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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What is at stake if Syria's regime falls
Syria is a gateway for Iran's influence in the Middle East, but it has also been a relatively predictable neighbor for Israel. If Assad's regime comes unhinged, that could all change.
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Repression or reform? Deadly protests may force Syria's Assad to choose.
Syria protests are gathering steam, fueled by a cycle of violence, misinformation, and small concessions on the part of the government.
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Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 0327
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Violent protests in Syria, Bahrain, Yemen – and now Jordan
Roughly 100 people were injured in Amman protests as Jordan – perhaps emboldened by the lack of retribution suffered by other US allies – became the latest Arab country to crack down hard.
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Syria's security forces fire on protesters: March 25 Mideast update
Syria makes rare concessions, but fires on protesters in Deraa. NATO takes control of implementing the no-fly zone over Libya as rebels struggle to retake Ajdabiya. Saleh looks to be stepping down (really). Bahrain's Shiites vow to defy protest ban.
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Syrian protests turn more violent
Activists say Syrian forces opened fire on mourners today in Deraa, but the government blamed 'armed gangs.' At least 13 people have been killed since protests started last Friday.
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Syria protests escalate, but could revolt really take root?
Syria protests continued for a third day in Deraa with security forces reportedly using tear gas and firing live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. Eyes are now turning to the restive Kurdish population.
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Are Hamas hardliners trying to derail Hamas-Fatah unity talks?
Hamas's military wing claimed direct responsibility for a Saturday mortar attack on Israel, which prompted a swift response from Israeli forces.
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Lebanon's cautionary tale for Arab uprisings
Toppling a regime – something Lebanese achieved with a spontaneous rally of more than 1 million people six years ago today – is just the first step. Today, the March 14 coalition is struggling.
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At the salon, Egyptians plan their future
Egyptian novelist Alaa Al Aswany's weekly salon provides a crucial space for discussion during this time of flux. Ousted President Hosni Mubarak had suppressed such events.
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Crusades redux: Will Jerusalem soon be surrounded by hostile Islamists?
In 1187, Jerusalem was engulfed by an angry, surging Muslim sea. Today, revolution in the Arab world – particularly in Egypt – is making Israel anxious.
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Renowned Iraqi sculptor has vision for Baghdad to 'flower again'
Iraqi sculptor Mohammad Ghani is working on four new pieces of public art for Baghdad, one of which will include bronze calligraphy from a poem by Mustafa Jamal al-Din.
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Opinion: Revolution in Egypt should prompt peace talks between Syria and Israel
Political transition in Egypt is generating substantial risks – but also golden opportunities. The Obama administration should take advantage of Israel's and Syria's newfound strategic vulnerability to push for a peace deal.
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Egypt's revolution redefines what's possible in the Arab world
The Middle East has been riveted by the success of the grass-roots revolution that ended Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year reign.
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Syria slaps fines on satellite dishes
Faced with a sea of satellite dishes on rooftops, Syria is making Damascenes remove personal dishes in hopes of boosting rooftop restaurants and cafes.
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How Syria dodged an Egypt-style 'day of rage'
Outside opposition groups had called for protests in Syria over the weekend. Why did only security forces and hopeful journalists show up?
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Syria's Day of Anger? Most Syrians suspect few will take to the streets.
Using Facebook a group has tried to organize a street protest for Friday. The Syrian government appears confident, however, that it can survive the current tumult in the Middle East by clamping down on dissent.
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Could Syria see an uprising like Egypt's? Not likely.
In Syria, opposition activists are organizing their own 'day of rage' – but longstanding intimidation tactics and repression make it unlikely significant numbers will be out on the streets.
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Opinion: US message to Arab world matters -- and Obama is sending the wrong one
The message the US projects abroad will resonate long after the final pass of the Super Bowl. The US must lend its full-throated support to the protesters of the Arab world. It matters – both for the future of the region, and the future of America. Sitting on the sidelines may cost us more than our regional standing; it may cost us our own ideals.
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Egyptians flood the streets, defying police and calling for regime change
Many Egyptian protesters came out for the first time, despite fears of violent confrontation as police cracked down hard, to call for the fall of Hosni Mubarak's regime.
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What Arbain in Iraq is like
A story on the 'Iraqi block party on steroids' from our archives.
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The change in regional mood after Tunisia
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Heading off a wave of Middle East protest with flame-retardant underwear
A humor post.
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Hariri tribunal launches legal case, prompting protests in Lebanon
The Hariri tribunal indictments submitted yesterday mark the first time that a legal case has been launched against suspects on a political assassination in Lebanon.
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US sends ambassador to Syria for the first time in six years
US ambassador Robert Ford faces a daunting list of diplomatic concerns in Syria. If he fails to make headway, the Senate could bring him home by year's end.
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