Rice: Assad Taking Syria to Brink of Civil war

WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Syrian President Bashar Assad is taking his country to the brink of civil war.

Rice said on CNN's "State of the Union" today that Assad's crackdown is creating a very dangerous situation.

Assad "is no friend of the United States," she said, adding that his overthrow would be a "great thing" for the Syrian people, U.S. interests and anyone seeking a more peaceful Middle East.

Rice called for the "toughest" possible penalties against Assad's government.

If Russia and China block U.N. sanctions, she said, the United States should apply pressure with its allies or act alone. Rice also urged more assistance to Syria's opposition.