Topic: Free Syrian Army

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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.
Why no safe zone in Syria, yet? 5 complications

The flood of Syrian refugees entering Turkey – as many as 5,000 a day for the last 10 days – has ratcheted up the pressure for a safe zone’s creation. But a safe zone is complicated and carries many risks.
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.
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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Where's Assad? As grip on Syria weakens, his whereabouts come into question

In the days since key military advisers of Syria's President Assad were assassinated in Damascus, reports have him in the Alawite-dominated coastal region, where he is more secure.
Syria: The next few days will be critical (+video)

Russia and China voted down a U.N. Security Council resolution that might have imposed sanctions on Syria. Diplomacy has been mostly ineffective throughout much of the crisis. Violence persists in the country's capital, Damascus.
On Syrian border, artillery thumps in shadows of medieval castle

Syrian rebel fighters have taken refuge in an old crusader castle and villages on the Lebanese side of the border, drawing Syrian Army fire.
Massive bombing rocks Damascus: why it didn't break UN logjam on Syria

The crisis in Syria, capped by the massive bombing in Damascus, has yet to bridge the gap between world powers. While the US called for 'transition,' Russia said the UN has no place in supporting a 'revolution.'
Syrian rebels' confidence grows after bombing hits Assad's inner circle (+video)

Syrian rebels were able to reach top officials of the Assad regime in today's deadly bomb attack. One was a relative of the president.
Syria: Will the UN Security Council reach consensus?

The U.S. and its allies insist that Syria must face consequences for failing to comply with Kofi Annan's six-point peace plan. But Russia opposes the use of sanctions or force.
Terrorism & Security Syria war deepens: Damascus sees worst fighting yet (+video)

Fighting has intensified in the capital, a day after the Red Cross declared the conflict a 'civil war' and reminded combatants of the rules of war.
Massacre in Tremseh? Syrians deny it but evidence mounts

Death toll estimates of 200 in the village of Tremseh are not confirmed. But eyewitnesses say, and amateur videos show, an attack. Syrian officials blame 'terrorists.'
In Syria: Why is Turkey reluctant to take the lead?

Turks hope that peace between the two countries can be restored. But Syrian refugees hope Turkey will take a more aggressive stance.
Another day, another defector from Assad's Syria

The Syrian ambassador to Iraq defected today, the second prominent Sunni to do so in two weeks. With their departures, Syria's Sunni vs. Alawite conflict hardens.
Syrian refugees flood Jordan, straining resources

The rate of Syrian refugee arrivals to Jordan has tripled this week as the civil war there deepens. That's a reminder that Syria's problems are spreading beyond its borders.
Opinion: Why there will be no foreign military intervention in Syria

Despite the apparent failure of the meeting in Geneva over the weekend and a new Human Rights Watch report of widespread torture by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a foreign military intervention in Syria is unlikely. In fact, there is reason to doubt that Washington really wants Assad to fall.
Opinion: Direct foreign intervention is the only feasible option for Syria crisis

The recent Geneva agreement is ill fitted to reality in Syria, and a new Human Rights Watch report details torture by the Bashar al-Assad regime. Intervention appears to be the only means for halting human rights violations, stabilizing the conflict, and ensuring a sustainable transition.
Russia's outreach to Syria's opposition hints at policy pivot

Russian officials will meet with two Syrian opposition members later this month, as well as UN envoy Kofi Annan, raising hopes that Moscow's support for the Syrian regime is weakening.
Not much progress at Geneva meeting on Syria violence

World powers agreed Saturday on a plan for ending Syria’s violence – but only by sweeping under the rug unresolved differences over the role Bashar al-Assad should play in a political transition.
Turkey reinforces border: Assad's helicopters hammer northern Syria (+video)

Turkey reinforced its border with missile batteries Thursday. Syrian tanks massed 20 miles from the border with Turkey. Helicopters attacked Saraqeb, Syria.
Terrorism & Security As Assad talks war, US and UN talk peace

Rapid deterioration of the situation in Syria has given world leaders a sense of urgency, but they seem no closer to finding common ground.
UN to hold emergency meeting on Syria as violence continues to rage

The United Nations will once again meet to try to broker a peace deal as the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate.
Why Turkey is holding back, for now, after Syria downed its jet

NATO and Turkey talked tough about Syria's shooting down of a Turkish military jet at an emergency summit in Brussels today. But they sought to calm fears of a broader escalation.
Syrian Army defections probably not decisive

By and large Bashar al-Assad's military is holding firm, in part because Alawites – who dominate the officer corps – believe they have little choice but to stick together or face annihilation.
Backchannels Syria shoots down a Turkish fighter jet

It's evidence of how tense the situation has grown along the Turkish border of war ravaged Syria. But early indications are a major escalation won't result.
Backchannels CIA aiding Syria rebels: Usually, that's just the beginning

The US is wading into ever murkier waters in Syria with unpredictable consequences.
Syrian fighter pilot defects to Jordan with his MiG-21 warplane (+video)

The air force is considered fiercely loyal to Assad's regime, but the defection suggests some of Syria's most ironclad allegiances are fraying.
Backchannels Why the UN suspended ineffective observer mission in Syria

Citing the safety of unarmed observers, the UN has suspended its Syria monitoring effort. It's the first step toward crafting a new international approach.
Backchannels Syria war drumbeat builds, but where is it leading?

Pundits from John Bolton to Nick Kristof are issuing calls to arms. But there's little regard for national interest, or the law of unintended consequences, in the urgings to act now.