Russia invites Syria opposition chief for talks
Russia, one of the few powers to maintain links with the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, has sent an invitation for talks to the head of the opposition Syria National Coalition.
Syrian deputy FM Muqdad begins talks in Russia
A Syrian government delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad on Thursday began talks at the Russian foreign ministry on the crisis in the country.
Israel PM met Jordan king in Amman over Syria: media
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman recently to discuss violence in Syria and the country's chemical weapons stock.
UAE supports 'non-sectarian' change in Syria: FM
The UAE supports a "non-sectarian" change in power in war-hit Syria, the WAM official news agency quoted the Gulf state's foreign minister as saying after he met with a top Syrian opposition leader.
Syrian regime 'has no future' says US
Peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi held "constructive" talks in Syria with President Bashar al-Assad, as Washington warned Monday that his regime's days are numbered.
Russia: 'political suicide' if Assad uses chemical arms
Russia said on Monday it would be "political suicide" for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if it used chemical weapons against the armed opposition.
Russia denounces West's 'dangerous' stance on Syria
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday denounced the West's "dangerous" stance in support of Syrian rebels seeking to unseat President Bashar al-Assad.
UN sanctions two Iran firms over Syria arms supplies
The UN Security Council on Thursday slapped sanctions on two Iranian firms accused of supplying arms to the Syrian government.
UN to increase contacts with Syrian opposition
The UN humanitarian chief said Monday she has asked the Syrian government for 10 more aid groups to work in the country and will increase contacts with the opposition to help those in need.
Syria troops press assault on town near Damascus
Syrian troops shelled a besieged town near Damascus and clashed with rebels on the outskirts of the capital on Saturday as the country's conflict entered its 22nd month, a watchdog and activists said.
US to deploy Patriot missiles, troops to Turkey: report
The United States plans to send two rocket-intercepting Patriot missile batteries and 400 military personnel to Turkey to deter Syrian attacks.
Russia says rebels may win, jihadists claim Damascus bomb
Moscow acknowledged on Thursday that the Syrian regime, its longtime ally, might lose its battle with Arab- and Western-backed rebels, 21 months into a conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives.
Syria regime using missiles, barrel bombs: US
The Syrian regime has begun using missiles and barrel bombs against rebels, a top US official said Wednesday, signaling a dangerous escalation of the deadly 21-month-old conflict.
In long-awaited move, Obama recognizes Syrian rebels
President Barack Obama proclaimed Syria's newly reframed opposition as the "legitimate" representative of the nation's people Tuesday.
World leaders face big challenges in 2013
Barack Obama is back and China has a new leader in Xi Jinping, but world leaders face heavyweight issues in the coming year, from lingering economic crises to bloody tumult in the Middle East.
Syria: from revolution to all-out war
Syria's uprising has shifted from popular street protests against President Bashar al-Assad to a full-fledged war, increasingly influenced by armed Islamists, in a far cry from the idealism of the Arab Spring.
Arab League hopes US, Russia reconcile on Syria
Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi hoped on Sunday that the United States and Russia could reconcile their views over Syria in order to facilitate a settlement of the crisis in the war-ravaged country.
UN urges Palestinians to stay out of Syria conflict
The half a million Palestinian refugees living in Syria should keep out of the country's conflict and their neutrality be respected.
Clinton renews support of new Syrian opposition group
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed fresh support Wednesday for a new coalition of Syrian opposition groups seeking to counter the Assad regime.
Russian warships made call in Syrian port: reports
Two Russian warships have made a rare call at Russia's controversial Mediterranean naval base in Syria to resupply and refuel.