Topic: Syria
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
-
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.
The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
-
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.
-
5 national security issues next president must tackle
President Obama and Mitt Romney battle over foreign policy issues in the third and final presidential debate. No matter who wins the presidential election November 6, Mr. Romney or Mr. Obama will have to confront five urgent national security issues in the first weeks of his term.
-
Foreign affairs: 23 new books I wish Obama and Romney would read
In preparation for the upcoming presidential debate on foreign policy, check out these 23 books that offer the kind of nuance and context mostly overlooked during a campaign.
-
3 views on what the US should do about Iran's nuclear program
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, saying Iran is under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists." As the fourth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on what the United States should do about Iran's nuclear program.
All Content
-
Syrian rebels put choke hold on government supply lines
The Free Syrian Army has captured several critical areas from the government this week, curtailing delivery of supplies to those they are battling for control of Aleppo.
-
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.
-
For Syrian rebels, a relentless game of cat-and-mouse
The Free Syrian Army attacks regime positions on Syria's southern border, but only holds them long enough to rush supplies and fighters in from Lebanon. Such tactics won't break a grim stalemate.
-
Opinion: Israel should rethink its strategy against Hamas in Gaza
Israel has dealt with Hamas through a policy of isolation and military containment. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza calls for a reconsideration of this strategy. Israel’s military response only offers a temporary palliative against a broader, inherently political problem.
-
Global News Blog
Syrians want to know: 'Are you okay after Superstorm Sandy?'With the sound of mortars in the background, Syrians in Aleppo express concern for our American correspondent and his storm-battered homeland.
-
How will the FARC-Colombia peace talks impact Latin America?
Ridding Latin America of the FARC could mean a better business climate, reduced tensions between Colombia and its neighbors, and space for the rise of a new left in Colombia.
-
Where Syria's opposition groups get their rockets (+video)
With few weapons flowing to the rebels fighting the Syrian regime, homemade rockets, mortars, and hand grenades have become increasingly used in the fight.
-
Gaza: Egypt shows support of Hamas (+video)
Israel and Hamas are trading fire. Egypt's president, Mohamed Mursi, denounced Israel's role in the fighting. In support of Hamas, Egyptian officials plan to visit Gaza on Friday.
-
The Monitor's View: China's new leaders can't rule by pedigree
Xi Jinping, the new leader of the Communist Party, takes power along with others as descendants of Mao's revolutionary elite. But China needs rulers open to change, not those who cling to hereditary privilege.
-
Opinion: Obama, Congress should push NATO missile defense program off 'fiscal cliff'
As the automatic defense spending cuts loom, President Obama and Congress should cancel the flawed, expensive NATO missile-defense program. Ending the program would encourage greater international cooperation on security issues and free up Navy ships to address actual threats.
-
Terrorism & Security
France: Is it time to arm Syria's rebels?Two days after recognizing new Syrian opposition group, France said it would float giving rebels defensive weapons. But even with the French push, such arms shipments look far from imminent.
-
The Monitor's View: A model leader for Syria?
A moderate Muslim preacher who suffered as a freedom fighter in Syria has been chosen as opposition leader to Assad. Now, Moaz al-Khatib must unite a people torn by civil war and religion.
-
Opinion: Obama's post-election Syria policy is unlikely to change, but it should
Obama’s policy of 'staying the course' in Syria should be weighed against worsening strategic realities in the country and region. Only a careful military program to help the rebels, including arming and training them, can stem the growing costs of US inaction.
-
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 warSyria's borders are getting more violent, leading some to question whether President Bashar al-Assad is purposely trying to broaden the conflict.
-
Inside Syria, rebels offer cautious support for unified council
Fighters on the front lines of the Syrian war expressed optimism about the new council formed out of Syrian opposition groups.
-
Israeli tanks hit inside Syria, but Israel not eager to enter conflict
Israel is likely to stick with its policy of just rooting for the downfall of President Bashar Assad while refraining from throwing its lot in with any of the opposition groups.
-
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.
-
Syrian opposition groups unify, boosting prospects for outside support
The agreement reached Sunday could boost efforts to secure international support and potentially weapons for Syria's rebels.
-
Israel fires warning shots into Syria for first time
Errant fire from Syria into the Israeli-held Golan Heights prompted the retaliatory move and warnings from Israel.
-
Terrorism & Security
Refugee flow soars as Syrians flee intense fighting between rebels, Assad forcesThe 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.
-
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.
The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
-
Barack O-bonbon: French sweet on president's reelection
It's hardly been a secret that the French government hoped President Obama would win a second term.
-
The Monitor's View: Look outward, Obama
The president’s domestic agenda may consist of making compromises with Republicans. But overseas he is freer to act. And there’s much that needs his attention.
Previous
Become part of the Monitor community