Yahoo: Assad predicts disaster if West meddles in Syria

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85Q1TE20120628

Exclusive: Russia backs Annan idea of Syria unity government: envoys

Russia and other big powers have told mediator Kofi Annan that they support his idea of a Syrian national unity cabinet that could include government and opposition members but would exclude those whose participation would undermine it, envoys said on Wednesday.

Annan's proposal for a political transition aimed at ending the 16-month conflict in Syria is one of the main topics that Russia, the other four permanent Security Council members and key players in the Middle East will discuss at a meeting in Geneva on Saturday, diplomats told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

One diplomat summarized Annan's proposal, saying the Syria conflict can only end when all sides see a peaceful way to a shared future." Annan made clear it was "vital that (any) settlement (be) irreversible, (with) clear transition steps in fixed timeline," he said.

The diplomat added that the idea of excluding certain people was clearly referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, though Annan's proposal does not explicitly say Assad could not serve in a national unity government. That gives Russia the option of insisting that Assad be allowed to stay in power.

"The Russians signaled to Annan that they accept his transition plan," he said. Several Western diplomats confirmed his remarks, adding that all five permanent veto-wielding U.N. Security Council members backed it.

Another diplomat said Russia's acceptance of Annan's proposal, which he circulated to the five permanent Security Council members this week, did not mean it has abandoned Assad.

"I'm very skeptical," he said. "I don't see the Russians giving up on Assad."

How many times have we heard Russia was going to change and they just laugh it off?
This idea is kind of cool on the face of it, but I just don't see how it would ever work.
Assad won't step down unless there's a gun to his head and I don't think his army and killers will just go home. They're working non-stop at the most ferocious pace ever right now.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-0...from-ally.html

Russia Said to Endorse Replacing Assad in Turn From Ally

Russia has endorsed a detailed United Nations road map for a political transition in Syria, a sign that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has lost the support of a key ally, according to three United Nations diplomats.

Persuading Assad to step aside and forming a transitional government to pave the way for elections will be at the core of a June 30 conference of top diplomats organized by Kofi Annan, the UN’s special envoy on Syria, the officials said. All three asked not to be identified because the talks are private.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday called the conference a potential “turning point” in the conflict that already has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

Even with the apparent international agreement, ushering Assad out and a transitional government in will be difficult, if it’s possible at all, the U.S. and UN officials acknowledged.

Among the difficulties, the U.S. officials said, will be bringing the warring Syrian parties together to reach an agreement on a transitional government; defining who would control Syria’s military, intelligence and security services; neutralizing the Alawite militias and the armed opposition; and providing multinational aid to encourage a transition toward elections.

The Syria action group should “agree on guidelines and principles for a Syrian-led political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people; and agree on actions that will make these objectives a reality on the ground,” Annan said in a statement distributed by e-mail.

I have a feeling this will probably just drag things on longer.
It took almost a year to get Saleh in Yemen to resign, even after he agreed to.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/wo...pagewanted=all

Syrian Arrests Are Said to Have Snared Tens of Thousands

DAMASCUS, Syria — After Syrian secret police officers spotted Azam at a peaceful demonstration in the heart of this city, he said, they chased him down and dragged him off to prison, where he was tortured during his 40 days in confinement.

“They take people and forget them because there are so many others coming in,” said Azam, who asked to be identified by only his first name. He said he had been detained by air force security officers, members of one of more than a dozen secret police services in Syria.

While the world’s attention has been focused on the military escalation in Syria, the government has also waged an unrelenting campaign of arrests that has snared tens of thousands of people, according to lawyers and activists in Syria and human rights groups. They say the arrests have focused on two groups: secular activists, including those organizing humanitarian aid, and men and boys from the towns that the Syrian Army has besieged or has retaken from the armed opposition.

https://womenundersiegesyria.crowdma...eports/view/61

Al-Jazeera: 1,500 women raped in prison, details one woman's sexual torture

“All the women there were in their underwear only, despite the bitter cold,” Noor said. “We were beaten, tortured with electric shocks, and raped. This became our daily routine. The shock would burn our bodies and paralyze our ability to resist before the rapes."

Noor said that military officers and their subordinates raped her many times.

“When someone said he cannot do it because he had sisters or daughters, he was told that he should obey since this was a military order, a command,” she said.

She reported other forms of torture as well. Although she felt unable to go into detail, she said that cats and rats were used in an unspecified way during the rapes. She said she is also unable to eat bread now because it reminds her of torture in the prison.

http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog

The battle to control a building in Homs

Activists posted a video that purports to show heavy clashes between government forces and members of the Free Syrian Army (al-Ansar Batallion) in the neighbourhood of Jouret al-Shayyah in Homs.

The narrator in the first footage says the clashes were taking place on Sunday. The later part of the video purports to shows clashes yesterday as Assad forces tried to reclaim control of a building in the neighbourhood.

Towards the end of the video, the narrator says that building had finally been “liberated” by the battalion last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1atI...layer_embedded


https://twitter.com/#!/Austin_Tice

Rpt frm Habeet, tiny town in Idleb. I don't have the stomach to match the video up w/ the kids' photos I took there.
10:28 PM

Local resident: Those in video killed by helicopter rockets in Habeet; others remain trapped under debris.
10:31 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/GinnySacksMole

@Brown_Moses hey, new Brigade formed in Rastan (these guys getting v organised) made up of diff battalions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRJnS...&feature=share
11:13 PM

This looks like approx 9 battalions coming under one brigade--means that 2 big brigades now operating in Rastan
11:16 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Douma: A large number of shells have falled on Amer Bin Khatab Road
11:51 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Damascus Suburbs: Douma: Massive military reinforcements, including buses and cars loaded with regime forces are on main road in Harasta and are headed to Douma
11:52 PM

Damascus Suburbs: Douma: A large number of artillery shells have fallen on Tayseer Taha street as smoke columns rise in the region
12:10 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Hammourieh: Heavy and continuous artillery shelling has been ongoing for hours in conjunction with intense gunfire by heavy weaponry, and anti-aircrafts in the farms, Ras Ain, Asa'aouri, and Beit Sawa. Residents are in a state of panic and anxiety
11:53 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Krak des Chevaliers: Fierce artillery shelling has been ongoing for hours in the city
11:58 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Homs: Krak des Chevaliers: Three people were martyred and several were injured in an attack by Shabiha of the eastern entrance of the city
12:18 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Talbiseh: The regime's army has renewed its shelling of the city in an intense and indiscriminate manner
1:27 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Harasta: Smoke columns rise begind Salah Addin mosque due to a mortar shell that fell behind the mosque, and a state of terror among residents
1:30 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Khan Sabeel: Ahmad Hasan Al-Ahmad, from Tal Karseen, was martyred due to indiscriminate shelling in the city
1:46 AM

Shelling of Talbiseh, Homs

[visionary]

http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/...ance.html#1515

Live Coverage: The Insurgents Advance

The military situation in Syria is developing quickly. From what we can tell, the Syrian military is pulling out of the mountains and is trying to establish strongholds near the major highways, particularly the roads that link Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs and Damascus, as well as the roads to the south that link Damascus to Daraa. The strategy is proving extremely costly, both in terms of regime military losses and civilian loss of life.

