Topic: Robert Ford

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Iran attack on UK embassy: 5 high profile embassy breaches

The best-known example of what happens when hostility reaches a breaking point is the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, but numerous embassies have been stormed since then.

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Assad's actions in Syria spur US to consider intervening

The ongoing violence in Syria, despite the regime's lip service to the Annan peace plan, has pushed the Obama administration to weigh stronger steps.
US diplomats exit Syria: Can West prevent descent into more violence? (+video)

Western leaders call for a coalition to side with 'Syrian people' against Assad, and UN leader Ban says failed Security Council resolution gives Syria 'no license' to step up attacks on civilians.
Has Obama’s ‘let’s talk’ approach worked with US adversaries? A report card.

One of Obama's objectives entering the White House was to show that dialogue could be more effective than confrontation with US adversaries. From Iran to Burma, here's how it's going.
Syria isn't Libya: Obama must consider bolder intervention

Before the calls come to commit US forces to an intervention in Syria, the Obama administration must take a hard look at what happened in Libya. The politically safe, low-risk, low-reward intervention in Libya shouldn’t be repeated in Syria.
Why Iran might be worried by Hillary Clinton's meeting with Syria exiles

The subject of the Geneva meeting between Hillary Clinton and Syria exiles was the transition to democracy. But the group's leader has been warning Iran a post-Assad Syria could be far less friendly.
Backchannels
As US Ambassador Ford returns, Syria deteriorates

US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford is returning to Damascus, as the death toll surges and Syria lurches ever closer to civil war.
Iran attack on UK embassy: 5 high profile embassy breaches

The best-known example of what happens when hostility reaches a breaking point is the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, but numerous embassies have been stormed since then.
The steady momentum to free Syria

Even other Arab dictators and Turkey are now fed up with Assad's brutality against protesters. The case for regime change builds as more Syrians stand bravely for freedom.
Ouster of Syria's Assad would be 'opportunity' for Israel (video)

Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to the US, said Tuesday it will take more time to know how the democratic uprisings in Arab nations will affect relations with Israel. But 'possible ouster' of President Assad in Syria would afford 'an opportunity to us,' he said.
Terrorism & Security
Diplomacy in Damascus continues without US Ambassador Ford

While US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford has been brought back to Washington, Arab leaders and China are still trying to bring the government and the opposition to an agreement.
Syrian opposition forms unity council, hoping to continue Arab Spring

Creation of the Syrian opposition's unity council comes as the US is set to call for a UN resolution to consider further sanctions against Syria if it does not halt the crackdown that has left some 2,700 dead.
Terrorism & Security
Syrian troops force insurgents to retreat from key town of Rastan

In a blow to dissidents, Syrian forces loyal to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad regained control of the central town of Rastan after military defectors and insurgents took over the city weeks ago.
Terrorism & Security
Defecting Syria soldiers join ranks with protesters

Syria's uprising has taken a violent turn as soldiers have abandoned Bashar al-Assad's regime and joined antigovernment protesters.
Backchannels
The real question on Syria: Why no war crimes indictments yet?

Crackdowns on the scale of Syria's have prompted action by the International Criminal Court elsewhere. The ICC opened an investigation against Qaddafi just three weeks into Libya's uprising.
Why hasn't President Obama called for Syria's Assad to go?

As the death count rises in Syria, calls are mounting for President Obama to denounce Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. But Syria's pivotal role in the region and fragile ethnic and religious balance are complicating the situation.
Terrorism & Security
Turkey risks Syria's friendship in last-ditch effort to end violence [VIDEO]

Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoğlu is in Damascus today to warn Syria's President Assad against continuing his crackdown on the country's uprising.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Backchannels
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.
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?
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Terrorism & Security
Clinton warns Syria's Assad that time is running out

Speaking at a democracy conference in Lithuania, Clinton said that the US – which has long sought to engage Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – is looking for 'actions, not words.'