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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
All Content
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The Iraq war ends with a sovereign Iraq kicking US out
That the Iraqis were in a position to kick the US out is probably the main accomplishment of the Iraq war.
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Inside Syrian regime, hard-liners gain upper hand
As both the Syrian regime and the opposition harden their positions, a nationwide strike aimed at bringing down President Assad through peaceful means looks unlikely to succeed.
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Syria protesters stage nationwide strike
Syria protesters have organized a 'desperate' last act of civil disobedience to try to stop the Assad regime's nine-month crackdown.
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Opinion: Syria isn't Libya: Obama must consider bolder intervention
Before the calls come to commit US forces to an intervention in Syria, the Obama administration must take a hard look at what happened in Libya. The politically safe, low-risk, low-reward intervention in Libya shouldn’t be repeated in Syria.
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Why Iran might be worried by Hillary Clinton's meeting with Syria exiles
The subject of the Geneva meeting between Hillary Clinton and Syria exiles was the transition to democracy. But the group's leader has been warning Iran a post-Assad Syria could be far less friendly.
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As US Ambassador Ford returns, Syria deteriorates
US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford is returning to Damascus, as the death toll surges and Syria lurches ever closer to civil war.
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Syria nears deal on Arab monitors, but Homs violence spikes
Syria 'responded positively' to an Arab plan to allow outside monitors, but the killing of more than 60 people in Homs over the past 24 hours raises doubts about the regime's sincerity.
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Why Royal Dutch Shell oil is pulling out of Syria
Royal Dutch Shell said Friday that it will shut down all oil operations in Syria. On Friday, Syrian troops fired at anti-Assad demonstrators near Homs, Syria.
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Syria now in a civil war with 4,000 dead: United Nations
Civil war has been the worst-case scenario in Syria since the revolt against Assad began eight months ago. Damascus has a web of allegiances that extends to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and Iran's Shiite theocracy, raising fears of a regional conflagration.
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Syria hit with new sanctions: Will this weaken Assad?
The Arab League hit Syria with sanctions Sunday. The new sanctions include a travel ban on Syrian officials and a freeze on Syria government assets.
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Syria's deadline to end violence slips by during a bloody weekend
The Arab League's Saturday night deadline to end the violence in Syria was bookended by government crackdowns and an attack on the Baath party headquarters Sunday.
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Warriors of God: Inside Hezbollah’s Thirty-Year Struggle Against Israel
Journalist Nicholas Blanford's comprehensive account of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is well-paced and gripping.
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Syria's Assad vows to continue iron-fisted crackdown
The Arab League’s deadline for an end to government violence passed last night, but Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he won't stop using force to put down a growing insurrection.
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Who are the biggest losers and winners coming out of the Arab Spring?
The biggest loser, hands down, is Israel, followed closely by the United States. Iran is third. But there are also clear winners – and winning opportunities still for the US and Israel, if they adjust.
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A turning point for Syria protests?
Syrian Army defectors launched a fresh assault on a pro-government group yesterday. Some say their concentrated military action could be the turning point for the Syrian protest movement.
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Arab League threatens sanctions on Syria (video)
The Arab League has given Syria an ultimatum: end the violence, or face sanctions. But can sanctions sway a government already under heavy pressure?
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Syrian army defectors attack security outpost near Damascus
Defectors from Syria's armed forces raided an intelligence compound near the capital Damascus Wednesday.
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Critical mass: Assad losing his iron grip after eight months of Syria protests
Today's Arab League vote to suspend Syria's membership – coupled with military assaults by defected soldiers – signal that President Assad may now be facing a critical mass of opposition.
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Arab League set to announce plan to end Syrian uprising
President Bashar al-Assad's government has reportedly agreed to a plan to end the Syrian uprising. Leaked details include the release of all political prisoners, a new constitution, and free elections.
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Does the Arab spring need a bill of rights?
The hefty victory of an Islamist party in Tunisia's election kicks off a year of constitution writing. Urgently needed now is a bill of rights to guarantee freedom for all, regardless of creed or politics.
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Amid Syria protests, businessmen remain loyal to President Assad
The economic reforms of President Assad helped earn the loyalty of businessmen. Without their support, his government would be in far greater danger of collapse due to Syria protests.
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Diplomacy in Damascus continues without US Ambassador Ford
While US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford has been brought back to Washington, Arab leaders and China are still trying to bring the government and the opposition to an agreement.
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Syria's uprising creeps across Lebanese border
A recent slew of Syrian incursions into eastern Lebanon have stirred up rivalries between Lebanese who support the Assad regime and those who resent its interference in Lebanese affairs.
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Gilad Shalit deal: An inside look at Israel-Hamas backchannel talks
Gershon Baskin - Israel's key link to Hamas during negotiations for the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap - speaks on how and why both sides decided to make concessions to reach an agreement.
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What does the Gilad Shalit deal really mean?
The Gilad Shalit exchange means a great deal for the released prisoners and their families. But in the larger picture, it won't bring much change.
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