The ****ing media really needs to stop their 'Russia letting go of Assad stories' every week or so.
Every time they put one out, lavrov shoots that **** down the next day or even in hours.

https://twitter.com/#!/MFA_Russia

Sergey Lavrov: Any leaks to the press from the draft report on the Annan plan are evidence of unscrupulous diplomatic practices
9:45 AM

Lavrov: We disapprove of solutions imposed from outside, including on Assad's future, which is to be decided via national dialogue in Syria
9:46 AM

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Idlib : Saraqeb : FSA shoots down a helicopter near Taftanaz military airport. [via LCC]
10:41 AM

FSA statement: We have shot down a military helicopter and destroyed 6 armoured vehicles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvcIr...ature=youtu.be Khan al-Sebel, Idlib.
10:54 AM

What is the massive gun FSA has near the end of this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvcIr...ature=youtu.be cc @markito0171 @bjoernen_dk Thanks.
10:55 AM

Formation of the Eastern Region military council of the FSA which commands 27 battalions, mainly in Deir Ezzor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iseogSRNyk
12:08 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/borzou

Syria regime "lawmakers" rubber stamp Bashar law depriving public workers of salaries if they join opposition movement http://bit.ly/MVBCZT
11:20 AM

https://twitter.com/#!/Austin_Tice

Another mortar attack this morning. Another trip to the same graveyard. Another body laid to rest in the same trench.
9:30 AM

Seen some wpns and $ flow that seems to be coordinated. Haven't seen same w/ ops. Remember my view is through a straw.
12:02 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Storming of Mesha'a Al-Arba'een neighborhood by regime forces with armed vehicles and BMP vehicles
9:39 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Heavy shelling on Sultanieh and major destruction of buildings
10:40 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Mouadamyeh: Storming of the city with tanks and security vehicles and shabiha
10:41 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Houla: The fall of three martyrs due to an ambush whose bodies have been stolen by security forces. They are: Defected Recuit Abdel-Wahed Marwan Jamal from Hama, and the two young men Adnan Abdel-Kader Halak and Ahmad Abdel-Ghani
11:04 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Saqba: Storming of the city with tanks and armoured vehicles, shelling the city with heavy weapons
11:06 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Qastoun: Child Hassan Thabet Kaeed,16, was martyred under torture
11:11 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Douma: Continued shelling and firing from helicopters over Malaab area and Manfoush neighborhood and the City Centre
11:36 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Mesraba: Helicopters firing at the town
11:47 AM

Jesus, over 90 dead already!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Commitees in Syria

The number of martyrs in Syria has reached 91 so far. The regime committed two massacres against two families in both Douma in Damascus Suburbs and Asharneh in Hama, and 3 people were killed in an ambush in Hawla. 34 martyrs fell in Damascus Suburbs most of them in Douma. 21 martyrs fell in Homs, 12 in Deir Ezzor, 8 in Idlib, 8 in Hama, 6 in Daraa and 2 were reported in Damascus
11:31 AM

Protest in Waer neighborhood, Homs

[visionary]

http://brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk/20...ic-church.html

The Holy See And Senior Catholic Church Members Criticise Pro-Assad Clergy

Recently, during a meeting of the Assembly of the Reunion Of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), a number of outspoken Christian figures were criticised for the views they've been expressing about the Free Syrian Army and situation in Syria by Archbishop Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio to Damascus.

He began by describing events in Syria as a genuine popular uprising and that the majority of opposition members were not radical and certainly not anti-Christian. He said there was no systematic persecution of Christians, and that Christians had been killed alongside Alawites and Sunnis in bombings and skirmishes, but not because they were Christian. He added that to his knowledge no Christian church has been attacked as part of sectarian violence.

He then went onto denounce the alarmist rhetoric of some individuals, including:

- Archbishop Jeanbart, bishop of Aleppo
- Greek-Catholic Melkite Patriarch Gregorios III-Catholic
- Mother Agnes Mariam of the Cross

http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/topic/syria-153

about 4 hours ago
Former Syrian detainees and army defectors have identified the locations, agencies responsible, torture methods used, and, in many cases, the commanders in charge of 27 detention facilities run by Syrian intelligence agencies, Human Rights Watch said a report released today.

The systematic patterns of ill-treatment and torture that Human Rights Watch documented clearly point to a state policy of torture and ill-treatment and therefore constitute a crime against humanity, the New York-based organisation said.

https://twitter.com/#!/javierespinosa2

Efforts to evacuate civilians and wounded from Homs failed again when a rescue team could not enter affected areas (ICRC)
12:23 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/YallaIr7al

Video: FIFTEEN MEN LAY DEAD ON THE FLOOR OF THIS MAKESHIFT CLINIC. ALL MASSACRED BY ASSAD’S FORCE’S.... http://tmblr.co/ZrII2xOIZyiu
1:46 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/WashingtonPoint

One of the worst F.Zakaria pieces ever read on Moscow-Damascus-washington rltns: Circling the Wagons on Syria http://ti.me/LvHXaA via @TIME
2:23 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Protest in Mouhajreen neighbourhood of Damascus, around 100 meters away from the Presidential office https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=L-xcZ2IcQmI
12:40 PM

Abu William's famous balcony after he was arrested by Assad's mukhabarat https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater http://pic.twitter.com/tsyEbB8m
12:58 PM

He just shelled Daraa Palestinian camp this week! RT @AlArabiya_Eng Assad says Syria is under pressure because of its support for Palestine
1:29 PM

Absolutely massive shell launched on Homs, did not explode. Anyone know what this is? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mArOkm1l6FM
2:24 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qseir: Several homes were destroyed due to the heavy shelling on the city, sounds of explosions are reported in the area
1:00 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Heavy mortar shelling on Sadd neighborhood is reported
1:20 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Security forces encircled the Refugee Camps as shelling on the neighborhood continues
1:20 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Ma'art Numan: Fierce shelling on the Ma'asran and Ghadfeh villages by regime forces
1:49 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Idlib: Ma'art Noman: Mortar shelling by regime forces targetting the market. Fires erupted due to the ongoing shelling in the area
2:41 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Surbubs: Arbeen: Shelling in A'ab and the surrounding farms area by regime warplanes
1:50 PM

Even though some still refuse to blame the regime for the massacre deaths in Houla, the regime continues to shell the town and show how much they care for it's inhabitants.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Houla: Renewed artillery shelling in the city by regime tanks. At least 10 mortar shells have fallen in the city
1:53 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Karak Sharqi: Shelling by mortar is reported in the city
2:39 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Douma: The activist Subhi Mahmoud Samadi was executed on site by regime forces
2:42 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees in Syria

The number of martyrs has risen to 100 thus far. The regime committed 2 massacres in Douma (Damascus Suburbs) and A'ashraneh (Hama). 43 martyrs in Damascus Suburbs death tolls mostly concentrated in Douma, 25 in Homs, 12 in Deir Ezzor, 10 in Daraa, 9 in Hama, 9 in Idlib and 2 in Damascus
12:59 PM

Three days in a row now with over 100 killed and this was as of 2 hours ago.

