Erstellt am: 2. 9. 2013 - 13:03 Uhr

Barack's big gamble

Reality Check: US-Syria, German TV debate

After a very hawkish end to last week, US President Obama now says he will wait for a debate in the Congress before making a final decision on military action in Syria.

On Friday, a US strike against Syria seemed both inevitable and imminent. Then, in a remarkable turn around of events, President Obama announced he was putting off any final decision until the issue has been debated by Congress. With Congress not due to meet for another 10 days, that creates a gap which people on all sides of the argument will be trying to exploit.

EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

The decision to wait for Congress on such an issue is unprecedented in recent history, and it's a risky decision

As Commander in Chief, under the constitution, Obama does not need Congressional approval to launch a strike on Syria - so why is he taking the risk of losing the vote? Steve Crilley asked US analyst and writer Dr James Boys for his reaction to the decision.

German election debate

Our Berlin correspondent, Peter Fritz, gives his analysis of last night's TV debate between Chancellor Angela Merkel and SPD leader, Peter Steinbrueck.

The two candidates were grilled by four journalists and watched by an audience of around 18 million.

The confrontation focussed largely on Europe's debt crisis and how best to keep Germany's economy strong.

Joanna Bostock asked Peter Fritz, whether it's fair to say neither candidate emerged as a clear winner.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.