Topic: League of Arab States

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What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.

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With Hezbollah's help, Syrian troops push to regain Lebanese border areas

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 30 people, including 16 rebel fighters and one woman, were killed in Qusair in morning fighting, but that the death toll was expected to rise.
Kerry makes headway with Middle East peace, but violence flares

Secretary of State John Kerry got an important boost yesterday when the Arab League agreed to soften the terms of their Middle East peace proposal.
Terrorism & Security Foreign ministers struggle to find common ground on Syrian conflict (+video)

Russia has been unmoving in its opposition to stronger action against the Assad regime, putting it at odds with the rest of the G8, meeting today in London, on how to resolve the Syrian conflict.
Kerry makes no further U.S. commitments in Syria

The situation in Syria and the North Korean threats were high on the agenda when G8 leaders gathered in London on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made no further U.S. commitments in Syria, but spoke of the need for the opposition to become better organized.
Why Kerry could succeed at securing Israeli-Palestinian peace

Despite deep-seated cynicism about prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace, Secretary of State John Kerry has kicked off his term with the biggest American push for an agreement since 2000.
Terrorism & Security UN peacekeepers pull out of Syrian-Israeli DMZ as civil war edges closer

The eight peacekeepers, who were escorted into Israel by the IDF, are part of the same battalion as 21 UN troops who were captured by Syrian rebels on Wednesday.
Syrian government offers to meet with opposition

Against a backdrop of steady military gains for the opposition forces, Bashar Assad's government proposed a meeting. Critics call it a tactic to keep western arms out of opposition hands.
A first step toward calming Egypt? Political leaders renounce violence

Many leaders at the meeting of Egypt's feuding factions in Cairo today expressed optimism that it would be a turning point in the country's political crisis.
Czech Republic's new president is former prime minister

For the first time, the Czech Republic directly elected a president, choosing former Prime Minister Milos Zeman. Zeman took office as prime minster in 1998, and has taken favorable positions toward the European Union.
Backchannels Tahrir, the saddest square in the world?

Some days it feels like it. The reporter takes a walk through Tahrir Square, the heart of the 2011 uprising against Egypt's Hosni Mubarak.
Memories of its own civil war dampen Lebanon's desire to help Syrian refugees

Lebanese fears about another civil war are stymieing assistance for the 200,000 mostly Sunni Syrians who have fled to Lebanon. Their arrival could destabilize the country's fragile balance.
UN Envoy warns of mass death next year in Syria

The international envoy to Syria emphasized the deteriorating situation in the country, and called for a quick end to the conflict, warning hundreds of thousands could die next year.
Russia urges Damascus to talk with Syrian opposition

Russia, Syria's biggest international supporter, is leaning on President Bashar al-Assad to begin a dialogue with the Syrian opposition and take steps toward ending the conflict.
Assad sends envoy to Moscow for talks on ending Syria's conflict

The Syrian senior diplomat is expected to discuss the UN mediator's proposals for ending the conflict. Russia, meanwhile, has signaled growing acceptance of President Assad exiting power.
Opposition pushes 'no' vote on Egyptian referendum as 'unity' talks postponed (+video)

Egypt's Army postponed 'unity' talks moments after the opposition coalition agreed to meet. The talks had raised hopes of an end to street protests and deadly violence.
Latin America Monitor Chemical weapons in Syria: What can Latin America do about it?

Some Latin American nations voted against a UN resolution condemning violence in Syria this year. But the region can still send a message that the use of chemical weapons will end their support.
Backchannels Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood sets constitution showdown for tomorrow

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohamed Morsi have shrugged off protests and decided to bring Egypt's constitution standoff to a head, tomorrow morning.
Why Egyptian protesters rally against Morsi (+video)

Protesters took to the streets in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday, voicing their concerns about President Mohamed Morsi's expanding powers. Hundreds have been injured in what is the biggest protest the country has seen since Morsi took office five months ago.
Conflict in Gaza: Why is US taking a back seat?

In the effort to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the US has not taken a front-line role. Partly, that's President Obama's style, partly it's because of new realities.
As Hamas confronts Israel, its Arab support swells

The last time Israel went to war with Gaza, it didn't have to worry about regional diplomatic fallout. The Arab uprisings have changed that calculus.
Syria: Will new opposition leader bring unity?

Mouaz al-Khatib, a religious leader and a voice of moderation, has been chosen to lead the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces. Supporters hope the new coalition can provide a conduit for foreign aid.
Opinion Balkan conflicts hold clear lessons on intervention in Syria

As policymakers in Europe, the United States, the Gulf states, Turkey, and the Arab League search for ways to resolve the conflict in Syria, they should consider what the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo have to teach about outside intervention. The main lesson? Do it – to stop the killing.
Terrorism & Security Fighting grows along Syria's borders, threatening to spread war

Syria's borders are getting more violent, leading some to question whether President Bashar al-Assad is purposely trying to broaden the conflict.
Terrorism & Security What is The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces? (+video)

The fractious Syrian opposition has come together to create a new unified front in their battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
Terrorism & Security Refugee flow soars as Syrians flee intense fighting between rebels, Assad forces

The UN says that more than 11,000 people fled Syria overnight, and is warning that by early 2013, some 4 million inside Syria could need humanitarian aid.