Topic: Walid Moallem

Syrian uprising shifts toward suicide bombings. Al Qaeda's handiwork? (+video)

Today's suicide bombings in Syria's Idlib province come just three days after a suicide bombing in Damascus claimed by a salafi jihadist organization.

Syrian army shells Homs as government pushes back on UN monitors

Reports out of the Syrian city of Homs have government forces firing mortars into an opposition neighborhood. Meanwhile, Syria has challenged the UN over its truce monitoring mission.

Russian comments on Syria hint at mounting disapproval of Assad

Russia appears to be running out of patience with Assad's heavy hand, and is preparing to push the Syrian leader for political and humanitarian concessions.

Syria crisis enters 'new phase' after Assad ignores UN deadline

Turkey is likely to stir international leaders to stronger action after two Turkish officials were injured by cross-border gunfire. Envoy Kofi Annan said it was too early to say the UN cease-fire had failed.

Syrian gunfire wounds five in Turkish refugee camp

Gunfire in Syria hits a refugee camp over the Turkish border on Monday, wounding five people with unconfirmed reports of possibly two deaths.

With little to show in Syria, Arab League turns to UN

The Arab League wants to raise Syria's violent crisis at the United Nations – but it faces Russian reluctance.

Syrian state media: Terrorists bomb government buildings in Damascus

According to state-run media in Syria, two car bombs went off in Damascus today. The government is blaming 'armed terrorists.'

Syria signs deal to allow Arab League monitors

Syria agreed to the monitors today in Cairo, just two days before the Arab League was set to push for action against Syria at the United Nations.

Syria hit with new sanctions: Will this weaken Assad?

The Arab League hit Syria with sanctions Sunday. The new sanctions include a travel ban on Syrian officials and a freeze on Syria government assets.

Syria's deadline to end violence slips by during a bloody weekend

The Arab League's Saturday night deadline to end the violence in Syria was bookended by government crackdowns and an attack on the Baath party headquarters Sunday.

Syrian activists galvanized by killing of Kurdish leader

The killing of Mashaal Tammo, a Kurdish member of the new Syrian National Council who called for unity across ethnic and religious groups, may help galvanize Syrian activists seeking to topple President Assad.

Syria warns world against recognition of opposition, even as it alienates Kurds (VIDEO)

Damascus faces a double threat: growing international support for the Syrian National Council and the prospect that Syria's Kurd population could join the opposition's ranks.

Syrian forces attack two more flashpoint cities

Attacks on the central city of Houleh and the eastern city of Deir El Zour come on the heels of the Syrian regime's new promise to hold free and fair elections.

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.

Syria protests escalate, but could revolt really take root?

Syria protests continued for a third day in Deraa with security forces reportedly using tear gas and firing live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. Eyes are now turning to the restive Kurdish population.

Israel seizes weapons it said were being sent by Iran to Syria

Israel's Navy seized a ship off the coast of Cyprus with 500 tons of weapons that it alleges were sent by Iran to Syria, and ultimately destined for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Yearning for the Golan Heights: why Syria wants it back

The disputed territory is key to the broader US goal of Arab-Israeli peace. On Monday, Washington hosted the first high-ranking Syrian official in five years.

Will Syria play key role in Obama's Mideast peace efforts?

US envoy Mitchell was in Egypt Thursday, and arrives in Damascus Friday. Syrians hope for a new rapprochement under an Obama administration.

As Netanyahu takes Israel's helm, Syria skeptical of peace prospects

Syrian diplomats say Damascus is serious about making peace, and hope Washington will lean on Israel's new government.

Why Arab leaders embrace Sudan's indicted president

At the Arab League summit Monday, the UN secretary general condemned Sudan's expulsion of humanitarian aid groups in response to the ICC arrest warrant for Bashir.

Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again

It's about Iran, Iraq, and Israel. The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility.

Syria eyes an edge amid Russia-U.S. rift

Damascus is seeking an arms deal with Moscow, a move that would bolster its position in the Middle East.

World

Warmer Lebanon-Syria ties puts focus on prisoners' fate

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman's visited Damascus Wednesday, raising the prospect that perhaps hundreds of detainees in Syria will be released.

Israel confirms Golan Heights talks with Syria

The two countries, after an eight-year hiatus, are talking about an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for peace.