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Syrian Politics

CNN's Max Foster talks to Barbara Starr and Fawaz Gerges about the ramifications for this latest defect from Syria.

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Syrian opposition reports 'massacre' in Hama provinceupdated: Thu Jul 12 2012 21:54:00

An opposition group reported Thursday that government forces have carried out a "massacre" in Hama province, killing 220 people there. Most of the killings occurred in the village of Tremseh, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria said.

Barbara Walters says she regrets trying to help Syrian aideupdated: Wed Jun 06 2012 19:16:00

ABC News' Barbara Walters is expressing regret for attempting to help the daughter of Syria's U.N. ambassador by seeking an internship or college admission for her.

U.N. condemns Syrian killings; toll in massacre rises as violence goes onupdated: Sun May 27 2012 22:58:00

The U.N. Security Council on Sunday condemned the weekend massacre of more than 100 civilians in Syria, with members casting blame on government forces for the deaths, while violence continued to rage on the ground.

Houla death toll tops 100, U.N. saysupdated: Sun May 27 2012 17:16:00

The killings of more than 100 Syrian civilians, including nearly 50 children, provoked outrage around Syria and worldwide Sunday as horrific images of the bodies in Houla spread across the internet.

Outrage over Syrian massacreupdated: Sun May 27 2012 17:16:00

Major General Robert Mood, UN Supervision Mission responds to Outrage growing over The Syrian massacre.

Twin explosions rock Syrian capitalupdated: Thu May 10 2012 22:58:00

Two powerful explosions kill dozens of people in the Syrian capital of Damascus. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.

Explosions hit Syrian capitalupdated: Fri Apr 27 2012 23:08:00

A suicide bombing in a Damascus neighborhood killed nine people Friday -- most of them government forces -- and further unraveled an already tenuous ceasefire, Syrian state media reported.

Annan 'gravely concerned' about Syria as deadline for pullout passesupdated: Tue Apr 10 2012 19:31:00

Kofi Annan, the United Nations-Arab League envoy to Syria, told the U.N. Security Council that he was "gravely concerned at the course of events" after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad failed to withdraw troops from cities and towns by Tuesday's self-imposed deadline.

Syria promises to pull forces from population centersupdated: Mon Apr 02 2012 18:29:00

The Syrian government has agreed to begin immediately to pull its forces out of population centers and will complete its withdrawal by April 10, diplomatic officials told reporters Monday.

Syria's 'Princess Diana' sanctionedupdated: Sun Mar 25 2012 10:35:00

Europeans try a new way to pressure Syria's president by putting sanctions on his wife. CNN's Brian Todd explains.

E-mails show Syrian regime's efforts to handle the mediaupdated: Sun Mar 25 2012 10:35:00

The Assad family's relationship with the media reads like a romance gone sour.

Annan to meet with Syrian president Saturdayupdated: Fri Mar 09 2012 20:25:00

Kofi Annan, the joint special envoy to Syria for the United Nations and the Arab League, will meet Saturday in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "to seek an urgent end to all violence and human rights violations and to initiate efforts to promote a peaceful solution" to the violence that has wracked the country for nearly a year, his spokesman said Friday.

Apparent high-level defection in Syria; U.N. relief head sees 'devastated' areasupdated: Wed Mar 07 2012 22:26:00

The growing ranks of Syria's disaffected appeared to get a high-profile addition Wednesday, when a man identifying himself as Abdo Hussam el Din, the country's deputy oil minister, announced in a video posted on YouTube that he was defecting from the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

U.N.: Syria death toll 'well over' 7,500updated: Tue Feb 28 2012 18:25:00

As the total death toll in Syria climbed past 7,500, according to U.N. estimates, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could be tried for war crimes.

Syria activists plead for helpupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:02:00

Activists in Syria plead with the world to help them, their voices filled with agony. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.

Hacked e-mails reveal Syrian spin used to defend crackdownupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:02:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was apparently coached on how to describe his government's brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrators just days before his appearance on an American network, according to purported e-mails of Syrian officials released by the hacking group known as Anonymous.

Syria apparently losing control of suburbsupdated: Fri Jan 27 2012 21:09:00

CNN's Arwa Damon travels to the outskirts of Syria's capital and finds the government is in less and less control.

Syria's FM speaks out on the Arab Leagueupdated: Tue Jan 24 2012 20:11:00

In a televised address, Syria's foreign minister accused the Arab League of working against the desires of the people.

