Topic: Bashar Assad

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Briefing
Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile

President Obama said Assad's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line' for US. Did he use sarin or any other chemical weapon against his own people?
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
Not just sexy Kim Jong-un: 5 times the Onion has fooled foreign media

When the People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, took as straight news The Onion's declaration that stout North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was 2012's "Sexiest Man Alive," it became the biggest foreign media outlet to be fooled by the satirical American newspaper. But it is not the first. Here are several other foreign news sites that took Onion fiction as newsworthy fact.
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
In key Syrian city, snipers and bombing tear at fabric of daily life

As rebels and the Syrian government battle for control of Aleppo, residents tap caution – and dark humor – to survive.

All Content

Syrian forces continue shelling rebel stronghold

Soldiers loyal to President Assad have been bombarding Homs, a prominent rebel stronghold, despite Red Cross appeals.
Terrorism & Security Humanitarian aid arrives in Homs, Syria, as international pressure builds

Even China and Russia – Syrian allies – have joined the international push for humanitarian relief amid Assad's harsh crackdown.
Is Assad scared of a war crimes trial? Assault on Homs suggests not. (+video)

Diplomats critical of Syria are using terms such as 'crimes against humanity' and 'war criminal.' But the Homs assault suggests Assad sees defeating the rebels as more vital for his survival.
The Monitor's View: Syria protests must stick to nonviolence

Saudi Arabia may be arming Syrian protesters as more of them turn to violence against Assad's brutality. They must not lose the moral force of peaceful tactics used in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Prayer for Homs, Syria

A Christian Science perspective: Inspired by a visit to Homs, Syria, several years ago, this writer now embraces the city in prayer as it faces increased violence in the streets.
Backchannels Foreign journalist rescued from Homs...

... and a reminder of the risks to everyone when reporters go to war zones.
Backchannels Ominous signs in Homs amid reports that Syrian tanks are rolling in

Following yesterday's reports of the Syrian government's massacre of civilians seeking to flee the assault on Homs, a large armored column appears to be closing on the city.
Terrorism & Security Syria's Assad reportedly launching ground invasion of Homs

While the rebel stronghold has been pummeled by indiscriminate shelling for weeks, an influx of troops could lead to door-to-door searches, arrests, and potential torture of key activists.
Backchannels EU heaps new sanctions on Syria

The Council of the European Union is seeking to tighten a financial noose around the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad.
Backchannels Syria approves new Constitution as dozens murdered in Homs

The mounting death toll in Homs and other Syrian cities is far more important than a referendum the Syrian government says showed overwhelmingly public support for a new constitution.
West is meddling in Syria's affairs, government spokesman says

Syria's foreign ministry spokesman tells the Associated Press Western governments are interferring when it comes to their handling of the protests that have rocked the Middle Eastern country since last year.
Backchannels A Syria hit list? A list of regime enemies emerges.

News organization Mother Jones has gotten hold of a massive spreadsheet containing names and contacts for thousands of Syrian dissidents.
Syria vote called a 'farce' by West

Syria heads to the polls today to vote on a new constitution, a move by embattled President Bashar al-Assad to defuse an uprising.
Syrians in Homs feel abandoned by world

Residents are pessimistic about last week's "Friends of Syria" conference and say they see no real pressure for change.
Hillary Clinton, at 'Friends' meeting, has encouraging words for Syria rebels

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped short of giving an official US nod to the Syrian opposition to the Assad regime. But, as 'Friends of Syria' meeting ends, that move is likely to come soon.
The Monitor's View: 'Friends of Syria': Which good cause will bring unity for action?

At both the UN and at a "Friends of Syria" meeting in Tunisia, a consensus is steadily forming over which universal value can justify strong action on Syria.
'Friends of Syria' conference demands Assad open humanitarian aid corridors

Syrian forces continued to attack Homs as the 'Friends of Syria' international group met in Tunisia. A draft resolution called for a cease-fire, while Secretary of State Clinton said sanctions would increase if the violence does not stop.
How the 'Friends of Syria' meeting showcases international weakness

The intervention in Libya had some experts declaring that henceforth there would be no retreat from an international 'responsibility to protect' civilians. But the Syria crisis has many reassessing the doctrine's stature.
Backchannels More on death from the skies in Syria

A little more information on what the Syrian regime is using on Homs.
Backchannels A message from Homs (+video)

Paul Conroy, a photographer wounded in the attack that killed reporters Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik, speaks from the devastated Syrian city of Homs.
The risks of telling the Syria story

With nine journalists among the roughly 8,000 dead in Syria's uprising, Monitor reporter Scott Peterson explores the soul-searching inside the small community of war correspondents.
Republican debate: Romney fights to win against surging Santorum

Mitt Romney used Wednesday's Republican debate to go head-to-head with his leading challenger, Rick Santorum.
US inching closer to favoring arms for Syria rebels

The US has so far used diplomacy to put pressure on the regime of Syria President Assad. But as the death toll mounts, the Obama administration's opposition to arming Syria rebels may be softening.
Terrorism & Security American, French journalist killed in Syrian bombardment of Homs (+video)

As Syria continues its assault on Homs, Russia is backing humanitarian assistance and the US has opened the door to arming the opposition.
Syria stalemate: Is Russia pushing Mideast into cold-war style conflict?

Russia is refusing to attend an Arab League-hosted meeting on Syria, and experts warn its stance could embolden Iran to stand firm against the West. The US meanwhile softened its stance on arming the opposition.