-
Amid continued bloodshed in several parts of Syria, international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi held another round of talks with President Bashar Assad in Damascus. But there was no sign of progress toward a peace deal.
-
Syrian activists are reporting that a government airstrike has killed tens of people at a bakery near the central city of Hama. As the situation continues to worsen, special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is arriving in Damascus for talks with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
-
American officials tell NPR that Syria's preparations are more extensive than previously reported. The U.S. and NATO are preparing for ways to address the chemical weapons threat.
-
For the first time, a top Russian diplomat has said that the Syrian president may be toppled. Coming from a country that has been among Assad's strongest supporters, the words are significant, analysts say.
-
The major general who was head of Syria's chemical weapons division until he defected in July says that if rebels advance on Damascus, President Bashar Assad will deploy his deadly arsenal.
-
The newly formed Syrian National Coalition is the "sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people," British Foreign Secretary William Hague says. Britain joins France in recognizing the organization.
-
When Bashar Assad inherited the presidency of Syria in 2000, some in the West saw him as a potential reformer. Professor David Lesch of Trinity University met Assad several times. Host Scott Simon speaks with Lesch about his new book, Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad, a clear contrast to his earlier book, which touted Assad as "the new lion of Damascus."
-
Syria gave the Hamas leader shelter for years. Now Syria has denounced him in withering terms, a sign of the changing alliances in the Middle East.
-
August was the deadliest month yet, with thousands of people, mostly civilians, killed in fighting around the country. While anti-government rebels are making advances, government troops are digging in their heels.
-
Syrian president Bashar Assad appeared in a pre-recorded interview today, saying the military situation in his country is improving and that Syrian government troops just need more time. He says the conflict is cleansing his nation.