Arab League demands al-Assad resignupdated: Mon Jan 23 2012 20:49:00

Arab League demands Syrian President Bashar al-Assad step down to help form a unity government. CNN's Ian Lee reports.

U.S. considers closing its embassy in Syria as protests persistupdated: Sat Jan 21 2012 07:14:00

The United States is considering closing its embassy in Damascus, Syria, because of security concerns, the State Department said Friday.

Arab League complaints over Syria attacksupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 17:14:00

Arab League monitors have complained about attacks on their Syria mission. CNN's Nic Robertson reports.

Opposition calls al-Assad speech defending government 'worthless'updated: Tue Jan 10 2012 17:14:00

Syrian opposition activists called President Bashar al-Assad's defiant and rare address Tuesday a "worthless" and "meaningless" speech.

Rights group accuses Syria of hiding detainees from monitorsupdated: Tue Dec 27 2011 20:38:00

Syrian authorities have moved perhaps hundreds of detainees to military sites to hide them from Arab League monitors assessing whether the government is upholding a commitment to end its crackdown on protesters, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.

More die in Syria after deadliest known dayupdated: Tue Dec 20 2011 15:55:00

Dozens more people were reported killed by government troops and police in Syria on Tuesday, a day after what opposition activists said was the single deadliest known day of anti-government protests.

Arab League may refer its Syria plan to U.N.updated: Sat Dec 17 2011 15:54:00

The Arab League is a step closer to asking the U.N. Security Council to consider a plan designed to forge peace in restive Syria, a senior Arab League official told CNN Saturday.

Syrian, Russian officials to hold talksupdated: Fri Dec 16 2011 20:47:00

The Syrian vice president arrived Friday in Moscow to talk with Russia's foreign minister about the unrest that has roiled Syria for months, a Russian state news agency reported.

U.N. estimates 5,000 killed in Syrian uprisingupdated: Tue Dec 13 2011 01:12:00

As explosions and gunfire continued to ripple in Syria, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights on Monday raised the death toll from the Damascus government's crackdown on anti-regime activists to close to 5,000 people.

Syrian troops threaten Homsupdated: Tue Dec 13 2011 01:12:00

CNN's Jim Clancy reports on the opposition handling a Syrian government demand to stop demonstrations and surrender.

A message to Syria's embattled leaderupdated: Wed Dec 07 2011 20:11:00

Syrian opposition leader Burhan Ghalioun tells CNN's Rima Maktabi his message for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria's 'graphic' video misleadingupdated: Mon Dec 05 2011 11:27:00

CNN's Rima Maktabi show why Syrian government claims of having video of "terrorist gangs" isn't necessarily correct.

World powers lean on Syria amid unrestupdated: Wed Nov 30 2011 13:32:00

World pressure on the Syrian regime escalated Wednesday as Turkey announced tough economic sanctions and a leading U.N. body announced a Friday meeting on the human rights situation.

UN report: Syrian forces commit 'gross violations' of human rightsupdated: Tue Nov 29 2011 07:12:00

Syrian security forces have committed "gross violations of human rights" since anti-government protests began in March, a United Nations report released Monday said.

Syrian foreign minister decries sanctionsupdated: Mon Nov 28 2011 16:40:00

Syria's foreign minister decried Arab League sanctions against his nation Monday, accusing the organization of targeting Syrian citizens.

Bloody clashes escalate in Syriaupdated: Mon Nov 28 2011 12:47:00

Anna Coren reports on the clashes in Syria, where activists say 100 people have been killed over the past two days.

Will isolation of Syria help to end crisis?updated: Mon Nov 28 2011 12:47:00

Members of Syria's government are facing sanctions and travel restrictions over its eight-month crackdown on opposition protesters that has left, according to sources reporting to the U.N., at least 3,500 people dead. The regime is showing no indication it will soften its position, so will the isolation of President Bashar al-Assad have any effect?

Cyberwar explodes in Syriaupdated: Tue Nov 22 2011 17:11:00

A familiar digital chime rang on the computer. Someone was calling via Skype from Syria.

Al-Assad: 'Syria will not bow down'updated: Sun Nov 20 2011 19:40:00

Officials sparred Sunday over a proposed plan to send observers into Syria as the nation's president warned against military intervention.

Clinton: 'Disturbing' situation in Syriaupdated: Sun Nov 20 2011 19:40:00

Secretary Clinton discusses Syria, China and her upcoming trip to Burma in CNN interview.CNN's Brianna Keilar interviews Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about her upcoming trip to Myanmar.

