G8 leaders set to struggle on trade, tax and Syria
Leaders of the G8 nations meet in Northern Ireland next week determined to crack down on tax evasion and boost global trade, while seeking to push Russia to help find a political solution to the Syria conflict.
US toughens stance on Syria after 'nerve gas attacks'
The United States dramatically toughened its stance on Syria on Thursday, accusing Bashar al-Assad of using chemical weapons against his people and promising "military support" to rebel forces.
US eases trade restrictions on Syrian opposition
The United States eased restrictions on trade with Syria's opposition Wednesday, in a move aimed at helping supply the critical needs of Syrians in "liberated areas."
Syria helicopter raid sparks Lebanon warning
Lebanon's army has warned it will hit back against any new attacks from Syria after a helicopter gunship struck an eastern town, ratcheting up tensions amid US-British talks on the conflict.
60 Shiites killed in Syria as West seeks solution
At least 60 Shiite villagers died in clashes with rebels in eastern Syria while twin suicide bombings hit Damascus as the West moved to support the opposition following battlefield losses against pro-regime forces.
Syria rebels converge on airbase as US mulls support
Syrian rebels have clashed with government troops after converging on a military airport in Aleppo.
Arm Syrian rebels or risk rise of extremism: McCain
The United States must deepen its engagement in Syria by equipping the rebels or setting up a safe zone to protect the opposition.
US condemns Hezbollah-backed assault on Syrian town
The US on Wednesday condemned a Hezbollah-backed assault on the town of Qusayr, as France kept up the pressure for action over what it said was the regime's use of sarin gas.
France says 'no doubt' Assad regime has used sarin gas
France said Tuesday it had proof President Bashar al-Assad's regime has used the deadly nerve agent sarin gas in Syria's civil war, adding that "all options," including armed intervention, are on the table.
Missile kills 26 as key Syria battle enters third week
A missile strike near Syria's biggest city Aleppo killed 26 people and government warplanes pounded Qusayr.
Rows over Syria, energy cloud Russia-EU talks
The European Union and Russia kick off a two-day summit on Monday overshadowed by rows over Brussels' decision to lift its arms embargo on the Syrian rebels and resolve to loosen Moscow's grip on EU natural gas supplies.
Rockets fired from Syria hit Lebanon
Four rockets fired from Syria hit Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region on Saturday, causing no casualties, in the latest spillover from the more than two-year conflict in Lebanon's larger neighbour.
Russian arms to Damascus unhelpful: Hague
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Thursday that Russian weapons supplies to the Syrian regime were impeding the search for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
US accuses Iran of surge in 'terrorism'
The United States on Thursday accused Iran of sponsoring "terrorism" at a level unseen in decades and said that the separate threat from Al-Qaeda has been significantly degraded.
'Very confident' Assad talks of new front with Israel
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad threatened Israel with renewed fighting in the Golan Heights and said Russia was committed to supplying him with advanced missiles.
Syria's Assad to seek third term if people want: FM
Embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is facing a two-year rebellion against his rule, will run for a third term in 2014 if the people want him to.
US demands Hezbollah withdraw from Syria
The United States demanded the immediate withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from Syria on Wednesday, saying their active role in combat there was an "extremely dangerous escalation."
Major powers struggle to agree on Syria conference: envoys
Failure to agree on who will take part in an international conference on the Syria could thwart hopes that the make-or-break meeting will be held in June.
US supports EU easing of Syria arms embargo
The United States said Tuesday it supports the European Union's decision to ease an arms embargo on Syria as a means of showing support for rebels despite America's own refusal to provide weapons.
EU lifts embargo to arm Syria rebels: Hague
European Union foreign ministers Monday agreed to lift an arms embargo in order to be able to supply weapons to Syrian rebels.