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Bashar Assad

CNN's Jill Dougherty takes a look at the inner circle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and whether any will defect.

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A Syrian town's 'Street of Death'updated: Tue Jul 24 2012 09:19:00

After months of fighting, the regime's men finally abandoned this strategic crossroads.

Explosion kills top Syrian officialsupdated: Wed Jul 18 2012 21:15:00

CNN's Arwa Damon reports on the attack in Damascus that killed 4 key Syrian officials in Bashar al-Assad's inner circle.

Is Syria becoming the new Iraq?updated: Thu May 31 2012 12:20:00

For four decades, consecutive generations of the Assad family -- Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father as Syrian president in 2000 -- have interfered in Lebanon to the west, and Iraq to the east. Syrian agents assassinated rivals and pumped in fighters.

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.

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.

Soldiers shoot anti-Assad clerics in Lebanon, triggering fresh violenceupdated: Mon May 21 2012 06:19:00

In the latest instance of the unrest in Syria spilling across the border into Lebanon, deadly clashes broke out in Beirut on Monday following the shooting death of two anti-Assad clerics at the hands of soldiers.

Syrian revolt spilling over into Lebanonupdated: Mon May 21 2012 06:19:00

CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports on the effect Syrian violence is having on Lebanon.

Weapons-smuggling, infiltrators bedevil Assad regimeupdated: Sat Apr 28 2012 15:19:00

The embattled Syrian regime said it faced challenges from land and sea on Saturday as security forces beat back infiltrators, Lebanese soldiers seized smuggled arms and more clashes flared -- another series of blows to a teetering U.N.-backed peace plan.

Friends of Syria to discuss boosting opposition, helping civiliansupdated: Sat Mar 31 2012 22:00:00

Officials from dozens of countries gathered in Turkey on Sunday to discuss the dire situation in neighboring Syria, where months of violence has been compounded by a humanitarian crisis.

Analysts: Syria has 'nothing to lose, something to gain' from Annan planupdated: Wed Mar 28 2012 14:02:00

Facing growing global pressure over rising violence in his country, Syria's embattled president had little choice but to accept a U.N. special envoy's peace proposal, analysts said Tuesday.

Annan's peace plan: Yea or nay?updated: Wed Mar 28 2012 14:02:00

CNN's Richard Roth and Ben Wedeman report on how Kofi Annan's Syrian peace plan proposal is being received.

Rights group cites Syrian opposition for 'serious human rights abuses'updated: Tue Mar 20 2012 22:40:00

Armed rebels fighting the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad have committed "serious human rights abuses," an influential human rights watchdog said Tuesday.

Activist: Assad will have to kill us allupdated: Fri Mar 02 2012 13:32:00

A Syrian activist says the fighting will not stop until either Assad is gone or the activists are all dead.

Nations want 'tsunami wave' of pressure on al-Assadupdated: Fri Feb 24 2012 22:09:00

World powers meeting Friday in Tunisia called for a political solution in Syria and what one diplomat called a "tsunami wave" of pressure to peel away internal support for the embattled regime of Bashar al-Assad.

World shouldn't stay silent in face of Syrian regime's brutalityupdated: Thu Feb 23 2012 09:18:00

Syria, we are told, is not like Libya. The factors that coalesced to allow for international intervention in the latter do not apply in the former. There are clear differences -- in geography, topography, the role of neighboring states, the existence of liberated territory and the posture of the U.N. Security Council -- that mitigate against external intervention.

U.S. raises specter of 'additional measures' in Syriaupdated: Tue Feb 21 2012 21:58:00

U.S. officials called Tuesday for international action to stop the violence orchestrated by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and left open the possibility of "additional measures" if the bloodshed continues.

Carney: Basic supplies 'scarce' in Syriaupdated: Tue Feb 21 2012 21:58:00

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney expresses concern over delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria.

Syrian town held by oppositionupdated: Fri Feb 17 2012 20:49:00

CNN's Ivan Watson reports from inside Syria on his visit to a town held by the opposition.