Refer Syria's leaders to International Criminal Courtupdated: Thu Nov 17 2011 14:28:00

The crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Syria has resulted in at least 3,500 deaths. The United Nations Security Council should immediately request that all charges of crimes against humanity in Syria be referred to the International Criminal Court.

Turkey threatens to cut electricity as Syria is more isolatedupdated: Tue Nov 15 2011 11:51:00

Turkey threatened to cut off supplies of electricity to its neighbor Syria Tuesday, as the Damascus regime found itself under growing pressure from Arab, Turkish, European and North American governments for its ongoing lethal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

New fighting reported in Syria; Jordan's king on Syria's president: 'I would step down'updated: Mon Nov 14 2011 20:40:00

A day after a neighboring Arab ruler indirectly called for Syria's dictator to step down, his opponents inside the country did battle early Tuesday against government troops, an opposition group said.

Syria angry over Arab League suspensionupdated: Mon Nov 14 2011 20:40:00

The Syrian foreign minister has reacted angrily to suspension from the Arab League. CNN's Rima Maktabi reports.

Regime backers rally after Arab League suspends Syriaupdated: Sun Nov 13 2011 15:27:00

State media showed throngs of demonstrators rallying in support of Syria's president Sunday, a day after the Arab League's decision to suspend the country's membership.

Opposition calls for international intervention in Homsupdated: Mon Nov 07 2011 17:27:00

Opposition groups called Monday for the international community to protect civilians in the besieged western city of Homs, which the Local Coordinating Committees of Syria said was the site of eight of the 12 killings it tallied on Monday.

Report: Syrian protesters targetedupdated: Mon Nov 07 2011 17:27:00

Information leaking out of Syria suggests protesters are still being targeted despite a deal with the Arab League.

Gunfire, protests mar Eid celebrations in Syria; 23 killed, activists sayupdated: Sun Nov 06 2011 22:34:00

What is usually a time of celebration was marked by gunfire and protests in Syria on Sunday as residents ushered in the first day of the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha.

Tensions run high in Tripoli on Eidupdated: Sun Nov 06 2011 22:34:00

Families of freedom fighters who lost sons and fathers knew this would be a somber Eid, exacerbated by a lack of funds.

Report: Syria, Arab League reach agreement on unrestupdated: Wed Nov 02 2011 13:05:00

Syria and the Arab League have reached an agreement on a plan aimed at finding a solution to the months-long unrest in the country, state media reported Tuesday.

Arab League to Syria: End violenceupdated: Wed Nov 02 2011 13:05:00

The Arab League is calling on Bashar al-Assad's government to remove its tanks and military from the streets of Syria.

The truth about torture in Syriaupdated: Tue Nov 01 2011 09:40:00

Syria's president says his government isn't targeting its people. CNN's Anderson Cooper is Keeping Them Honest.

Arab League demands Syria end violence against citizensupdated: Tue Nov 01 2011 09:40:00

The Arab League has called on Syria's government to end all violence against its people, remove tanks and military vehicles from the streets of the country and release political prisoners, an official with the Arab organization told CNN Monday.

Opposition group reports 25 killed in Syria, including 3 childrenupdated: Fri Oct 28 2011 05:26:00

Three children were among 25 people reported killed Thursday in Syria, an opposition group reported, in the apparent latest round of violence to rattle the turbulent Middle Eastern nation.

17 reported dead in Syria clashesupdated: Wed Oct 26 2011 19:11:00

Seventeen people were reported dead in Syria Wednesday as a result of continued clashes between government and opposition forces, a leading opposition group said.

Sources: Syrians accused of spying in USupdated: Mon Oct 24 2011 13:52:00

CNN's Brian Todd reports on allegations a Syrian-American spied on fellow Syrians protesting in the U.S.

U.S. pulls envoy from Syria over safety concernsupdated: Mon Oct 24 2011 13:52:00

The United States has temporarily pulled its ambassador out of Syria as a "result of credible threats against his personal safety," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Monday, accusing Syria of "incitement" against Ambassador Robert Ford.

Detention hearing set for Syrian-born American in spying caseupdated: Fri Oct 14 2011 05:58:00

A detention hearing has been set for Friday for a Syrian-born naturalized American accused of spying on Syrian protesters in the United States.

Syrian-born American held for spyingupdated: Wed Oct 12 2011 18:44:00

A Syrian-born naturalized American was ordered held in custody Wednesday after he was charged for allegedly spying on Syrian protesters in the United States.

