US military ready to act over Syria chemical claims Hagel

The speaker discusses ongoing assessments of intelligence regarding chemical weapons use, emphasizing the need for factual intelligence before proceeding. President Obama has tasked the Defense Department with preparing options for various contingencies, and they are ready to act if needed.

What is the main focus of the ongoing discussions mentioned by the speaker?

• Economic policies

• Environmental issues

• Chemical weapons intelligence

• Healthcare reforms

Why does the speaker refrain from making further statements?

• Pending political approval

• Need for more factual intelligence

• Technical difficulties

• Lack of public interest

What has President Obama asked the Defense Department to do?

• Increase military spending

• Prepare options for contingencies

• Reduce troop deployment

• Negotiate with allies

What is the speaker's stance on exercising the prepared options?

• They have already exercised some options

• They are not ready to exercise any options

• They are prepared to exercise any option if decided

• They will exercise options only if necessary

Who is responsible for deciding whether to employ one of the prepared options?

• President Obama

• The United Nations

• The Defense Department

• The speaker