Topic: Damascus (Syria)

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Five things international community must give Syria after Bashar al-Assad

Transition in Syria after Bashar al-Assad will be impossible without constructive international support. From outsiders, Syria will need these five key things:
Five reasons why Syria may be at a tipping point

Since the start of the conflict in Syria, international observers have been watching the government of President Bashar al-Assad for signs that the once-feared regime might be vulnerable to overthrow. Despite Syrian efforts to crush the rebels and to stifle news out of the country, this past week has shown the strongest evidence yet that the end of the Assad regime may be near. Here are five signs that the Syrian conflict may finally be tipping in favor of the rebels.
Hezbollah 101: Who is the militant group, and what does it want?

The Shiite militant group and political party is a player not just in Lebanon, where it is based, but across the broader Middle East. It remains a staunch opponent of Israel, which it fought to a standstill in 2006, and a close ally of Iran and Syria – despite both regimes' crackdowns on citizens Hezbollah purports to champion.
Diplomacy or military intervention in Syria? 7 opinions from around the globe.

After 15 months of violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad announced yesterday that the country was facing a full-on civil war, a conflict he would do everything in his power to win.This adds increased pressure to the ongoing international question du jour: Is the answer to Syria’s conflict diplomacy or military intervention? Or something else entirely? From Thailand to Jordan, here are some opinions around the globe.
Briefing
Syria conflict: 5 warring factions

Syria is at the nexus of some of the Middle East's most central problems, meaning that fallout from its uprising is likely to ripple, in unpredictable ways, through the region. Here's a brief guide to the actors in the conflict.

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Terrorism & Security After UN condemns Syria abuses, Assad rains artillery down on Homs

Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad redoubled his assault on the city of Homs after a symbolic UN General Assembly vote calling on him to step down.
How Syria's Assad plans to survive

Despite promises of a referendum next week on a new constitution, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime seems to have made a clear decision to base its survival on repression.
US blames al-Qaida of Iraq for Syrian bombings

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said bombings against security and intelligence targets in Damascus and Aleppo bear 'all the earmarks of an al-Qaida-like attack,' leading the US intelligence community to believe the Iraqi militant branch is extending its reach into Syria.
Opinion: Syrians feel caught in an external power struggle, less willing to confront their own

Syrians feel caught in a proxy power struggle among the US, Gulf states, China, and Russia – who all seem more concerned with their interests and less with democracy for all. This external fight is preventing Syrians from making vital decisions about their own internal challenges.
Backchannels Israel blames Hezbollah and Iran for attacks on diplomats. Is it right? (+video)

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that has carried out attacks as far afield as Argentina before, is certainly a prime suspect in today's attacks in India and Georgia.
Al Qaeda's Zawahiri calls for war to oust Syria's Assad

In a video message, Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called for Muslims to rally for a war to oust Syria's Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian general gunned down in Damascus

The state news agency reports the high-ranking officer was killed by gunmen as he left his home, a sign that violence is reaching the Syrian capital.
The Monitor's View: Reasons for Obama to aid Syria – other than moral ones

Obama intervened in Libya for humanitarian reasons – to prevent a slaughter. Why not in Syria – to end actual killing? Perhaps he needs the reasons of a realist.
Twin explosions rock security HQs in Syrian city Aleppo

The blasts come as escalating violence between regime forces and an increasingly militarized opposition has raised fears the conflict is spiraling toward civil war.
As Syria's Assad pummels Homs, West reluctantly weighs military option

After diplomatic efforts at the UN failed Saturday, there is a growing consensus that supporting the rebel Free Syrian Army may be the only way to break the stalemate between Assad and his opponents.
Why UN gridlock on Syria could encourage Israel to attack Iran

If the UN Security Council can't take action against Syria, then Israel might well conclude that the council will be impotent to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
Who is Hamas? 5 questions about the Palestinian militant group.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to form a unity government led by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority and head of rival Palestinian faction Fatah. But who is Hamas? What is their relationship with Fatah, and what might Hamas gain from reconciling with them? Here are five key questions about Hamas.
Opinion: Trapped in Douma, Syria: I saw the faith that keeps Syrian protesters going

During the 14 days I spent in Syria last month, I saw the most horrendous acts of the Assad regime on its people. When I asked people what spurred them on amid such indiscriminate brutality, they all gave the same response: Their only hope is their faith in right and wrong.
Russia: Why the fury over UN veto on Syria?

Responding to global criticism of Russia's UN veto, Russia's foreign minister said the vote was 'hasty.' He will travel to Damascus Tuesday to meet President Assad.
Syria next steps: With diplomacy stalled, escalation expected

Vetoes by Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council leaves few diplomatic options available to stem the violence in Syria.
Seven Syrian embassies attacked by anti-Assad protesters

From London to Australia, mobs attacked Syrian embassies to protest the reported killing of civilians in Homs by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria

Russia and China on Saturday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar Assad. The other 13 members of the council, including the US, Britain, and France, voted in favor of the resolution aimed at stopping the ongoing violence in Syria.
UN council to vote on Syria amid new assault

In an unusual weekend session, European envoys to the UN Security Council said they would vote on a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down. The move came as more than 200 people reportedly were killed in one of the worst episodes of the uprising.
Backchannels Graphic images flood out of Syria. Why no world uproar?

Grainy videos depict the violence that has killed at least 6,000 Syrians, but the prospects for international intervention appear dim. Is the world inured to the ubiquitous images?
Free Syrian Army: Better tool for toppling Syria's Assad than UN?

As Arab and European nations push for a new resolution at the UN Security Council tomorrow, the Free Syrian Army is emerging as an increasingly influential player. But it needs weapons, money.
Terrorism & Security End of Arab League observer mission to Syria opens door to renewed clashes

The Arab League's observer mission in Syria was suspended yesterday, and violence seems to be climbing once again as the United Nations attempts to take further action.
Syria uprising: Religion overshadowing the democratic push

The fighting in Syria risks being defined less as a popular uprising against a secular democracy and more as an armed sectarian conflict.
Terrorism & Security In Syria, heavy fighting reaches outskirts of capital

The fighting outside Damascus comes a day after the Arab League announced it was suspending its observer mission to Syria.
Syria's opposition concerned about independent armed rebel groups

A member of the opposition's Syrian National Council told reporters in Paris that the council is concerned about the increasingly militarized rebel groups taking matters into their own hands.
Terrorism & Security With little to show in Syria, Arab League turns to UN

The Arab League wants to raise Syria's violent crisis at the United Nations – but it faces Russian reluctance.