IHT Quick Read: Dec. 4 NEWS President Obama warned Syria on Monday not to use chemical weapons against its own people, vowing to hold accountable anyone who did, even as American intelligence officials picked up signs that such arms might be deployed in the fighting there. Peter Baker and Michael R. Gordon report from Washington. A brothel owner has stepped in to sponsor a small amateur soccer team that, like many others in Greece, was having trouble coming up with the cash for uniforms, equipment and playing field fees. But her gift has caused something of an uproar as officials debate the appropriateness of having a brothel owner step in, even if it is to make up for a bankrupt state and an economy that leaves few businesses with the cash to help young men play sports. Suzanne Daley reports from Larissa, Greece. The British government announced plans on Monday to crack down on tax dodgers as a parliamentary report criticized United States companies for what it described as tax avoidance. Eric Pfanner reports. ARTS "Vermeer: The Golden Age of Dutch Art" puts a wide range of the artist's works on display in his first exhibition in Italy. Roderick Conway Morris reviews the show in Rome. FASHION "When I see them, I remember every single dress," says Valentino. He points to dresses worn by actresses to the Oscars - and, in the case of Jacqueline Kennedy, for her 1968 Greek island wedding to Aristotle Onassis. "Valentino: Master of Couture" at Somerset House in London takes a new angle on the much celebrated Roman designer. Suzy Menkes on the show. SPORTS Andy Roddick, who retired from tennis in September at age 30, insisted he was not testing the comeback waters by playing in a South Florida event over the weekend. Karen Crouse reports from Key Biscayne, Fla. His 287 innings for Australia ended anticlimactically on Monday when he was caught from the bowling of South African left-arm spin-bowler Robin Peterson for eight runs. Huw Richards on cricket.