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85R1JP20120628

Clinton in Russia to face off on Annan Syria plan

https://twitter.com/#!/arwaCNN

140 reported dead in syria, 90 civilians, 5 rebel fighters, 40+ govt forces...#'s show rebels more effective, but civilians pay worst price
3:14 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Formation of the "Mountain Knights" battalion of the FSA in Jabal Azzawiya, Idlib https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z32Jk7g0-i8
3:30 PM

Big craters from rocket impacts in Hama countryside http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XeKRYMFi5k&feature=plcp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCDYJBo1TwQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqYEyUE4Aw8&feature=plcp
3:35 PM

Deir Ezzor FSA capture the civil defence base. Soldier says they killed a Brigadier and more than 50 soldiers defected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZCsMSjACCM
3:56 PM

Idlib FSA capture a BMP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1sT5QZGGrM Graveyard of tanks in Rastan, Homs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMdCHBFVLAA
4:23 PM

FSA storm the Maerdebseh, #Idlib checkpoint http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw-7H...&feature=share Great quality video as well, the man filming is good.
5:12 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/Turk4Syria

Turkish TV channels debating Syria. Widespread consensus that Turkey is alone against Assad & that other neighbours protect Assad.
5:09 PM

Hearing on Turkish TV what I warned about before: Arab nations are staying silent instead of openly supporting Syrian opposition & Turkey.
5:11 PM

Arab populations should pressure their governments into taking a clear position on Syria or they'll have taken part in Assad keeping power.
5:12 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/AmbassadorRice

@ICRC_English and @RedCrescentSY, virtually the only humanitarian orgs working in Syria's hardest-hit areas, still can't get into Homs.
5:23 PM

Too many people in Syria are desperate and hungry. Offensive that aid is prevented from reaching civilians who need it to survive.
5:25 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qseir: Heavy shelling by artillery and mortar is reported on the neighborhoods of the city
3:02 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Dael: man was wounded one Kabeer Mosque, where demosntration started, was targeted with two shells
3:17 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Daraa: Dael: Three martyrs and dozens of injured fell as a result of the continuous shelling of the town by the regime's army
3:59 PM

Daraa: Sheikh Meskeen: Heavy shelling with mortars and loud explosions can be heard. Heavy gunfire by regime army's armored vehicles
4:03 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Saraqeb: Heavy and indiscriminate shelling with mortars and heavy machineguns on the city
4:04 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Basra Al-Sham: Large number of shells landing on the Old City
4:07 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Hrak: Heavy shelling on the city. The sound of shelling can be heard 15 km away
4:10 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees:

The number of martyrs in Syria has risen to 120 so far including women and children and they were distributed as follows: 42 martyrs in Damascus Suburbs, 26 martyrs in Homs, 17 martyrs in Daraa, 15 martyrs in Deir Ezzor, 9 martyrs in each of Hama and Idlib, and 2 martyrs in Damascus4:28 PM

[visionary]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/wo...an-border.html

Syrian Rebels Increasing Effectiveness in Conflict

I think the article attributes some things to the rebels that might not be their doing.
On the other and it does bring up some interesting points on the groups outside of Syria.


http://americansyrians.com/syria/pos...medium=twitter

FSA created their own safe zones

The Free Syrian Army is creating their own "safe zones" and Assad's regime forces have lost control over all of Syria except for the central parts of a few of the larger cities. Take a look at this map and explore the safe zones that the FSA have created.

https://twitter.com/#!/Mou2amara

Syria'n women are cooking & selling food in Cairo now! If anyone wants to enjoy some homecooked Syrian meals let me know!
5:37 PM

The Syria'n kitchen is one of the many projects started to support the Syria'n migrant community in Cairo Egypt.
5:44 PM

no the Syria'n women are here in Egypt. They are refugees escaping the violence.
5:49 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace

Douma is bleeding. Badly. Horrific massacres today. Execution and shelling. :'( Damascus suburbs
5:57 PM

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/i2pq2n

Damascus suburbs: Douma: A new massacre has been uncovered, executed, 14 to the moment all from the Tameh family.

The number of martyrs for Douma today has reached 39 at minimum alone.

The Tameh massacre:

From the dead are 2 entire families and there are 6 children and 2 women at minimum.

The regime forces stormed the homes of these families which are near the Tawheed Mosque, 4 entire families were gathered in the basement of a building and shot dead. Details are still coming in.

The number is expected to rise as there are 2 families who were not found, 2 other members of the Tameh family were confirmed to have died.

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Major General Faraq al-Maqt and Brigadier General Mounir Shleibi captured by FSA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly6iOt-mMbU
6:12 PM

FSA destroyed a tank in Deir Ezzor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Rqf7H8Be0
7:27 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: A'alma: Due to the intense and fierce shelling, residents are in a state of panic and anxiety. They are trying to take refuge in lower levels of builidings
4:32 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Othman: One martyr and dozens were injured due to the indiscriminate regime shelling. Six mortar shells have fallen so far
4:48 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Shelling with mortars and Doshka rockets on Al-Sad Road and the Refugee Camp and Daraa Al-Mahata
5:15 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Kafar Shams: Renewed gunfire by heavy artillery weapons followed by light bombs explosions in the sky
6:35 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Dumair: Dozens were wounded due to the regime's indiscriminate shelling in the city
6:49 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

The Local Coordination Commitees in Syria:

Thursday drew to a close with the fall of 139 martyrs, 59 in the Damascus Suburbs (most of them during the shelling in Douma), 26 in Homs, 17 in daraa, 15 in Deir Ezzor, 9 in Hama, 9 in Idlib and 2 in Aleppo
7:28 PM

http://www.extremeskins.com/showthre...94#post8951494
(First 30 days: 1,095 killed)
(Second 30 days: 1,473 killed)
(Third 30 days: (18 days in) 1,563 killed)

4,131 people killed since the ceasefire went into effect.

Pre-Ceasefire death total- 13,368
Current total- 17,497

[visionary]

http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/...5SCaYc.twitter

Why Washington and Moscow want a backroom deal over Syria

The scene is set for a Clinton-Lavrov meeting that could still ring the death knell for the Assad regime. Maybe they can pull it off; maybe they cannot. Whatever the outcome, democrats will note that Obama and Putin have something else in common: a deep wariness of the politically unquantifiable Syrian opposition and a pragmatic disinterest in the wishes of the Syrian people.

