Barack Obama actually said...

"The United States and Syria have profound differences on important issues, and the President-elect and I believe that engaging directly with Syria increases the possibility of making progress on chang..."

"The President-elect and I believe strongly that direct U.S. engagement with Syria will advance United States interests."

"He has warned that competition over resources could lead to conflict and population movements."

"President-elect Obama has made it clear that we need a comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism that balances and integrates military force, diplomacy, intelligence, law enforcement, financial action..."