Government of Syria

People walk past the looted premises of cellphone company Syriatel, which is owned by Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, in Deraa March 21, 2011.

Syria’s first family is caught in a feud

Conflict

For the past few weeks, the world has been getting a rare glimpse into a heated feud between Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, and his maternal cousin, Rami Makhlouf. 

Does Syrian crisis require international intervention?

Syrian Opposition Leader on Fight to Overthrow Assad

Syrian Opposition Leader on Fight to Overthrow Assad

Fractured and Criticized Syrian Opposition Attempts to Reorganize

Syria’s Only Hope?

The massacre at Houla forced the world to remember the ongoing violence in Syria. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly killed 12,000 civilians and doesn’t appear willing to stop. A coalition of opposition groups called the Syrian National Council has emerged as the best political force to fight the regime. But how effective has the Council […]

Washington Inches Closer to Arming Syrian Rebels

Conflict & Justice

Obeida Nahas is a spokesperson for the opposition Syrian National Council in Istanbul.
Nahas says he’s pleased with Washington’s recent promise to supply the rebels with communication gear, but he says the opposition needs more aid.

McCain Calls for Military Action in Syria

The Syrian National Council has formed a military body to serve the role of Defense Ministry and to coordinate rebel factions. But not all of the rebels are onboard yet, and the SNC is looking to the west for funding and weapons. In a speech Monday on the senate floor, John McCain called on the […]

The World

Syrians Divided Over Fighting Assad

Conflict & Justice

Violence is continuing in Syria. The city of Homs is particularly badly affected. Rim Turkmani has family there. She’s an academic based in London.

Should the US Intervene in Syria?

On Monday Arab League representatives met with the United Nations Security Council to discuss a plan of action for Syria. More than 5,000 Syrians have been killed by government forces since protests against President Bashar Al-Assad began last March. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton delivered a strong message of support to the Syrian resistance the […]