Syria opposition gains regional backersupdated: Tue Oct 11 2011 07:11:00

International powers put more heat on Syria's government Tuesday, as a new umbrella opposition group gained key backers in the Arab world and China exhorted the government to respond to people's "reasonable" demands.

Syrian opposition gains Arab supportupdated: Tue Oct 11 2011 07:11:00

The Syrian opposition council gains key support from within the Arab world. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.

Syrian official addresses demonstrationsupdated: Fri Sep 16 2011 22:34:00

CNN's Hala Gorani talks to the Syrian Ambassador to the U.S., Imad Moustapha, about the ongoing demonstrations in Syria

CNN Exclusive: Defiant ambassador says change is under way in Syriaupdated: Fri Sep 16 2011 22:34:00

While the United Nations says more than 2,500 people have died in Syria at the hands of the regime, President Bashar al-Assad's point man in the United States says the figure is false and the result of a conspiracy aimed at Damascus.

U.S. ambassador questions Syrian government's ability to reformupdated: Tue Sep 06 2011 23:41:00

The U.S. ambassador to Syria called into question Tuesday the Syrian government's capability to enact "the deep, genuine and credible reforms" demanded by opposition protesters.

Red Cross leader to press Syria for access to prisonersupdated: Sun Sep 04 2011 10:02:00

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross is pressing Syria's leaders for access to detainees held by the government, the agency said, as both the government and opposition said there had been deadly violence in the conflict-wracked nation Sunday.

ICRC president, Syrian leaders to meetupdated: Sat Sep 03 2011 08:10:00

A top international Red Cross official will be meeting with Syrian leaders over the next two days to discuss "urgent humanitarian challenges" in the conflict-wracked nation and permission to visit detainees amid stark reports of prisoner abuse.

Middle East allies call for Syrian government to reformupdated: Tue Aug 30 2011 08:46:00

A growing number of Syria's Middle Eastern neighbors, including its closest allies Iran and Hezbollah, are calling on the embattled and defiant Damascus regime to implement reforms.

Syrian president: Solution is politicalupdated: Tue Aug 23 2011 07:22:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Sunday the situation in Syria "has turned into more of an armed situation."

U.S. calls for Assad to step asideupdated: Fri Aug 19 2011 09:21:00

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says it's time for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

Tanks leave Hama's center, but violence erupts in other Syrian citiesupdated: Wed Aug 10 2011 20:24:00

Syria's tanks withdrew Wednesday from the center of the western city of Hama and were positioned on the city's periphery, more than a week after security forces besieged the center of anti-government sentiment, an activist said.

Turkish envoy, Syrian leader meet amid uproar over violenceupdated: Tue Aug 09 2011 15:15:00

Turkey's top diplomat and Syria's president held a "friendly and frank" sit-down Tuesday to help end the violence embroiling Syria and jump-start reforms.

Syria continues multi-front offensiveupdated: Tue Aug 09 2011 15:15:00

CNN's Arwa Damon reports it appears the Syrian government offensive is both spreading and intensifying.

Apparently hacked, Syrian government website condemns presidentupdated: Mon Aug 08 2011 06:10:00

The Syrian Ministry of Defense's website was inaccessible early Monday morning after it was hacked and its content replaced by an anti-government message.

Violence, protests continue in Syriaupdated: Sun Aug 07 2011 12:05:00

Violence continues in Hama as anti-government protests unfold around Syria. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.

Rights group: 8 babies die after power cut to Syrian hospitalupdated: Sun Aug 07 2011 12:05:00

A Syrian human rights group says eight premature infants dependent on incubators died after authorities cut power to a hospital in the embattled city of Hama as part of a renewed crackdown on anti-government demonstrators calling for an end to President Bashar al-Assad's reign.

U.S. imposes sanctions against member of Syrian parliamentupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 18:23:00

The United States imposed sanctions Thursday against a Syrian businessman and member of parliament with close ties to President Bashar al-Assad and members of his family.

Assad decrees Syria reform, state media reportsupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 07:04:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree authorising a multi-party political system, state media reported Thursday, a day after the U.N. Security Council condemned the Syrian government's crackdown on protesters.

Clinton: 'Assad has lost legitimacy'updated: Tue Jul 12 2011 21:32:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a harsh statement towards Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria slams Clinton comments; 'national dialogue' endsupdated: Tue Jul 12 2011 21:32:00

The embattled Syrian government lashed out Tuesday at U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her criticism of Bashar al-Assad's regime and hailed the political leadership's initiative to pursue reforms, one of which is the just-completed "national dialogue" meeting.