Syrian protesters hail 'resistance'updated: Fri Feb 17 2012 20:49:00

Thousands of Syrians defied their government's relentless, bloody crackdown by staging hundreds of public protests Friday in cities nationwide.

In one Syrian town, full-throated cries of defianceupdated: Fri Feb 17 2012 11:39:00

Hundreds of men and boys kneeled on the floor of a packed mosque for Friday prayers, but the solemn religious rite quickly turned into a furious rain-soaked rally denouncing Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad.

Turkish foreign minister suggests aid for Syrian civiliansupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 16:57:00

Turkey's foreign minister called for a new international initiative for Syria to protect civilians and increase pressure on President Bashar al-Assad to stop his bloody crackdown, saying his country would not remain indifferent to a "massacre in its back yard."

Syria's declining circle of friendsupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 16:57:00

CNN's Ivan Watson reports from Istanbul on Syria's declining circle of friends and Turkey's efforts to isolate al-Assad.

CNNMoney: Billions at stake as Russia backs Syriaupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 16:15:00

Russia's controversial stance in the Syrian crisis has left many wondering what Moscow stands to gain by backing the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Q&A: Why is Syria violence worsening now?updated: Fri Feb 10 2012 15:12:00

Bodies in the streets. Bloody faces pleading for help. Bandaged children in hospitals.

Men, women and children trapped in Syriaupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 15:12:00

In Homs, snipers line the streets, cornering civilians who fear death and starvation. Anderson Cooper reports.

How Assad's tactics are workingupdated: Wed Feb 08 2012 10:16:00

Bashar al-Assad's tactics of lie, divide and conquer are paying off in Syria, CNN's Nic Robertson reports.

Why Russia protects Syria's Assadupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 06:12:00

As casualties mount before the brutal onslaught of Bashar al-Assad's forces against Syria's pro-democracy protesters, the Russians are being unhelpful again. In Washington and Brussels, even habitually cool diplomats have been showing frustration.

U.N. to consider call for Syrian president to step downupdated: Mon Jan 30 2012 23:03:00

The U.N. Security Council this week will take up a draft resolution proposed by Morocco that calls on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down and transfer power.

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.

How U.S. can help stop bloodshed in Syriaupdated: Wed Jan 18 2012 12:50:00

After more than six months of silence, Syria's leader, Bashar al-Assad, spoke last week for only the fourth time since the beginning of the country's widespread uprising in March. His words show that he is as delusional now as when the protests began.

President Assad clings to power in Syriaupdated: Tue Jan 17 2012 20:20:00

CNN's Jim Clancy speaks with Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Edward Djerejian, about the crisis in there.

Civilians in Syria face fight for suppliesupdated: Wed Jan 11 2012 07:34:00

In Homs, Syria's third-largest city and a focus of resistance to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, snipers pose a direct threat to civilians. But the risk of being shot is just one problem they face -- their daily challenge is finding food, fuel and medical care.

Syrian defector: Assad is not in controlupdated: Wed Jan 11 2012 07:33:00

A former Syrian Ministry of Defense employee says that the Assad regime is committing genocide. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.

Syria pipeline attacked amid ongoing killingupdated: Tue Jan 03 2012 16:15:00

Syrian officials and opposition activists blamed each other for an attack on a gas pipeline near the restive city of Homs on Tuesday, while opposition groups said more than 30 people had died in new clashes.

Syrian opposition cites regime 'acts of genocide'updated: Wed Dec 21 2011 19:19:00

Syria's major opposition group condemned Bashar al-Assad's regime Wednesday for "brutal massacres" this week and urged the U.N. Security Council to protect civilians against "acts of genocide."

Syrian opposition plea for interventionupdated: Wed Dec 21 2011 19:19:00

As the Syrian military engages in a show of strength, CNN's Rima Maktabi details the opposition plea for intervention.

