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Saudis forces mass on Jordanian, Iraqi borders. Turkey, Syria reinforce strength
The Syrian crisis was Friday, June 29, on a knife edge between a Western-Arab-Turkish military offensive in the next 48 hours and a big power accord to ward it off.
Syria’s Assad says duty to “annihilate terrorists”
(Reuters) – Syrian President Bashar al Assad said in a rare interview broadcast on Thursday that his government had a duty to “annihilate terrorists” to protect its people and ruled out any solution to the crisis imposed from outside the country.
Syria Expels Jesuit Priest Who Spoke for Change
The Rev. Paolo Dall’Oglio traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, last week after Syria expelled him over his increasingly active role in criticizing the violence. BEIRUT, Lebanon — Thick wooden beams barred the doors of St. Cyril’s Church in Damascus when friends of Bassel Shahade, a young opposition filmmaker killed in Homs in late May, arrived for […]
Eyewitnesses Contradict Houla Massacre Claims
A mass burial for the victims of the Houla massacre (May 26 photo). Recent German media reports have suggested that Syrian rebels carried out the Houla massacre and then blamed President Assad’s forces. But eyewitnesses to the killings contradict those claims.
Syria Crisis: In Homs, ‘Sunni Markets’ Sell Looted Goods
BEIRUT, June 19 (Reuters) – They call it the “Sunni market” – a comic term with a dark undertone. As rockets and gunfire crackle in the central city of Homs, hardline loyalists from President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect steal
Bashar al-Assad: behind the mask
He was an unpromising youth who gained power by accident. Today he’s the Arab world’s most notorious dictator. But who really is this man? ©Rex ‘The domino that refuses to fall’: Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, May 2012 They burn his effigy in towns drenched in blood by his security forces. They dance to the tune […]
Report: Russia to send marines to Syria
BEIRUT (AP) – Syrian forces shelled the central city of Homs on Monday during a fierce offensive to root out rebels as the country’s most important ally, Russia, appeared to show growing concern over President Bashar Assad’s future.
After 30 Years In Syria, Outspoken Priest Is Expelled
The Italian Jesuit priest Paolo Dall’Oglio, shown here at the Syrian Maronite monastery of Deir Mar Musa in 2007, lived in Syria for 30 years before he was expelled Saturday. Dall’Oglio has spoken out in support of protesters who oppose President Bashar Assad. Syria has expelled an Italian Jesuit priest for his outspoken criticism of […]
UN Official Says Syria May Be Guilty Of War Crimes
Women take part in a demonstration against Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, May 31, 2012. ________________________ GENEVA – The United Nation’s top Human Rights Official, Navi Pillay, says the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad may be guilty of war crimes for the killing of innocent civilians.
Syrian Affairs 