David Cameron has said he wants to see peaceful transition of power in Syria, rather than revolution, ahead of talks with US President Barack Obama. ( See Related News)
INEWS - Obama Cameron present united front on Syria
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NOOSHEH JAN
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David Cameron and Barack Obama enjoy 'fast and furious' basketball game in Ohio:
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IN THE MEANTIME IN SYRIA
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Recommended Watching:
CNN's Arwa Damon reports on torture captured on video carried out allegedly by Syrian soldiers : Here
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EASIER SAID THAN DONE:
RISKS AND OPTIONS FOR A MILITARY INTERVENTION
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New tactics in Syria uprising suggest Al Queda Inflitration :
CNN's Nic Robertson reports on a suicide bombing in Syria that indicates a disturbing new trend in the unrest.
Analysis: Options for military intervention in Syria By Jonathan Marcus
Since the outset of the Syria crisis in March 2011 there has been little appetite for outside military intervention. This has been based on two assessments.
Firstly, that the situation on the ground in Syria is in many ways very different from that in Libya - the opposition is much more divided, the government's security forces are much stronger, and Syria's air defences are more effective.
Secondly, there has been a view that the implications of toppling President Bashar al-Assad could prompt a much wider wave of instability in the region.
Unlike Libya, Syria - both politically and geographically - is a central player in the Arab world, and sectarianism and instability there could threaten both Lebanon and Iraq.
Then, of course, there is the fundamental legal problem. Constrained by Russian and Chinese vetoes at the UN Security Council, there is no possibility of getting a resolution to authorise force.
That has not always mattered in the past. Nato troops went into Kosovo, after all, to halt systematic abuses by Serbian forces.
But the absence of legal authorisation certainly precludes action when there is little enthusiasm for it in the first place.
So what are we to make of calls from senior Republican politicians in the US, like Senator John McCain, urging air strikes against Syrian security forces?
Joshua Landis, director of the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, says: "Despite the growing chorus of politicians calling for US leadership in Syria, the Obama administration is adamant that Washington should not take the lead, but follow regional partners, Saudi Arabia and Turkey."
Mr Landis argues that the simple fact is that the Obama administration sees no strong reason to intervene.
"US officials are unanimous in arguing that the Assad regime is doomed and can only hang on for a limited time, with or without increased US support for the Syrian opposition. I think they are right in this analysis."
"This means that the US has no compelling national security interest in jumping into the Syrian civil war that is emerging. The regime's days are numbered."
Much of the debate on outside intervention is vague. It confuses and makes false distinctions between the different options and to a large extent glosses over many of the fundamental problems facing them all.
Assistance and relief
The main thrust of any external action would be essentially humanitarian in nature, a response to the growing plight of civilians in Syrian towns and cities who are under bombardment by government forces.
Efforts could also be made to bring assistance to displaced refugees who have moved towards Syria's frontiers with Turkey and Lebanon. Three related measures are being discussed.
Humanitarian corridors
Suggested first by the French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe last year, the idea would be to establish short corridors into Syrian territory through which humanitarian supplies could be delivered.
Safe zones
The establishment of safe areas within Syrian territory is an idea that has been broached by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu. Such safe havens would be in border areas, acting as a place of safety where refugees could gather, be fed and sheltered, and so on.
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Where are the Joo-hating, Martyrs for Palestine Brigade?
by AMIR1973 on Fri May 25, 2012 03:38 PM PDTWhere are their condemnations while IRI ally Assad is slaughtering his own people by the many thousands? Are the usual Joo-hating suspects Missing in Action?
'At least 50 die' in Homs assault including 13 children
by Darius Kadivar on Fri May 25, 2012 03:34 PM PDT'At least 50 die' in Homs assault (bbc)
At least 50 people, including 13 children, are killed in a town in Syria's restive province of Homs, opposition activists say, calling it a "massacre"
Former Syrian general Hashem urges action to stop 'genocide'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri May 25, 2012 06:45 AM PDTA former Syrian army general calls for foreign intervention in his country to end the "barbaric genocide" being committed by the regime.