This backroom deal, if it happens, has little to do with building a democratic Syria. It has everything to do with fixing a problem that is upsetting the world order as decreed from Washington and Moscow.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion...s-7897087.html

Robert Fisk: Western agreement 'could leave Syria in Assad's hands for two more years'

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria may last longer than his opponents believe – and with the tacit acceptance of Western leaders anxious to secure new oil routes to Europe via Syria before the fall of the regime. According to a source closely involved in the possible transition from Ba'ath party power, the Americans, Russians and Europeans are also putting together a deal that would permit Assad to remain leader for at least another two years in return for political concessions to Iran and Saudi Arabia in both Lebanon and Iraq.

For its part, Russia would be assured of its continued military base at Tartous in Syria and a relationship with whatever government in Damascus eventually emerges with the support of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Russia's recent concession – that Assad may not be essential in a future Syrian power structure – is part of an understanding in the West which may accept Assad's presidency in return for an agreement that stops a further slide into civil war.

What Assad is still hoping for, according to Arab military veterans, is an Algerian solution. After the cancellation of democratic elections in Algeria, its army and generals fought a merciless war against rebels and Islamist guerrillas across the country throughout the 1990s, using torture and massacre to retain government power but leaving an estimated 200,000 dead.

Amid this crisis, the Algerian military sent a delegation to Damascus to learn from Hafez al-Assad's Syrian army how it destroyed the Islamist rebellion in Hama – at a cost of up to 20,000 dead – in 1982. The Algerian civil war – remarkably similar to that now afflicting Assad's regime – displayed many of the characteristics of the current tragedy in Syria: babies with their throats cut, families slaughtered by mysterious semi-military "armed groups", whole towns shelled by government forces.

And, more interesting to Assad's men, the West continued to support the Algerian regime with weapons and political encouragement during the 1990s while huffing and puffing about human rights. Algeria's oil and gas reserves proved more important than civilian deaths – just as the Damascus regime now hopes to rely upon the West's desire for via-Syria oil and gas to tolerate further killings.

Syrians say Jamil Hassan, the head of Air Force intelligence in Syria is now the "killer" leader for the regime – not so much Bashar's brother Maher whose 4th Division is perhaps being given too much credit for suppressing the revolt. It has certainly failed to crush it.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85R1S720120628

Syrian tanks amass near Turkish border: FSA general

A general in the rebel Free Syria Army said on Friday that Syrian government forces had amassed around 170 tanks north of the city Aleppo, near the Turkish border, but there was no independent confirmation of the report.

General Mustafa al-Sheikh, head of the Higher Military Council, an association of senior officers who defected from President Bashar al-Assads forces, said the tanks had assembled at the Infantry School near the village of Musalmieh northeast of the city of Aleppo, 30 kms (19 miles) from the Turkish border.

"The tanks are now at the Infantry School. They're either preparing to move to the border to counter the Turkish deployment or attack the rebellious (Syrian) towns and villages in and around the border zone north of Aleppo," Sheikh told Reuters by telephone from the border.

He said the tanks were mostly from the 17th Mechanised Division.

Yikes, I hope it's an exaggeration.



https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Brigadier General Methqal al-Nuami defects and joins the FSA internal joint command https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=-XCGnCtxtoc
8:03 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/Turk4Syria

The new Annan plan is very naive & shows a misunderstanding of who is ruling the coutnry behind the scenes.
9:19 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/JSchanzer

If Bashar al-Assad was in high school, he'd have a picture of Kofi Annan on the inside of his locker.
9:31 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/DSyrer

The captured Brigadier General «Munir Shleby» is apparently one of the perpetrators of the Sednaya Prison Massacre in 2008.
9:43 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

Corniche street, Homs a few minutes ago. [via Young Homsi Lens] http://pic.twitter.com/aS7aAScD
3:44 AM

FSA liberate the town of Khan al-Sebel, Idlib after two days of clashes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_JXR...ature=youtu.be
4:24 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Fierce clashes between Free Syrian Army and Regime's Army, along with heavy gunfire from Regime's Army checkpoints in Joura and Omal Neighborhoods
8:13 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Kaheel: The fall of 4 martyrs and many wounded amid the fierce shelling of the town
8:13 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Western Ghariya : A state of fear and panic has spread amongst residents after the rocket base located east of Khirbet Ghazaleh at Western Ghariya was shelled. This resulted in the destruction of homes, fires breaking out and residents fleeing some neighborhoods
12:27 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Reports of intense artillery shelling of Joorat Al-Shayah amid intense gunfire from the heavy machine guns of the regime's army
2:27 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Dumeir: The regime's army opened live fire on a funeral in the city
4:01 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Artillery shelling was renewed on the city in the neighborhoods of Muwathafeen, Jbeila and Aarfi
4:29 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Intense artillery shelling of Daraa Balad and Tareeq Sad and Mukhayim is accompanied by intense gunfire from the regime's army's heavy machine guns as they launch RPGs from the direction of Daraa Mahatta
5:06 AM

Funeral

[visionary]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/29/world/...html?hpt=wo_c1

Syrians defiant as world powers plan talks

International envoy Kofi Annan expressed optimism Friday that the latest talks on the crisis in Syria will yield "an appropriate outcome" despite a failed peace plan and relentless violence in the Middle East nation.

Diplomats prepared for a weekend emergency meeting in Switzerland as angry grass-roots momentum against Bashar al-Assad's regime spread across Syria and protesters praised the Free Syrian Army rebels with shouts of "FSA forever."

"We're confident that God's victory is near," marchers chanted Friday in nationwide demonstrations against the government.

"We will no longer kneel to anyone but God," emboldened protesters shouted near the presidential palace in central Damascus. They excoriated the al-Assad family with cries of "we are coming after you, may God curse your soul."

As the protests unfolded, the opposition Local Coordination Committees urged officers and soldiers to defect, as many already have.

"If you defect in greater numbers and sooner rather than later, you can spare Syria from further tragedies and pain," the LCC said in an appeal to the army. "Syrian young men, defect from the regime's sinking ship because the new Syria will need you to protect her people and borders."

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middle...816629594.html

Syria forces bombard opposition strongholds

Syrian government forces have used helicopter gunships and tanks to bombard opposition strongholds across the country, including towns in the northern province of Idlib and in the capital Damascus, opposition sources have said.

The attacks were reported on Friday after Mustafa al-Sheikh, a former brigadier general who defected from the Syrian army, said that about 2,500 troops and 170 Syrian tanks had assembled at an infantry school near the village of Musalmieh northeast of the city of Aleppo, just 30km from the Turkish border.

Omar Abdallah, an activist in Idlib co-ordinating with the Free Syrian Army, the main armed opposition group, said: "After taking hits in rural Aleppo and Idlib, the army is regrouping. There is speculation that these forces intend to ring Aleppo starting July 1."

