WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says plans to set up a no-fly zone over parts of Syria are "not on the front burner." That's despite persistent calls from rebel forces there that they need the added protection from escalating regime airstrikes.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Panetta said he is confident the U.S. could successfully enforce a no-fly zone over Syria. But he says doing so would require a "major, major policy decision" that has not yet been made.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in recent days that Washington and Turkey are discussing a range of steps, including a no-fly zone over some parts of Syria. Rebel leaders have expressed frustration that the United States has limited its assistance to non-lethal aid.
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