One of the most prominent critics of the Syrian regime, a former high-ranking officer in the Syrian army, has called for urgent international military intervention to stop what he called the "barbaric genocide" being committed by government forces in his country.
Gang-raped
The former army officer recounted to a shocked audience a recent case in the city of Hama in which, he said, 46 people from an extended family were rounded up by plainclothes thugs known as shabiha.
Widespread torture, he said, is being practised by the regime, not for information gathering, but for reasons of "hatred and enjoyment".
But Gen Hashem, when questioned by his audience, gave a hint of the disunity and fractiousness that plagues the Syrian opposition.
It was clear he had fallen out with some key figures and he accused the opposition Muslim Brotherhood of fomenting problems inside both the political and military rebel groups, saying "they are only following their own agenda, rather than working for the common cause of bringing down this regime".No plans for Syria intervention - U.S.
by Darius Kadivar on Mon May 21, 2012 03:52 PM PDTNo plans for Syria intervention - U.S. (cnn)
The U.S. ambassador to NATO says the alliance has no plans for military intervention in the Syrian crisis, as reports of deaths mount by the dozens and diplomatic efforts have yet to stymie the bloodshed.
Ivo Daalder told reporters late Sunday there is "no planning going on that's related to a NATO role in Syria."
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
US helping funnel arms into Syria, report says but Gov. denies
by Darius Kadivar on Sat May 19, 2012 12:25 AM PDTUS helping funnel arms into Syria, report says (France 24)
EU slaps new sanctions on Syria as violence rages on
by Darius Kadivar on Mon May 14, 2012 06:07 AM PDTEU slaps new sanctions on Syria as violence rages on (cnn)
European Union foreign ministers on Monday imposed new sanctions on the Syrian regime, urging it to adopt a U.N.-backed peace plan that so far has failed to stop the mounting carnage.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Spilling Out of Syria: Deadly clashes hit Lebanese port
by Darius Kadivar on Sun May 13, 2012 05:00 AM PDTDeadly clashes hit Lebanese port (bbc)
Two people are killed in sectarian clashes in the Lebanese port city of Tripoli, as tensions in neighbouring Syria spill over the border.
Syrian divisions reflected closely in Lebanon
by Darius Kadivar on Sun May 13, 2012 04:57 AM PDTSyrian divisions reflected closely in Lebanon (bbc)
"There is no god but God!" protesters chant as they march through Tripoli's old town.
The Islamist party Hizb ul-Tahrir assembles its supporters every Friday after prayers, and on Syria's "Day of Dignity" - the day following the Syrian uprising's one-year anniversary - black flags bearing the party's standard are being handed out to an eager crowd.
"No-one is doing anything to help our brothers in Syria. Europe, America - they have no answers," a young man shouts over the loudspeaker rallying the faithful.
"Syria will be free - and we will be there when that happens."
Sectarian divides in Lebanon's second largest city mirror those in neighbouring Syria, and loyalties are being severely tested.
Turkish journalists released from Syria with Iran's help
by Darius Kadivar on Sat May 12, 2012 04:00 AM PDTSyria frees Turkish journalists (bbc)
Two Turkish journalists who were held in Syria for two months are on their way home after being released following Iranian mediation.
Russia blames deadly Syria bombings on 'outside forces'
by Darius Kadivar on Sat May 12, 2012 12:01 AM PDTRussia blames deadly Syria bombings on 'outside forces' (cnn)
CNN) -- A powerful explosion rocked Aleppo, Syria's most populous city, late Friday, killing a guard at an office of President Bashar al-Assad's ruling Baath Party, opposition groups reported.
The cause of the blast was not immediately known. Heavy gunfire was heard in its aftermath, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
Earlier, Syrian authorities foiled a suicide bombing in the city, state media said.
The action comes a day after suicide attackers killed dozens in the capital of Damascus, a strike that heightened tensions in a country caught in the grip of a popular uprising.