Clinton blasts Syria, its president after attack on embassyupdated: Tue Jul 12 2011 07:08:00

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lashed out Monday at Syrian authorities for not protecting U.S. and French embassies in Damascus, adding she felt its president "has lost legitimacy" and wants to deflect attention from a crackdown on peaceful protesters.

Activists at Syrian 'national dialogue' call for end to violenceupdated: Mon Jul 11 2011 10:16:00

Activists speaking at a Syrian government-sponsored "national dialogue" meeting Sunday criticized recent crackdowns by the country's security forces, calling for an end to violence against protesters.

Diplomatic kerfuffle between Washington and Damascusupdated: Fri Jul 08 2011 21:17:00

Diplomatic feathers were bristling in Washington and Damascus Friday, with U.S. and Syrian officials expressing displeasure over their respective counterparts.

Syrian FM: No military offensive on Hamaupdated: Fri Jul 08 2011 21:17:00

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem tells CNN's Arwa Damon there is no military campaign against Hama.

Damascus streets contrast sharply with border chaosupdated: Thu Jun 23 2011 19:42:00

The scene inside Syria's capital Thursday contrasted sharply with the scene in recent days on the Turkish side of the border, where some 10,000 refugees have sought shelter and safety as unrest continues to shake the country.

Syrian president talks 'turning point'updated: Tue Jun 21 2011 14:01:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addresses his nation after recent government clampdowns on demonstrators.

Assad lays blame for chaos in Syriaupdated: Tue Jun 21 2011 07:12:00

CNN's Anderson Cooper reports on who Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is faulting for the unrest in his country.

Assad calls protesters terroristsupdated: Mon Jun 20 2011 23:19:00

Syria's president offered vague promises of reform and clear threats against protesters. Phil Black reports.

Syrian president's promises met with skepticism abroadupdated: Mon Jun 20 2011 23:19:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered vague promises of reform and clear threats against protesters Monday, as he addressed his nation and the rest of the world, whose leaders called for swift changes, some saying he had passed the point of no return.

Videos show children demanding freedom, urging Syrian leader's ousterupdated: Sun Jun 19 2011 19:55:00

Dozens of children called for freedom, held anti-government signs and criticized President Bashar al-Assad in at least two Syrian cities on Sunday, a day before al-Assad planned to make another speech to the unsettled nation.

CNN reporter, briefly in Syria, hears 'horror' storiesupdated: Wed Jun 15 2011 10:26:00

As the Syrian military on Tuesday continued its relentless advance against protesters, citizens who had fled their homes for safety related "horror story upon horror story" to a reporter who managed to enter the country.

CNN's first look inside Syriaupdated: Wed Jun 15 2011 10:26:00

Arwa Damon briefly enters Syria for a first hand look.

Syria 'amnesty' offer unclearupdated: Tue May 31 2011 15:05:00

Syria announced Tuesday that it is granting "amnesty" to protesters accused of committing crimes.

Troops storm Syrian townsupdated: Tue May 31 2011 15:05:00

CNN's Arwa Damon discusses the latest reports of another government crackdown inside Syria.

Witness: Syrian military surrounds one town, shells anotherupdated: Tue May 31 2011 07:21:00

Two people died amid protests in Syria on Monday, as government troops and tanks surrounded one town and apparently shelled another for a second day, according to protest organizers and a witness.

EU Council condemns Syria's 'ongoing repression'updated: Tue May 24 2011 05:38:00

The Council of the European Union condemned Monday "in the strongest terms the ongoing repression in Syria" and the violence meted out by military and security forces to peaceful protesters, which have led to hundreds of casualties.

U.S. sanctions target Syrian presidentupdated: Thu May 19 2011 05:37:00

President Obama imposed sanctions against Syria's president and six other senior Syrian officials.

U.S. sanctions target Syrian president, Iranian commandersupdated: Thu May 19 2011 05:37:00

President Barack Obama Wednesday imposed tough sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and six other senior Syrian officials in an effort to stop the regime's fierce crackdown on protests, the U.S. Treasury Department said.

Report: Syrian military on the moveupdated: Fri May 06 2011 19:12:00

Syrian State TV reports the military has began pulling out of Daraa. CNN's Rima Maktabi reports.

Syrian security forces arrest prominent opposition figureupdated: Fri May 06 2011 19:12:00

A prominent Syrian opposition figure was arrested in a suburb of Damascus on Friday, according to witnesses and his wife, and protests sweeping across the country left at least 21 civilians and 10 security officers dead.

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