GPS Podcast 12/04updated: Mon Dec 05 2011 05:53:00

A GPS exclusive: Fareed talks to former Greek PM George Papandreou. Should Greece drop the euro? Can Germany do more?

Biden arrives in Greece at pivotal timeupdated: Mon Dec 05 2011 05:53:00

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will meet Monday with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Lucas Papademos as the nation's new interim government seeks to halt the country's economic upheaval that has had ripple effects across the globe.

British foreign secretary meets Syrian oppositionupdated: Mon Nov 21 2011 12:33:00

British Foreign Secretary William Hague met a range of Syrian opposition figures Monday, saying London was "seeking to step up the international pressure on the Assad regime, a regime that has long since lost its legitimacy in the eyes of the wider world."

Regime backers express anger at other nations after Arab League suspends Syriaupdated: Sun Nov 13 2011 07:35:00

Angry supporters of the Syrian president rallied Saturday night at embassies and consulates of countries that voted hours earlier to suspend Syria's membership in the Arab League, anti-government activists said.

Torture, abuse alleged at Syria's state-run hospitalsupdated: Tue Oct 25 2011 12:55:00

Amnesty International is accusing the Syrian government of torturing wounded protesters at state-run hospitals, saying the country's authorities have effectively turned medical facilities and their staff into "instruments of repression."

Syrians questioned in secret poll want al-Assad to goupdated: Tue Sep 27 2011 12:42:00

Syrians have little confidence that President Bashar al-Assad's regime can solve the country's current problems, although they are optimistic about the future, a poll conducted by Pepperdine University shows.

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.

Syria regime blunders toward self-destructionupdated: Fri Aug 12 2011 09:08:00

The harsh criticism leveled at the Syrian regime by Saudi Arabia and Turkey last week could prove a turning point in the popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

Turmoil on the streets of Syriaupdated: Fri Aug 12 2011 09:08:00

MME looks at how Gulf states are reacting to the unrest in Syria.

Bashar al-Assad: Syria's unintended presidentupdated: Thu Aug 11 2011 11:18:00

Bashar al-Assad wasn't supposed to rule Syria.

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.

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.

Syria's Assad should be an international pariahupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 05:35:00

An often-heard sentiment in regional and international capitals has been that, in Syria, it is "the better the devil you know." More recently, there has been the hope that President Bashar Al-Assad will forge what some call "a regime-led transition to democratic reform," even as the killings of overwhelmingly peaceful protesters have mounted in the nearly five-month uprising.

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.

Obama administration intensifies pressure on Syriaupdated: Wed Aug 03 2011 02:34:00

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama ratcheted up pressure on Syria Tuesday, as the regime intensified its bloody crackdown on protesters.

Violent Sunday in Syriaupdated: Wed Aug 03 2011 02:34:00

Amateur videos show outbreak of violence in Hama, Syria. CNN's Arwa Damon reports

Report: Syrian army stretched amid uprisingupdated: Tue Aug 02 2011 12:54:00

The embattled Syrian army is being pushed to the limit as anti-government demonstrations persist across the restive landscape, and the opposition "will likely take on an increasingly armed aspect in the face of brutal oppression," a new report says.

Activist documents violence at Syrian demonstrationsupdated: Fri Jul 22 2011 08:37:00

She asks that we call her "Laila" but it is not her real name, as she has to protect her identity for her own safety.

Residents: Syrian forces move into border city, detain dozensupdated: Mon Jul 18 2011 11:55:00

Syrian forces moved into a city near the Lebanese border Sunday, detaining dozens of people, residents said.

Syrian opposition meets to put up united frontupdated: Sat Jul 16 2011 19:35:00

Hundreds of exiled Syrian activists meeting in Istanbul on Saturday elected a 25-member council as they sought to declare unity in their intention to oust the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

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's Assad mixes promises, threatsupdated: Wed Jun 22 2011 13:35:00

Mideast expert Fawaz Gerges says Monday's address by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad threw fuel on the fire of dissent.

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.