TORY HIGHLIGHTS
Syria blast near UN convoy going to Deraa
by Darius Kadivar on Wed May 09, 2012 04:38 AM PDTExplosion near UN convoy in Syria (bbc)
An explosion hits a Syrian military truck which was escorting UN observers to the city of Deraa, injuring a number of soldiers.
Syrians vote amid boycott calls
by Darius Kadivar on Mon May 07, 2012 01:34 PM PDTSyrians vote amid boycott calls (bbc)
Syrians have voted in what the government says are the first multi-party elections in decades, but the opposition dismisses them as a sham.
Syria UN observers 'not enough'
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Apr 29, 2012 10:40 PM PDTSyria UN observers 'not enough' (bbc)
Syria's UN observer mission head warns that even 1,000 observers could not stop the violence in the country, so peace must be a joint effort.
Author: U.S. averting gaze from Syria slaughter
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Apr 29, 2012 12:50 AM PDTAuthor: U.S. averting gaze from Syria slaughter (cnn, VIDEO)
CNN) -- For 13 months, violence has raged in Syria between President Bashar al-Assad's forces and the opposition in a lopsided battle that has seen thousands killed amid a number of international attempts to broker a peace deal.
The latest reports of violence follow news that more U.N. observers are arriving in Syria. But why is the violence continuing, and what chance does a peace plan have in Syria?
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
John Kerry to Amanpour: "Russians must act in Syria"
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Apr 27, 2012 08:02 AM PDTKerry: Russians must act in Syria (cnn)
U.S. Senator John Kerry says Russia must become more active in order to stop the Assad regime.
Syria 'not complying' with truce
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:24 PM PDTThe Syrian government is "in contravention" of an internationally agreed peace plan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned.
Mr Ban "remains deeply troubled" by the continued presence of heavy weapons and troops in Syria's cities as reported by UN monitors, his spokesman said.
Mr Ban demanded that Damascus comply with the peace plan without delay.
The comments come as up to 70 people were killed in an attack on a house in Hama, according to Syrian activists.Annan's six-point peace plan
1. Syrian-led political process to address the aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people
2. UN-supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians
3. All parties to ensure provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting, and implement a daily two-hour humanitarian pause
4. Authorities to intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons
5. Authorities to ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists
6. Authorities to respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefullyJim Muir
BBC News, Beirut
Both the government and rebel sides reported the Hama explosion as a "massacre", but each blamed the other for it and used it to buttress their own narrative of the wider situation.
State TV, showing pictures of wounded children survivors in hospital, said the blast was caused by an accident at a building used as a bomb factory by "terrorist armed groups" who were staging a "programmed escalation backed by regional and international quarters, aimed at derailing the Kofi Annan peace process".
But activist groups said a government missile attack had caused the devastation, as part of a pattern of truce violations that has seen continuing violence in many parts of the country.
Perhaps the two UN monitors stationed in Hama will eventually be able to clarify which version is true.
Until then, Syrians will follow their own inclinations in believing who was responsible.Syria: opposition ask U.N. take action on issue of casualties
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Apr 26, 2012 02:31 PM PDTSyrian opposition demands U.N. take action on issue of civilian casualties (CNN, VIDEO)
CNN) -- A Syrian opposition group says it has documented hundreds of deaths since the U.N. peace plan monitors began their work last week.
It has verified the identities of 462 people slain since April 16, when the mission started, the opposition Local Coordination Committees of Syria said Thursday. The number includes 34 children.
"Violent gunfire and bombing on Syrian cities haven't stopped," the LCC said.
The monitors report Syria is in "contravention" of its government's commitment to withdraw its troops and heavy weapons from population centers, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement released by his office.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Emergency talks in Cairo over Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Apr 26, 2012 02:27 PM PDTEmergency talks in Cairo over Syria (cnn, VIDEO)
Foreign ministers gather in Cairo to discuss the Syrian crisis and the U.N. observers. Journalist Ian Lee reports.
France warns of UN resolution on use of force in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Apr 26, 2012 03:28 AM PDTFrance warns of UN resolution on use of force in Syria (France 24)
Syria crisis: France raises use of force
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:32 AM PDTFrance moots Syria use of force (bbc)
France says the UN Security Council should consider the use of force in Syria if a UN-backed peace plan fails to stop violence in the country.