Rebel sources in Turkey's Hatay border region said Assad's helicopters attacked Saraqeb, an opposition-controlled town deep in Idlib province.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85S11I20120629

Officials unable to agree on Annan Syria plan: diplomats

Senior officials from major powers and regional players failed on Friday to overcome differences on a plan for political transition in Syria put forward by mediator Kofi Annan, as Russia continued to impede consensus, diplomats told Reuters.

"It is over, we concluded the meeting. It is for the ministers to decide on it tomorrow," an Arab diplomat told Reuters after the closed-door talks ended in Geneva.

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

FSA in Khan al-Sebel, Idlib - "We have captured a BMP and destroyed 12 armored vehicles" https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=pRsbyGHZX08
1:01 PM

Painting the revolution flag on the walls of Baghdad street in the heart of Damascus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXaM2d5siT4
1:06 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Zamalkeh: Fierce clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the regime's army
10:58 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Mohsin: intense shelling of the city with the use of heavy and medium-grade weapons and several shells fell on homes
11:00 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Ain Turma: Regime's army storms the city with tanks, amid heavy gunfire
11:15 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: The bloody campaign lead by the regime's army against the city continues for the eight consecutive day with the intense shelling of most districts of the city. Over 158 have been martyred including women and children and the Red Crescent emergency reponse doctor Bashar Al-Yousef, who was killed by a sniper bullet to the head.

Over 2,000 injured individuals reside throughout field hospitals and private hospitals. Health conditions have worsened due to a lack of meical supplies and personnel and an inability to perform operations due to the continued shelling and. Homes and shops have also been destroyed due to the continued indiscriminate shelling.
11:23 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Andan: Indiscriminate artillery shelling targeting the city continues, accompanied by intense gunfire from the regime army's checkpoint
11:57 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus:Jobar:Blocking the main road with burning tires in solidarity with the stricken cities in Damascus Suburbs and to distract the aircraft that are shelling Ain Tarma and Zamalka
12:42 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa:Ataman:1 martyr and more than 20 wounded due to the heavy shelling using heavy and medium weapons
12:42 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Atareb: It is reported that helling with rockets and tank shells resumes on the city
1:08 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Tal Shehab: There was a defection in one of the security branches in this border town, and fierce clashes between those who defected and the regime army. Armored vehicles also entered the town
1:45 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

The Local Coordination Committees in Syria:

The number of martyrs has reached 54 thus far today. 13 martyrs were reported in Homs; 11 in Deir Ezzor; 10 in Hama, most of whom were martyred in the Souran massacre; 6 in Aleppo; 5 in Daraa; 4 in Idlib; 3 in Damascus Suburbs,1 in Damascus and 1 in Jableh
2:26 PM

Protesters in Idlib also giving support to the revolt in Sudan.


Protest in Ariha, Idlib

[visionary]

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticl...aspx?ID=414379

Amnesty warns against Syria “get-out-of-jail-free card”

Amnesty International on Friday urged world leaders at a Geneva conference on the Syrian conflict not to sacrifice human rights for the sake of a political settlement.

It called on Saturday's meeting "not to pursue any policy of issuing amnesty or any other similar measure for crimes under international law as part of any peace plan."

"Stopping the killing must be everyone's priority, but it would be immensely damaging should the international community be tempted to offer those responsible for crimes against humanity or war crimes a get-out-of-jail-free card," Amnesty said in a statement.

"It is UN policy that there should be no amnesty for crimes under international law," the rights group said.

"But we have already seen how this policy was ignored in Yemen, where an immunity law has been enacted, in the interest of a negotiated settlement," said Ann Harrison, the organization’s Middle East and North Africa deputy director.

https://twitter.com/Ugaritian

FSA take control of an airbase in ‪Idlib‬. Here they are using an anti-air gun http://youtu.be/fplFXadUi-c
2:38 PM

https://twitter.com/LeShaque

Breaking: Right on Damascus' western edge, Assad forces are shelling Jobar & Zamalka w/ artillery and from helicopters.
2:54 PM

https://twitter.com/Bambuser_Alert

We just chatted with ‪Homslive‬. He's injured but seems to be ok.
2:47 PM

https://twitter.com/Homsae

Danny Abdul Dayem back in ‪Homs‬ reporting from what used to be a field hospital outside of ‪BabaAmr‬ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neMbSR …
4:19 PM

https://twitter.com/AnonymousSyria

PYD gangsters in Kobani today, they injured 15 of their own people, and arrested others, like Assad http://goo.gl/RWCaJ
5:06 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Souran: 9 people were martyred in a massacre committed by the pro-regime's thugs (shabbiha) in one of the farms near the city. The names of some of the victims that were identified so far are: Mahmoud Al-Mansour, Mustafa Al-Mansour, 8 and Mohmad Mustafa Al-Mansour
2:18 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Kafr Batna: Tens wounded due to warplanes shelling the city
2:19 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: 7 people were martyred in a massacre in Hammouriya and Beit Sawa, among the victims were: Ahmad Eid Dallal, Mohamad Abdul Muoati, Mhei El-Dein Al-Beitar, Huseein Salem, Diab Khreis and Abdul Latif Diab Khreis
2:40 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Lattakia: Heavy shelling on the village of Salma and the surrounding villages
2:44 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Renewed shelling on Daraa Al-Balad
2:59 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Ildib: Several were wounded during the gunfire from heavy-graded weaponry and 20 shells landing on the city in the past half hour, in addition, several houses were destroyed and residents are in a state of panic
3:17 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Talkalakh: The shelling with all kind of weapons restarted at Krak Des Chevalier
3:28 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Othman: Abdulrahim Ibrahim Almasre and Ziyad Alfatki who's mentally ill, were martyred by a sniper's bullets. The sniper was located at the barrier of preparatory, it's important to know that more than 15 mortars fell at the town
3:37 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees in Syria

The number of martyrs in Syria thus far reached 65 including 10 children, 13 martyrs in Homs, 12 in Hama, 11 in Deir Ezzor, 10 in Damascus suburbs, 7 in Daraa, 6 in Aleppo, 4 in Idlib and a martyr in each Damascus and Jableh
4:27 PM

[visionary]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012...?newsfeed=true

At Syria's border, after months of waiting, the weapons arrive

The guerillas of northern Syria are waiting for another special delivery. When it comes, any day now, it will make the same journey as the two previous shipments that have made their way here, across crop fields worn brown by the sun, up a steep and ragged concrete road and into a decrepit police station that is fast becoming one of the Syrian revolution's most important clearing houses.

Here in this tiny village, men from all over the country have sought refuge. Some have stayed just long enough to be fed and watered before making the last leg of their journey to the safety of Turkey. Others have made this town of 5,000 home, arriving with their families and military weapons that they donated to the rebel cause.

Until last month, scrimping and scrounging weapons from defectors was the only way to resupply a tired and outgunned rebel army. But that changed in May, something the guerilla leadership readily acknowledges.