Al-Assad's speech: Reheated promises salted with threatsupdated: Tue Jun 21 2011 07:12:00

Syrian officials had dubbed it as a landmark speech -- one that would be the blueprint for reform and begin a national dialogue.

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.

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.

Obama can't 'lead from behind' on Syriaupdated: Mon Jun 20 2011 18:59:00

On March 30 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave his first speech since the start of the popular uprising in his nation. I was listening from a 12-by-12 prison cell in Damascus with 21 other inmates. I had gone to Syria to finish my junior year studying abroad after the revolution in Egypt led to the evacuation of my program there.

Student reveals chilling arrest in Syriaupdated: Mon Jun 20 2011 18:59:00

Exclusive: Middlebury College student Pathik "Tik" Root describes his harrowing detainment in Damascus, Syria.

Syrian tycoon's fall from grace may herald new pledges of reformupdated: Fri Jun 17 2011 21:05:00

Syria's richest man has rarely sounded contrite. But Rami Makhlouf -- a confidant and cousin of President Bashar al-Assad -- looked distinctly subdued when announcing that he was selling his holding in Syria's mobile phone network, Syriatel, to help Syria's poorest.

Syrian crackdown 'revolting,' State Department spokeswoman saysupdated: Thu Jun 16 2011 21:27:00

The State Department's new spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, lashed out at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday, calling the Syrian government's repression of its citizens "revolting" and charging that Assad's "repression has only served to pour gasoline on the fire for change."

What could shake Syria's regimeupdated: Thu Jun 16 2011 09:35:00

Of the many occasions that I met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from 2004 to 2009, this one seemed different.

Witness to murder in Syriaupdated: Thu Jun 16 2011 09:35:00

Hands shaking, one woman speaks of witnessing the regime's brutal crackdown. CNN's Arwa Damon meets her inside Syria.

Syrian refugees flee into Turkeyupdated: Thu Jun 09 2011 11:37:00

With no power, food or water and the fear of attack, Syrians are fleeing into Turkey. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.

Explainer: How will Syria crisis unfold?updated: Thu Jun 09 2011 11:37:00

As the violence in Syria appears to be escalating, Britain and France are pushing for a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning attacks on protesters and calling for humanitarian access.

Activist speaks out against Assad regimeupdated: Thu Jun 02 2011 12:53:00

Human rights activist Razan Zaitouneh tells CNN's Anderson Cooper that Syrians are "fed up" with the Assad regime.

Clinton slams Syrian regime as opposition activists huddleupdated: Thu Jun 02 2011 12:53:00

As Syria weathered more bloodshed this week, the Bashar al-Assad regime faced more political pressure and derision from two important corners -- members of the country's fledgling opposition movement and America's top diplomat.

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.

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.

Assad admits to 'some mistakes'updated: Sat May 21 2011 12:59:00

Anderson Cooper reports on how the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reacted to anti-government protesters.

U.S. slaps sanctions on top Syrian officialsupdated: Fri Apr 29 2011 16:33:00

The U.S. government announced Friday that it has imposed new sanctions against top members and elements of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad responsible for overseeing the recent violent crackdown against protesters.

In Syria, Assad must exit the stageupdated: Wed Apr 27 2011 08:49:00

To say that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is in trouble is an understatement. His security forces, roaming paramilitary thugs and now his army --which on Monday entered the southern town of Daraa -- have turned their guns and tanks on to the Syrian people. This is the response to an unprecedented uprising against the stale, corrupt and repressive Baathist security regime that Assad heads.

How does Syria's Bashar al-Assad rate?updated: Wed Apr 20 2011 05:53:00

Syrian Pres. Bashar al-Assad is rated on Eliot Spitzer's "despot meter" by experts Jamie Rubin and Chrystia Freeland.

World must stand with Syrian people against tyrannyupdated: Mon Apr 18 2011 06:17:00

As protests spread across Syria, and the protesters prove to be more brave than intimidated by the use of live ammunition by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's security forces, one thing should be clear by now: This is indeed a revolution against tyranny.