Amanpour: Russia defends Syria stance
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Apr 24, 2012 03:24 PM PDTAmanpour: Russia defends Syria stance (cnn)
AMANPOUR. Full-length edition: Part 1: Bernard Henri-Levy – The French philosopher on France's elections and what the international community should do in Syria. Part 2: Russia defends stance on Syria - Russia's Ambassador to the U.N.,Vitaly Churkin, says the threshold has already been crossed in Syria.Part 3: Elie Wiesel's call to action – The Holocaust survivor and author asks how Assad remains in power.
Annan denounces violence in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Apr 24, 2012 01:54 PM PDTAnnan denounces violence in Syria (bbc)
UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan says Syria is still seeing unacceptable levels of violence, as dozens of people die despite the supposed ceasefire which he brokered.
Obama: Assad a 'losing bet'
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Apr 23, 2012 01:43 PM PDTObama: Assad a 'losing bet' (bbc, VIDEO)
US President Barack Obama has imposed new sanctions on the governments of Iran and Syria as well as those who help them crack down on dissent and target citizens for violence through technology.
Mr Obama announced the sanctions at a speech at the US Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, after he toured the museum with writer and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
"We see the Syrian people subjected to unspeakable violence, simply for demanding their universal rights," Mr Obama said. "We have to do everything we can."
Kofi Annan: Envoy says UN Syria vote is 'pivotal moment'
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Apr 22, 2012 09:40 AM PDTUN Syria vote is 'pivotal moment' (bbc)
Peace envoy Kofi Annan says the UN vote to deploy up to 300 observers in Syria is a "pivotal moment for the stabilisation of the country".
In a statement issued in Geneva, the UN and Arab League envoy also called on Syrian government forces to withdraw their tanks and weapons from cities.
A small UN team is currently in Syria to monitor a fragile ceasefire.
Annan's six-point peace plan
1. Syrian-led political process to address the aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people
2. UN-supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians
3. All parties to ensure provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting, and implement a daily two-hour humanitarian pause
4. Authorities to intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons
5. Authorities to ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists
6. Authorities to respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully
UN council approves up to 300 Syria observers
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Apr 22, 2012 07:52 AM PDTUN council approves up to 300 Syria observers (France 24)
UN votes to 'boost' Syria mission
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Apr 21, 2012 09:13 AM PDTUN votes to boost Syria mission (bbc)
The Security Council votes to increase the number of UN observers in Syria to 300 for three months, as monitors on the ground visit restive Homs.
UN weighs up Syria monitor plan (bbc)
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:02 AM PDTUN weighs up Syria monitor plan (bbc)
The UN Security Council draws up a draft resolution to send 300 monitors to Syria, after divisions remain among member states over the details
'Sniper fire' as crowds greet UN
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Apr 19, 2012 10:42 AM PDT'Sniper fire' as crowds greet UN (bbc, VIDEO)
Syria and the United Nations have agreed terms for the deployment of UN monitors travelling to the country to observe the supposed ceasefire.
Earlier Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a three-month peace mission in Syria using 300 observers to monitor the situation.
His words came after activists reported snipers attacking during an advance observer team's visit to a Damascus suburb.
Videos posted online appear to show anti-government protesters surrounding UN cars in Arbeen ducking as shots were fired.
Caroline Hawley reports.
Syria 'failing to keep to truce' say's UN's Ban Ki-moon
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Apr 18, 2012 09:47 PM PDTSyria 'failing to keep to truce' (bbc)
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says Syria has failed to comply with its peace plan obligation to pull troops and heavy weapons out of urban areas.
Syria 'gunfire' as UN team visits (bbc)
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Apr 18, 2012 01:09 PM PDTSyria 'gunfire' as UN team visits (bbc)
Shooting breaks out during a visit to a Damascus suburb by UN observers, activists say, as the UN prepares plans to expand the mission.