"True the weapons came," said one Free Syria Army commander, Abdul-Rahman Hallak, sitting in the old police station's meeting room. "There have been around 5,000. That's true too. But it is not enough to win a war."

With the arrival of the weapons, this unlikely town's importance as a hub has only increased. The nearest regime forces are more than 12 kilometres away and have not dared to enter since November. On the other side, the four kilometres to Turkey is a haven of olive groves and potato fields – ideal backdrop for smuggling runs. The 16 kilometre stretch is a buffer zone in all but name; the weapons that are now making their way here cannot possibly do so without Turkish consent.

Defectors now know that this town is their quickest way to safety and have been flocking here from around Syria in large numbers

https://twitter.com/Turk4Syria

PKK has released a number of hostages, among them a Kurdish politician of the AKP; sign of goodwill ahead of meeting between Erdogan & Zana.
5:16 PM

1 colonel & his family and 3 wounded among total of 87 Syrians who entered Turkey today.
5:54 PM

https://twitter.com/NMSyria

FF to our Smurf @TheBaghdaddy who left his home in Michigan and sneaked into Syria with medical supplies and aid. He's still there.
7:32 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Latakia: Violent cannon bombardment at Marj Alzawiya village was reported with gunfire in most of the neighborhoods of the city
3:50 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Dael: Regime army targetted the evening demonstration by mortars for the second week respectively
3:50 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Daraa: Dael: Random mortar bombardment at the city by regime army
4:34 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Shaikh Miskeen: Cannon shelling by regime forces destroyed some houses in the city
4:39 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qusair: Many injured and some houses were destroyed by violent shelling at Josiya and Zarra'a villages
4:53 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus suburbs: Erbin: Random shelling at houses reported with war planes flying in the sky of the city
4:55 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus suburbs: Dhumair: Regime armored vehicles were moving at the road of Damascus Baghdad, and random gunfire from armors and barriers was reported coinciding with strange movements in Dhumair military airport. Violent mortars shelling restarted at the houses
4:57 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Nahiet Al-Sour: The Free Syrian Army announced that it has control over the area, and has declared it a liberated area
5:27 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Marj Al-Sattan: Revolutionaries from the Ghouta area attacked the military airport and destroyed several planes inside
5:38 PM

http://www.lccsyria.org/9189

The Local Coordination Committees in Syria

Friday came to a close with 70 martyrs, among them more than 10 children. 13 martyrs were reported in Homs, 12 in Deir Ezzor, 12 in Hama, 11 in the Damascus Suburbs, 7 in Idlib, 7 in Daraa, 6 in Aleppo, 1 in Jableh, and 1 in Damascus

http://www.extremeskins.com/showthre...94#post8951494
(First 30 days: 1,095 killed)
(Second 30 days: 1,473 killed)
(Third 30 days: (19 days in) 1,633 killed)

4,201 people killed since the ceasefire went into effect.

Pre-Ceasefire death total- 13,368
Current total- 17,567

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85T02Q20120630

U.N. publishes report on Iran arms trade with Syria

A U.N. Security Council committee has published a report on Iranian sanctions violations, including shipments of weapons to Syria in breach of a U.N. ban on weapons exports by the Islamic Republic.

The Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions on Iran for refusing to halt its nuclear enrichment program, which the United States, European Union and their allies suspect is at the heart of a weapons program. Iran rejects the allegation and refuses to halt what it says is a peaceful energy program.

The report appeared on the committee website on Thursday, diplomats told Reuters on Friday. The report, which Reuters reported on last month, said that Syria remains the top destination for Iranian arms shipments.

http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syr...rs-could-reach

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was uncertain that world powers could reach a power transition deal to halt the bloodshed in Syria

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Saturday he was uncertain that world powers could reach a power transition deal to halt the bloodshed in Syria, as Russia and China remain opposed.

"We haven't reached agreement in advance with Russia and China. That remains very difficult and whether it will be possible, I don't know if this will be possible," he told reporters on arriving at the United Nations in Geneva for talks on the crisis hosted by international envoy Kofi Annan.

https://twitter.com/MagdyBasha123

Seems like FSA is targeting airports across Syria... Reports of FSA attacks on airports (one in Aleppo and another in Damascus)
2:15 AM

https://twitter.com/GinnySacksMole

‪Assad‬ - We demand the release of Abu William from ‪Homs‬http://www.facebook.com/abo.william.ho …‪
2:34 AM

https://twitter.com/LisaatSky

Un sec general just arrived ‪#syria‬ talks in geneva with a wave for cameras
2:37 AM

https://twitter.com/WilliamJHague

Calling on all countries here in Geneva to back tough new effort to stop the violence and start a political transition in Syria
3:54 AM

Starting the talks in Geneva with a meeting with UN/Arab League Envoy Kofi Annan
3:52 AM

https://twitter.com/Libyan4life

Im tired of watching news on Syria. Its literally DISGUSTING to watch these men politicking while people are massacred
4:05 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Al-Ashira: Multiple wounded were reported after the regime's army stormed the village for the third time in a row
6:10 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Tamanaa: Intense artillery shelling of the funeral procession of martyrs of Souran Massacre
7:14 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Maardes: Rocket bombardement from Grain Mill in Maardes town in the direction of Tamania Village
7:15 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Nahyeh: Fierce artillery shelling and intense gunfire amid launched rockets by regime forces is reported in the village and its surrounding
8:12 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Intense shelling by heavy weaponry by regime forces stationed at Quban checkpoint which is located between Ma'ardes and Tabiba Amam. The shelling was followed by very intense gunfire from Shilkas
8:24 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Laja: Warplanes are shelling the city right now
10:00 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Hola: Dozens were wounded due to the regime's rocket and mortar shelling in the village. A large number of homes are on fire due to the shelling
10:04 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Mayer: Ahmed Yousef Masri, 70, was martyred due to the indiscriminate shelling by regime forces in the city
10:08 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: A large number of military reinforcements arrived and went in the direction of Al-Hweqa neighborhood. The reinforcements include 5 cars carrying security forces and Shabiha, in addition to 5 armored vehicles, which had taken off from Al-Talaee Camp and went toward the neighborhood
2:52 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Deir Ezzor: Al-Soor: Regime military aircraft have dropped at least 10 rockets thus far on Al-Qareem
3:31 AM

[visionary]

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/3581...ato-forces.htm

Syria vs. NATO: A Breakdown Of Forces

With heated talk of foreign military intervention in Syria rising, it makes sense to take time for a calm comparison of the forces arrayed against one another in the Middle East. After all, the process of determining the future of the country is drawing interest from numerous, heavily armed powers, both within the region and without.

http://www.businessinsider.com/weapo...se-contributor

Attack Helicopters From Moscow Are On Their Way Back To Syria Aboard A Russian Ship

RIA-Novosti reported Thursday that three Mi-25 gunships are en route to the beleaguered country and should arrive “within days.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/wo...w-nytimesworld