Syria lifting emergency law, official saysupdated: Mon Mar 28 2011 06:07:00

Syria's emergency law, which has been in place nearly 50 years, is in the process of being lifted, a source close to the Syrian government said Sunday.

Syrian president's old friend appeals for reformupdated: Sun Mar 27 2011 17:17:00

Ayman Abdel Nour still remembers Bashar al-Assad fondly as a friend with whom he went to dinners and hung out on the campus of Damascus University in the 1980s.

Assad's old friend now his foeupdated: Sun Mar 27 2011 17:17:00

CNN's Stan Grant reports on a Syrian exile who was close friends with President Assad for some 25 years.

Syrian protests thrust president into new spotlightupdated: Thu Mar 24 2011 21:54:00

He grew up as the second son of late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, deep in the shadow of his father.

Tough choices facing Syria's presidentupdated: Thu Mar 24 2011 21:54:00

CNN's Stan Grant reports on protests in Syria and the choices facing its self-described modern leader.

Leaders of Iran, Syria stand united against U.S. influenceupdated: Thu Feb 25 2010 15:52:00

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that a new Middle East -- one "without Zionists and without colonialists" -- was quickly emerging as regional bonds grow stronger by the day.

Israel warns Syrian leader over war commentsupdated: Thu Feb 04 2010 12:10:00

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman issued a stark warning to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday that he and his family would lose their hold on power if Syria were to attack Israel.

Syria's Assad hopeful on Israel talksupdated: Fri Nov 13 2009 15:03:00

Syrian President Bashar Assad says peace talks with Israel could resume if the Jewish state showed willingness to fully engage in the process.

Time.com: France's Fling with Syriaupdated: Thu Sep 04 2008 15:05:00

While the US and its allies have long sought to isolate Damascus, isolating Tehran may be a higher priority

Time.com: The Mystery Behind a Syrian Murderupdated: Thu Aug 07 2008 17:00:00

The assassination of a top general close to President Assad may be a sign of internal rifts within the regime

Time.com: The Syrians Take Parisupdated: Mon Jul 14 2008 10:00:00

President Bashar al-Assad's Visit to the French capital is another victory for Syria, a reward for indirect talks with Israel. But is peace in sight?

Time.com: Syria: US Should Hold Israel Talksupdated: Tue Jun 03 2008 09:55:00

Syria's president said the recently restarted peace talks between his government and Israel will eventually need U.S. sponsorship

Time.com: Syrian President Wins Referendumupdated: Tue May 29 2007 15:45:00

President Bashar Assad won another seven years in office, getting 97 percent of the vote in a nationwide referendum on his leadership in which he was the only candidate

Assad: Media, tech crushing Arabsupdated: Mon Jun 06 2005 06:38:00

Syrian President Bashar Assad has said the media and technological revolution sweeping the region and the world is helping his country's foes to undermine and crush the Arab identity.

When history turns a cornerupdated: Mon Mar 07 2005 13:23:00

People power is changing the face of the Middle East, but the democracy deal isn't sealed--yet

U.S. criticizes Syria's plan for troops in Lebanonupdated: Sat Mar 05 2005 01:07:00

The United States has criticized Syria's announcement that it will withdraw its forces in Lebanon in a two-step process, saying the troops "must withdraw completely and immediately."

Syria 'announcing troop pullback'updated: Fri Mar 04 2005 05:10:00

Syrian President Bashar Assad, facing increasing international pressure, is expected to announce a pullback of Syrian troops to eastern Lebanon, Beirut political sources have said.

U.S. asks Syria to stop militants: Officialupdated: Sat Sep 25 2004 00:39:00

A U.S. delegation directly confronted Syrian President Bashar Assad -- on the third anniversary of 9/11 -- with evidence that Syrians were aiding militants crossing the border to foment deadly violence in Iraq, a senior U.S. government official has told CNN.

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