Although Assad is aware of the dire consequences of using chemical weapons, individual commanders could take matters into their own hands if their positions are being overrun, said a Middle Eastern intelligence official briefed on the latest intelligence findings.
It is a potent issue, because these days the briefs carry the latest intelligence on nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, the activities of Al Qaeda and emerging threats elsewhere around the world.
On Friday, cabinet members were briefed on the latest intelligence, which, administration officials said, indicates Al Qaeda's intention to strike in the United States, but does not suggest when or where an attack might occur or who might be behind it.
A Defense Department official and others who have been briefed on the latest intelligence reports said that the speed of the American advance into Iraq in March and April is believed to have temporarily overtaken whatever plans Iraqi forces had for beginning an insurgency.
The White House said the president discussed the Paris attacks and was briefed on the latest intelligence, which, "while noting that there was no specific or credible threat to the United States, reviewed our homeland security posture to ensure we are doing everything necessary to protect the American people".
Trump will receive his intelligence briefing and later be briefed on drug trafficking at the southern border.
Trump will receive his intelligence briefing and later attend two Christmas receptions with the first lady.
Mrs. Clinton declined to say if she ever read the President's Daily Brief, a rundown of the latest intelligence and threats to national security provided to the president each day.
Instead, Mr. Tenet briefed the president on the latest intelligence reports, as he always does, and left it to the White House to make the first move about Mr. Wilson and Ms. Plame.
Mr. Brennan has been briefing the president daily on the latest intelligence and remains in touch with Washington when Mr. Obama spends five hours on the golf course, as he did Friday and Sunday.
Mr. Obama received an intelligence briefing on Sunday and planned to talk late on Sunday to his nominee for secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and his choice as national security adviser, James L. Jones, according to a spokeswoman, Brooke Anderson.
