O. Brennan and Secretary of State John F. Kerry have tried to answer concerns in telephone calls and briefings in the last weeks.