Palestinians in Syria Are Reluctantly Drawn Into Vortex of Uprising

It doesn't really mention the defections from the Palestinian Liberation Army or the shelling by the government of the Palestinian refugee camp in Daraa.


https://twitter.com/osmansrt

In Geneva, outside the talks Syrian people demands their rights and are trying to make their voice heard by the mnstrs pic.twitter.com/pg8Pe6al
10:16 AM

https://twitter.com/Turk4Syria

Assad's army is currently bombing Azaz in Aleppo province near the Turkish border.
11:05 AM

https://twitter.com/abuhatem

EU oil embargo on Syria caused Syria to sell it via Iranian ships, well tomorrow EU oil embargo hits Iran- Syrian regime deprived of oil rev
11:48 AM

Syrian regime uses its oil revenue to fund its military and security services. The more we starve the beast the better.
11:49 AM

UPDATE 1:00 PM EST:

https://twitter.com/petersbeaumont

We have an agreed text from the Syria meeting in Geneva. Waiting now for thedeclaration
12:53 PM

Annan saying members of pres gov and oppossition can be members of transitional Syrian gov. Annan: all parties must immediately end violence. Annan: for people of Syria to come to an agreement. running out of time.
1:01 PM

Looks as though Russians have got what they were looking for Syrian ownership of transition. not sure if opposition will sign on for this
1:02 PM

https://twitter.com/abuhatem

From what I saw in the draft - the U.S. has shifted towards the Russian opinion again. This happened multiple times at the UNSC also.
1:07 PM

https://twitter.com/LizSly

Result in from Action Group on Syria in Geneva: Russia 3, US 0. But we're not even at half time yet.
1:07 PM

****ing hell....
Not that I expected much to come out of this.
Better nothing that's clearly nothing, than nothing that looks like something.


https://twitter.com/Turk4Syria

Annan & other diplomats are shamelessly congratulating each other in front of the cameras. Disgusting!
1:05 PM

We failed to do anything meaningful, but let's laugh & shake hands and pretend we did a wonderful job...
1:06 PM

Today's statement from Geneva is more insulting & infuriating than anything I can remember in the past months.
1:21 PM

https://twitter.com/Brown_Moses

Annan might as well have sat there in silence for 15 minutes for all the effect that announcement will have.
1:06 PM

https://twitter.com/HamaEcho

There is a huge massacre in the Damascus suburbs this week, mass executions and very heavy shelling on Douma, and a massacre in Zamalka now.
1:04 PM

There is at least 20 dead after Assad's thugs attacked a funeral in Zamalka, ‪Damascus‬. Big lack of medical supplies so deaths will increase
1:11 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

DeirEzzor:Heavy Shelling on Sa'e's hospital
4:52 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa:Naimeh:Several houses were totally destroyed due to the heavy shelling on the town
4:57 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib:Jeser Shoghour:Heavy artillery shelling by helicopters on Satan and Basherieh towns along with 9 rockets fall on the city
6:13 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Idlib: Heavy clashes between Free Syrian Army and regime's army in the city after the defection a number of soldiers from the regime's army. They joined the Free Syrian Army
7:17 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Irbeen: Heavy shelling with warplanes on the city10:21 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Kafar Aleppo: An entire family of three people were injured with shrapnel during bombing in the town from regime's army 46 troop, while they were trying to flee the town
10:27 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qosair: Heavy artillery shelling on the villages of Saloumiyeh, Kamam and Esh Al-Warwar
10:52 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus: Hamouria: Military checkpoints placed in the town withdrew, amid intense gunfire. Residents fear bombing the town using war
9:45 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Damascus Suburbs: Hamouria: A woman was martyred from being shot directly in the head by regime's army. Three people were severely injured during the storming of the city by regime's army
11:20 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Zamalka: More than 20 were martyred and hundreds wounded due to a car exploding in the funeral procession of the martyr, Abdulhadi Al-Halabi. Bodies of martyrs are in the streets and tens are wounded
12:50 PM

Darn those terrorists blowing up their own funerals...oh wait.

[visionary]

INTERNATIONAL

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85T0H720120630

World powers agree on Syria unity government

International powers agreed on Saturday that a national unity government should be set up in Syria to resolve the conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and opposition forces trying to oust him.

Peace envoy Kofi Annan said after the talks in Geneva that the government should include members of Assad's administration and the opposition. But it was not immediately clear what role, if any, was envisaged for Assad.

"It is for the people to come to a political agreement but time is running out," Annan said. "We need rapid steps to reach agreement. The conflict must be resolved through peaceful dialogue and negotiations."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85T0I720120630

Clinton says Syria deal means Assad must go

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday strongly endorsed a new international plan for a political transition in Syria, saying it would send a clear message to President Bashar al-Assad that he must step down.

https://twitter.com/denisfitz

Listening to Annan presser, didn't get impression there was any major breakthrough. Mostly generalities. Agreed need for transition. Did not call for Assad to step down, or say that he couldn't be part of a transition. Calls for elections but no timeline.
1:15 PM

Annan: I'm not really happy, but content with outcome today.
1:22 PM

Annan: I hope within a year we will see real results
1:30 PM

https://twitter.com/HamaEcho

No problem, just another 15,000 dead. At least 24 million Syrians left. RT @denisfitz Annan: I hope within a year we will see real results
1:31 PM

One year .... One ****ing year. What sort of drugs does Annan take?
1:39 PM

Bunch of mother****ers meet up every few weeks, decide what's best for us on our behalf, come up with a **** plan, call it a "success".
1:46 PM

https://twitter.com/abuhatem

Hillary: the formation of a transitional governing body with powers that is inclusive and chosen with mutual consent.
1:36 PM

Hillary: Plan for free and multi-party elections.
1:36 PM

https://twitter.com/eliselabottcnn

Geneva communiqué on ‪Syria‬ nothing but diplomatic fig leaf. Nothing on ‪Assad‬. Syrians decide, ust like ‪Russia‬ wants.Wont change stats quo
1:38 PM

https://twitter.com/HalaGorani

Annan announcement met with near universal incredulity. Why would Assad agree to a transition that ultimately removes him from power?
1:45 PM

https://twitter.com/mannoush

I am disgusted with the world we live in today..shame on the international community for turning a blind eye on Assad crimes in Syria
2:02 PM

We must support and aid the free Syrian army to put an end to Assad's brutal criminal regime for once and for all.
2:23 PM

https://twitter.com/LeShaque

Annan shrewdly modified his plan so that the situation resolves itself before his new deadline is up.
2:24 PM

So what happens when Syrians keep protesting and dying despite the presence of a national unity government, or lack of it?
2:28 PM

https://twitter.com/jeffemanuel

I mean, seriously. This guy just keeps talking. RT @Reuters: Annan says he expects Assad to cooperate with Syria plan http://reut.rs/MgQNz5
2:29 PM

IN SYRIA


http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...85T04520120630

Syrian forces push into Douma, residents flee

Syrian government forces pushed their way into Douma on Saturday after weeks of siege and shelling, and fleeing residents spoke of corpses in the streets of the town near the capital Damascus.

