United States has said that it is still looking for international collaboration on military action against Syria over possible use of Chemical weapons which left over 1300 people dead in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told in Philippines that he respects British parliament’s decision not to join US in the military action and was consulting allies for a coalition that will act together against the Syrian regime. In another development, French President, Francois Hollande told Le Monde newspaper that all options including a military action are open in the coming days. Unlike Britain, French President doesn’t need a go ahead by the parliament for military action. French parliament is holding an emergency session on the Syria crisis on Wednesday. However, Germany has ruled out joining military reprisals against Syria.

Upping the ante, Washington has deployed its fifth guided missile destroyer armed with TomaHawk cruise missiles into the eastern mediterranean. With war clouds looming large, Russia has dispatched two of its warships in the region. A defiant Syrian President told Lebanese Al Akhabrat newspaper that Syria will fight any external aggression. Iran has warned that the fight may spill over to the region. Amidst speculation of a possible retaliation by the Syrian regime or by the Hezbollah, Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile defence system in Tel Aviv and authorized a partial call-up of army reservists. Turkey has also put its forces in a state of alert.

Meanwhile the 20 member UN Chemical weapons inspection team began its probe on the final day at a hospital in Syria. UN inspectors are probing the allegations of a possible use of poison gas Sarin or other toxic chemical substances which killed scores of people in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21. The team is scheduled to leave Damascus tomorrow. UN spokesman said that the team had collected considerable evidence and will brief Ban Ki Moon soon after their return from Syria. The UN Secretary General has appealed to the major powers to hold off any military action till the inspectors complete their probe in Syria. Russia and China have also called to wait for UN inspector’s report.