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.
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Clinton calls for more international action against Syria's Assad
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sought to bolster America's largely symbolic sanctions. But while Syrian allies such as Russia have lobbied hard for reforms, few appear eager to apply sanctions.
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'Fracking': Did Energy Department report clear up controversy?
According to the US panel, 'fracking' to release gas deposits in shale can be done in an environmentally responsible way. The industry hailed the report as refuting shrill critics, but environmentalists decried 'advocacy-based science' by a panel tilted toward the industry.
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US: Syria's leadership showing fissures
The US has announced new sanctions on Syria in hopes of dividing the business elite from the government. But Turkey has surprised its American allies by patiently pursuing diplomacy instead.
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Should Obama call for Syria's Assad to go? And would it matter?
As the White House presses Syria to halt it's brutal repression of dissent, it is considering calling for Assad to step down. While it is not clear how effective that would be, Obama may have little choice.
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Syria defiant despite increased regional pressure
Turkey's foreign minister pushed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today to end the violence. But Syria, which launched more assaults today, has rarely yielded to such pressure in the past.
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Turkey risks Syria's friendship in last-ditch effort to end violence
Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoğlu is in Damascus today to warn Syria's President Assad against continuing his crackdown on the country's uprising.
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Saudis condemn Syrian violence after bloody first week of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia and several Arab blocs broke their long silence on the uprisings sweeping the Middle East, condemning Syria's brutal crackdown that has killed more than 300 in the past week alone.
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UN Security Council rebuke of Syria hailed as potential 'turning point'
The UN Security Council approved a statement Wednesday condemning human-rights violations in Syria. It contains no penalties, but it is significant as 'a clear and unequivocal condemnation,' the US ambassador to the UN said.
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Why Arab leaders are largely silent on Syria's brutal crackdown
Arab leaders put aside the creed of Arab unity to speak out against Libya's Qaddafi. But they are far more wary of Syria, whose Assad regime is a much more influential player.
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Syria assault on Hama signals hardened resolve on both sides
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed victory over "warmongers" after his forces killed 100 in Hama. But the violence could incite daily protests during Ramadan, which begins today.
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Syria introduces law allowing independent political parties
The bill, approved by the cabinet yet awaiting agreement from Syria's parliament, is the regime's latest concession to protesters. But it includes some restrictions that could limit its impact.
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Syria threatens to expel US ambassador
Syria has warned Ambassador Robert Ford not to leave Damascus. That complicates the new US strategy of strengthening the opposition so it can bring about democratic change.
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Syria opposition unity bid thwarted by Assad regime's brutal crackdown
But Syria's opposition in exile met in Istanbul anyway, electing what it called a National Salvation Council this weekend.
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US, international opinion turns sharply against Syria's Assad
Washington says its strong stand against Assad has been 'weeks in the making' and is not simply a response to attack the US embassy in Damascus.
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In Syria, attacks on embassies don't happen without permission: former US official
Former State Department intelligence official Wayne White says that in police states like Syria, attacks such as those on the US and French embassies this week only happen when the government lets them happen.
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US blames Syrian government for embassy attack in Damascus
In a sharp rebuke of the Assad regime, Secretary of State Clinton called the embassy attack a failed attempt to deflect attention from the brutal crackdown on protesters.
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Can the US keep Ambassador Ford in Syria after attacks?
Probably for now. But The US has complained that the Syrian government was slow to protect the embassy from the stone-throwing supporters of Bashar al-Assad who invaded.
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Did Syria order mob attacks on embassies? And how should US respond?
Protesters attacked the US and French embassies in Damascus after the countries' ambassadors visited the symbolically key city of Hama. Did Syria allow the attacks or order them?
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Syria: Pro-Assad protesters attack US embassy in Damascus
Syrian government loyalists stormed the US embassy after the ambassador visited Hama, a city that has become a focal point of the protest movement.
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Syrian opposition boycotts 'national dialogue' over ongoing violence
The government crackdowns on Homs and Hama continued today, reinforcing the opposition's doubts that the Assad regime will pursue reforms.
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Syrian activists reject Assad's call for talks Sunday
Syrian activists staged protests today against the talks, arguing that it's impossible to negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad's regime while it is killing and detaining people.
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Syrian crackdown in Hama is a 'litmus test'
With Syrian tanks at the edges of the city of Hama, an icon of rebellion, how the regime chooses to proceed could signal its plans for the country as a whole.
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Syria sends security back to restive city of Hama
Syria's Bashar al-Assad sent security forces back to Hama, which saw the largest protests yet against his regime last Friday.
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![Syrians stage mass protest in Hama today [VIDEO]](/var/archive/storage/images/media/images/0701-syria-protest/10401511-1-eng-US/0701-Syria-protest_thumbnail_90.jpg)
Syrians stage mass protest in Hama today [VIDEO]
The site of a notorious 1982 massacre that quelled an uprising saw protesters come out in force, demanding the regime of Bashar al-Assad be brought down.
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Mr. Kucinich goes to Damascus
Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich goes where seasoned diplomats and Middle East experts fear to tread. Is that a wise move?
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