Syria opposition chief: strikes are a moral duty

PARIS (AP) -- The head of the Western-backed Syrian opposition says the British parliament's failure to endorse military action in Syria isn't enough to hold back strikes by other allies.

Ahmad al-Jarba said on France-Inter radio on Friday that he wasn't surprised by the vote that effectively removes Britain from a coalition of Western allies looking to punish Bashar Assad with military strikes for his regime's alleged responsibility in an apparent chemical attack.

Al-Jarba said that strikes contemplated by the United States, France, and, originally, Britain are a moral responsibility that can level the playing field militarily.

He said that "strikes can paralyze a large part of the regime and raise morale" within the opposition.

As for Britain's vote, he said it wouldn't stop allies of the Syrian people "from ending injustice."