Topic: Bashar Assad
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5 national security issues next president must tackle
President Obama and Mitt Romney battle over foreign policy issues in the third and final presidential debate. No matter who wins the presidential election November 6, Mr. Romney or Mr. Obama will have to confront five urgent national security issues in the first weeks of his term.
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Foreign affairs: 23 new books I wish Obama and Romney would read
In preparation for the upcoming presidential debate on foreign policy, check out these 23 books that offer the kind of nuance and context mostly overlooked during a campaign.
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Opinion: In shifting sands of Middle East, who will lead? (+ video)
Leadership in the Middle East is up for grabs as the Syrian war intensifies, the Arab Spring changes regional power dynamics, and Israel's airstrikes and Hamas rockets again roil Gaza. Last year, Turkey was the assumed role model for the region. But it has fallen down on the job.
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Briefing
What's the status of Egypt's Christians?The newly chosen Coptic pope finds his people in a perilous situation.
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The Monitor's View: A model leader for Syria?
A moderate Muslim preacher who suffered as a freedom fighter in Syria has been chosen as opposition leader to Assad. Now, Moaz al-Khatib must unite a people torn by civil war and religion.
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Opinion: Obama's post-election Syria policy is unlikely to change, but it should
Obama’s policy of 'staying the course' in Syria should be weighed against worsening strategic realities in the country and region. Only a careful military program to help the rebels, including arming and training them, can stem the growing costs of US inaction.
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Syria: Will new opposition leader bring unity?
Mouaz al-Khatib, a religious leader and a voice of moderation, has been chosen to lead the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces. Supporters hope the new coalition can provide a conduit for foreign aid.
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Opinion: Balkan conflicts hold clear lessons on intervention in Syria
As policymakers in Europe, the United States, the Gulf states, Turkey, and the Arab League search for ways to resolve the conflict in Syria, they should consider what the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo have to teach about outside intervention. The main lesson? Do it – to stop the killing.
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Terrorism & Security
Fighting grows along Syria's borders, threatening to spread warSyria's borders are getting more violent, leading some to question whether President Bashar al-Assad is purposely trying to broaden the conflict.
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Inside Syria, rebels offer cautious support for unified council
Fighters on the front lines of the Syrian war expressed optimism about the new council formed out of Syrian opposition groups.
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Israeli tanks hit inside Syria, but Israel not eager to enter conflict
Israel is likely to stick with its policy of just rooting for the downfall of President Bashar Assad while refraining from throwing its lot in with any of the opposition groups.
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Terrorism & Security
What is The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces? (+video)The fractious Syrian opposition has come together to create a new unified front in their battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
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Syrian opposition groups unify, boosting prospects for outside support
The agreement reached Sunday could boost efforts to secure international support and potentially weapons for Syria's rebels.
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Israel fires warning shots into Syria for first time
Errant fire from Syria into the Israeli-held Golan Heights prompted the retaliatory move and warnings from Israel.
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Terrorism & Security
Refugee flow soars as Syrians flee intense fighting between rebels, Assad forcesThe UN says that more than 11,000 people fled Syria overnight, and is warning that by early 2013, some 4 million inside Syria could need humanitarian aid.
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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.
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The Monitor's View: Look outward, Obama
The president’s domestic agenda may consist of making compromises with Republicans. But overseas he is freer to act. And there’s much that needs his attention.
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Assad: 'I will live and die in Syria'
In an interview broadcast on Russian television, the Syrian president said he would not leave the country to end the conflict there, despite British offers of safe passage if he did so.
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Terrorism & Security
Syria conflict: Here come the weapons?New arms may be headed to Syria in coming months as Britain reviews legal options for supplying weapons to rebels and Turkey talks to NATO about Patriot interceptors.
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Obama win keeps US-British relations familiar, comfortable
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who says he has a rapport with the president despite their differing political affiliations, congratulated Obama on his successful reelection bid today.
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Terrorism & Security
Rebel hopes rise that reelected Obama will act on Syria as blasts hit DamascusThree explosions in the capital, including an attack on the presidential palace, could mark a new phase in the rebels' campaign against the Assad regime.
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After winning re-election, Obama faces Iran, Syria
President Obama's re-election ensures continuity in US foreign policy, he now faces the governments of Iran, Syria, and possibly China.
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Britain to reach out to Syrian opposition
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron is set to tour a Syrian refugee camp on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Britain plans to reach out to the Syrian opposition, but will not be providing military advice.
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British PM Cameron says Assad could leave Syria
British Prime Minister David Cameron told the Arab news network Al Arabiya arrangements can be made to move the Syrian president out of the country.
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Backchannels
From a distance, Syria 'feels' like Iraq in 2004There's some hope for a faster end to the fighting – with British Prime Minister Cameron hinting at safe passage for Assad if he decides to quit the fight. But the outlook is grim.
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Iran's proxy war?
From Iranian hackers suspected of damaging Saudi oil facility computers to a suspected Hezbollah drone shot down over Israel, the largely hidden war between Iran and its foes seems to be heating up.
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Syrian rebels root for Romney in hopes of US military intervention
Desperate for foreign intervention, some rebels say they hope the party that brought on the Iraq war might also bring America to Syria.
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