Syria
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US, 18 other nations, wrap up Eager Lion military exercise in Jordan
The sprawling Eager Lion military exercise was tied by some news outlets to the war in Syria. Though that was incorrect, the US is looking to deepen its military engagement with the region.
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Terrorism & Security
After massacre in Syria, Annan travels to Damascus to push peace plan
Kofi Annan's visit follows a massacre in Houla, Syria, that left 108 dead, most of them 'summarily executed,' according to the United Nations.
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Syria 'massacre' raises pressure for international response
Syrian artillery attack that apparently killed more than 90 people, including many children, brought French condemnation, while the UK said it would call for urgent UN Security Council meeting.
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Terrorism & Security
UN chief: There is no 'plan B' for ending the Syrian conflict
At least 200 have died in Syria in the two months since a UN-backed cease-fire went into effect, but Ban Ki-moon rejects assertions that part of the problem is the low number of monitors on the ground.
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Terrorism & Security
UN mission to Syria comes under attack in Idlib (+video)
An IED went off yesterday in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, damaging a UN observer convoy and killing at least 20 locals, but no UN observers. The government and opposition blame each other.
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Sectarian violence in Lebanon echoing Syria's conflict
The past three days have witnessed fierce sectarian fighting in Tripoli, Lebanon's second city, where tensions have been exacerbated by Syria's yearlong crisis.
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Syrian violence spills over border into Lebanon
Shootings and kidnappings increase along the Syrian-Lebanese border, as Lebanese supporters of Syrian government and Syrian opposition settle scores.
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Terrorism & Security
Damascus bombings prompt warnings of Iraq-style insurgency
Yesterday's bombings in Damascus were the largest since the uprising began. The US and others are sounding an alarm about a particularly worrisome turn in the conflict.
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Terrorism & Security
Two bombings rock Damascus in one of largest attacks since uprising (+video)
No group has claimed responsibility for today's bombings in Damascus that killed at least 40 people, but an Al Qaeda-inspired group has claimed similar attacks in the past.
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Terrorism & Security
UN envoy to Syria pins hopes for ending violence on observer mission
Kofi Annan said the observer mission was 'the only remaining chance to stabilize the country,' even though fighting has continued with observers on the ground.
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Syria holds an election despite months of fighting
The election is the first multiparty poll since Syria's new constitution was adopted in February. But early voting appeared thin as the opposition refused to participate.
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Terrorism & Security
Both sides violating Syria cease-fire. Still worth supporting? (+video)
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon called on all parties in Syria to stand by the cease-fire, which has been repeatedly violated by both the government and the opposition.
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Syrian uprising shifts toward suicide bombings. Al Qaeda's handiwork? (+video)
Today's suicide bombings in Syria's Idlib province come just three days after a suicide bombing in Damascus claimed by a salafi jihadist organization.
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Violence abates as UN observers visit Syrian battlefield of Homs
While many analysts discount the chances of the UN peace plan working, visits by UN observers are showing some sign of temporarily reducing the violence.
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Terrorism & Security
Syrian regime fights on, but is running out of money
The Arab League called an emergency meeting today to debate next steps, amid reports that Syria is violating a UN cease-fire. Some advocate staying the course, as sanctions start to pinch.
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Syria: Why only 15 UN observers on the ground so far? (+video)
The UN says it will take a month to get the full 300-member observer mission on the ground, due to logistical difficulties. The delay could scuttle UN envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan.
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Terrorism & Security
Observers in Syria having an impact, but only 11 on the ground so far (+video)
Another 100 are slated to come in a month. 'Are they coming on horses?' asks an exasperated activist.
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Assad's actions in Syria spur US to consider intervening
The ongoing violence in Syria, despite the regime's lip service to the Annan peace plan, has pushed the Obama administration to weigh stronger steps.
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Syria shells suburb of Damascus as UN expands monitoring
The UN Security Council voted Saturday to expand the number of observers in Syria from 30 to 300, but fighting continues.
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Brief Russia-West détente on Syria conflict comes to an end (+video)
Russia rejected an invitation to Paris to discuss next steps for Syria, saying that world leaders seemed more intent on helping the rebels than on brokering peace.
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As Syria cease-fire wavers, rebels head back to battle in battered sedan, pickups
A Western journalist who made a rare visit inside Syria confirmed a breach in the UN cease-fire yesterday, as rebels engaged a military convoy.
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Terrorism & Security
All parties make contingency plans as Syria's cease-fire wobbles (+video)
The US envoy to the UN warned that a monitor mission could be curtailed, while rebel fighters amassed weapons in preparation for a renewal of fighting.
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Syrian activists to rebels: Give us our revolution back
Many of the activists who began the uprising in Syria more than a year ago feel their peaceful push for change has been hijacked by the rebel Free Syrian Army. They're meeting in Cairo today.
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Terrorism & Security
Syria cease-fire takes hold, but could be tested by Friday protests (+video)
Although the Syrian regime flouted a deadline earlier this week, it seems to be abiding by the UN cease-fire that went into effect today.
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Russian comments on Syria hint at mounting disapproval of Assad
Russia appears to be running out of patience with Assad's heavy hand, and is preparing to push the Syrian leader for political and humanitarian concessions.
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