Topic: Jeffrey White

Syrian rebels riding momentum to Damascus

The fighting follows a number of gains for opposition forces in the north of Syria, which has sparked optimism among Syrians hoping for the downfall of the Assad regime. 

Syrian rebels cut off Damascus airport in critical step (+video)

The Syrian rebels cut off the main road to the Damascus airport today. The fighting forced the closure of the airport and makes a rebel assault on the capital more likely.

Terrorism & Security Syrian rebels receive UK funding, but no weapons

Despite the West's reluctance to arm the opposition, rebels have made strategic gains in recent weeks. But are their advances part of the Army's strategy to wear the rebels down?

Syria: Has Obama done enough to bring the violence to an end? (+video)

The failure of diplomacy to address the grinding violence in Syria – hopes are dim for Kofi Annan's latest effort – is feeding renewed criticism of the Obama administration's Syria policy.

Terrorism & Security Damascus bombings prompt warnings of Iraq-style insurgency

Yesterday's bombings in Damascus were the largest since the uprising began. The US and others are sounding an alarm about a particularly worrisome turn in the conflict.

Could Al Qaeda get Syria's chemical weapons?

Syria is thought to have large caches of nerve and mustard gases, plus thousands of shoulder-fired missiles – weapons that some worry could fall into the hands of Al Qaeda.

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.

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. 

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.

New Libya challenge: Qaddafi forces march on despite no-fly zone

The challenge for coalition forces in Libya is how to stop Qaddafi loyalists from attacking cities without harming civilians, a top US officer says. It is the classic dilemma of urban warfare.

US Air Force chief: Libya no-fly zone would be too little, too late

Many experts agree with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, who told Congress Thursday that a no-fly zone in Libya 'would not be sufficient.' But there are other options short of putting troops on the ground, which President Obama has ruled out.

Bush-era lawyer could stand trial for penning 'torture memos'

John Yoo can be held responsible for the alleged torture of detainee Jose Padilla, a judge ruled Friday.

Today's news briefing: A bid for Opel, a blockade in Somalia, and the president of Macedonia sits down with the Monitor

Today's briefing: Jobs in the US, rights in Russia, the pope in the Mideast

Today's briefing: Pakistan's struggle, China after the quake, and the health of the US economy

Morning briefing: Who will take the detainees?

Europe begins to feel gas pipeline pinch

The Russia-Ukraine gas war has left some downstream nations with only a mild shortfall, but has incited debate on how to secure energy reserves amid regional instability.

Markets foresee global contraction

France, Ireland, and Denmark are in recession. Others teeter on the edge.

Close of Wikileaks website raises free speech concerns

A US judge's move to close the dissident site Wikileaks only showed the limits of enforcing national laws in cyberspace.