The United States has condemned the ongoing violence in Syria, and urged President Bashar al-Assad’s government to end deadly actions against peaceful protesters. In a statement Monday, the State Department said the actions of Syria’s security forces are “reprehensible,” and include “barbaric shootings,” torture and other human rights abuses. Rights groups say Syrian forces have […]
Syria to Allow Political Parties Alongside Ruling Baath
Posted July 25th, 2011 at 11:40 am (UTC-5)
The Syrian government has endorsed a draft law that would allow the formation of political parties in addition to the ruling Ba’ath party, which for decades has controlled political life in the country. The multiparty bill is the latest conciliatory gesture from President Bashar al-Assad to more than four months of protests against his government. […]
Syria to Allow Political Parties
Posted July 25th, 2011 at 4:15 am (UTC-5)
The Syrian government has approved a new law allowing the formation of political parties, reversing a ban on opposition groups since the Ba’ath Party took power in 1963. The state news agency SANA said Monday the bill is part of a political reform program, and stipulates that parties cannot be based on a religious, tribal […]
Syria’s Assad Replaces Eastern Governor as Crackdown Continues
Posted July 24th, 2011 at 9:55 pm (UTC-5)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has replaced the governor of a troubled eastern province as army units continue their brutal nationwide crackdown on anti-government protesters. Mr. Assad on Sunday appointed former Damascus-based police brigadier general Samir al-Sheik to run the oil-rich province of Deir al-Zor, two days after the region saw the biggest protests yet demanding […]
Activists Report Arrests in Syrian Capital
Posted July 24th, 2011 at 11:55 am (UTC-5)
Syrian rights activists say army units have swept through the capital, Damascus, and detained scores of people. Rights groups say the arrests took place late Saturday. The French news agency quotes activists who say government troops set up roadblocks on routes into the Qabun district and deployed in front of mosques with automatic rifles. AFP […]
Syria Blames ‘Saboteurs’ For Deadly Derailment
Posted July 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 am (UTC-5)
The Syrian government has blamed “saboteurs” trying to “hide behind” anti-government protests for a train derailment that killed one person and left several injured. A state-run media report on Saturday says the incident took place near the flashpoint city of Homs. The SANA news agency quotes an Interior Ministry official as saying “criminals” ripped up […]
Syrian Forces Kill 11 During Mass Protests
Posted July 22nd, 2011 at 5:15 pm (UTC-5)
Syrian security forces have killed at least 11 more people during mass protests against President Bashar al-Assad. Hundreds of thousands of anti-government demonstrators rallied Friday for President Assad’s resignation, in what has become the most serious challenge to his 11-year rule. Witnesses and activists say six of the deaths occurred in areas including the Damascus […]
Six Killed in Syrian Unrest
Posted July 22nd, 2011 at 2:40 pm (UTC-5)
At least six people were killed in Syria on Friday where security officers have responded to mass protests with force. The deaths occurred after tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators rallied for President Bashar al-Assad’s resignation, in what has become the most serious challenge yet to his 11-year rule. Witnesses and activists say the deaths […]
Six Killed in Syrian Unrest
Posted July 22nd, 2011 at 11:25 am (UTC-5)
At least six people were killed in Syria on Friday where security officers have responded to mass protests with force. The deaths occurred after tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators rallied for President Bashar al-Assad’s resignation, in what has become the most serious challenge yet to his 11-year rule. Witnesses and activists say the deaths […]
Thousands of Syrians Rally After Midday Prayers
Posted July 22nd, 2011 at 10:25 am (UTC-5)
Tens of thousands of Syrians renewed calls for President Bashar al-Assad’s resignation on Friday in rallies across the country. Witnesses and activists say protesters took to the streets in towns in the northeastern Hasaka province, a mostly Kurdish region. Reuters news agency says Syrian security forces used batons and tear gas to push back demonstrators […]