The residents said hundreds of people were fleeing the town as government forces swept the streets in search of rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.

They reported many bodies buried under the rubble of houses in the town of half a million people, 15 km (10 miles) from Damascus.

"I saw at least three bodies on a street corner, some houses were destroyed, others were on fire. Only a few people remained inside the city. Those who can, leave," the 50-year-old said by telephone from a nearby town.

"I saw a body on the side of the street and dogs were gathering around it, it was really horrible ... we are all living as refugees inside our country," he added.

Abdullah left in a convoy of 200 people from his neighborhood. He said eight people were packed into each car. They passed through four checkpoints where soldiers in "full gear" eyed their identity cards before allowing them through.

God damn you, Bashar.
Douma used to have the biggest protests in Syria a few months ago.



https://twitter.com/DougPologe

Jordan tightened entry restrictions along Syrian border amid concerns that refugees could bring the conflict with them. http://goo.gl/dkrVQ
1:32 PM

https://twitter.com/HamaEcho

Defection of Colonel Ahmad Khalaf in Deir Ezzor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM6It2 … and Colonel Fayez al-Rahal… in Homs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOAm4_
1:40 PM

https://twitter.com/DamascusSYR

BREAKING: Well known soccer player turned activist in ‪Homs‬ Abdul Baset Saroot arrives to ‪Ramtha‬ in ‪JO‬ wounded w/ 4 bullets. He's stable.
1:45 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees in Syria.

The number of martyrs in Syria has reached 85 so far. 29 martyrs were reported in Damascus Suburbs, most from the Massacre of Zamalka. 15 martyrs were reported in Deir Ezzor, 11 in Hama, 10 in Daraa, 9 in Idlib, 7 in Aleppo and 4 in Homs
1:27 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qosair: Heavy shelling on the city and agricultural lands, more than 20 rockets have landed so far
2:10 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Hawla: Columns of smoke can be seen due to heavy shelling on the town
2:11 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Talbiseh: Renewed heavy artillery shelling with mortars and heavy cannons on the city. The shelling is concentrated on the Qala'a, the City Centre and the Southern neighborhood
2:12 PM

Protest in Salamiyeh, Hama

[visionary]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/s...,1272694.story

Russia's Lavrov delighted at Syria meeting outcome

GENEVA (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was "delighted" at the outcome of crisis talks on Syria held in Geneva on Saturday and that the document agreed on did not imply Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should step down.

https://twitter.com/emmasuleiman

Car exploded during a martyr funeral in ‪Damascus‬ causing 37 death, now Assad media will say opposition killed them selves!
2:54 PM

Can I ask Mr. Annan 1 question? Can his new plan allow me go home see my dying mother or I won't be able to see her before she dies?
2:56 PM

https://twitter.com/KareemLailah

His brothers went out, carrying his dead body to his grave. Later on, they joined him all together. ‪#ZamalkaMassacre‬
3:01 PM

https://twitter.com/AmalHanano

Let's wait another year, maybe then there will be no one left in ‪#Syria‬ asking for freedom or anything else. Sounds like a great plan.
2:55 PM

You know when people say "never again"? It's when what they've sworn against has already happened but they ignored it.‬ ‪EmptyWords‬
2:59 PM

1 year ago: You walk in a martyr's funeral only to be shot & become a martyr. The next day someone else will be shot in your funeral.
3:06 PM

Today: You walk in a martyr's funeral & everyone around the martyr is killed. Will more masses be killed at tomorrow's mass funeral?
3:09 PM

https://twitter.com/GraceChaoui

I shudder at the thought of ‪#ZamalkaMassacre‬ death toll inevitably rising. Over 200 people injured & not enough doctors or medical equipment
3:30 PM

Why is Geneva trending? ‪#ZamalkaMassacre‬ should be the headline today
3:01 PM

https://twitter.com/abuhatem

Some people are still trapped in the cemetery in Salamiyeh after being fired upon during the funeral.
2:48 PM

One killed and at least 5 shot in Salamiyeh by the Syrian army. Syrian army, "protector of minorities" is now killing minority areas.
2:56 PM

Here is the video of the Syrian army firing on protesters in the city of Salamiyeh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvtbOk … Video no. 2 of Salamiyeh protest being shot at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVd7-8
3:27 PM

1 dead in Salamiyeh, 17 injured, 2 of them in critical condition.
3:47 PM

This is the martyr Ali Qatrib. After mourning Ali al-Fakhuri killed by Assad army, Syrian army shot his arms off!
3:56 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees in Syria

The number of martyrs in Syria has reached 100 so far. Of them, 35 were reported in Damascus Suburbs, most in Zamalka. 16 martyrs were reported in Deir Ezzor, 13 in Hama, including martyrs from Salamiyah, 12 in Daraa, 10 in Idlib, 7 in Aleppo, 6 in Homs and 1 martyr in Lattakia
3:00 PM

https://twitter.com/Bambuser_Alert

LIVE NOW: Very intense gunfights in Daraa, Syria: http://bambuser.com/v/2793732 http://bambuser.com/v/2793785
4:16 PM

Zamalka Funeral+Explosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyD0h...ature=youtu.be


Shelling of Jouret Al-Shayeh neighborhood, Homs

[visionary]

https://twitter.com/#!/HalaGorani

Dear lord: "Mass Killing Reported in Douma http://nyti.ms/L90KPn
5:12 PM

A year ago, I walked down a street in Douma where the brave few who talked to me in secret said they feared they'd be massacred one day.
5:25 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/HamaEcho

@BSyria @GDoumany I hope he along with the wonderful Douma co-ordination team got out safely.
4:15 PM

Deir Ezzor FSA capture tanks http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=MvXRnWQuejw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC4H_iKnsiI Say they have captured 7 in total.
4:37 PM

Colonel and three other officers from the Nuami family defect https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=kDQ51LX9Xkc After a relative General defected https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=-XCGnCtxtoc
5:36 PM

Formation of the "Martyrs of Harb Nafse" battalion in Rastan under shelling http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4FLU_axwn4
6:05 PM

Douma FSA destroyed two tanks that tried to storm the city https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ychf...w&feature=plcp
6:14 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/GinnySacksMole

An urgent appeal has gone out to all Doctors in Damascus to help those injured in Zamalka -100's needing urgent medical help
5:01 PM

Cold shivers watching report from ITV, feels like you are watching old WWII film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnXM7...layer_embedded West inaction is a war crime
6:22 PM

Going to retreat into FSA news of operations/defections/formations - only thing that gives me hope
6:23 PM

FSA attack on helicopters at airport base (unknown location - to me) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTEg...hannel&list=UL
6:15 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/InshaatReporter

@GinnySacksMole south-east to Damascus on the way to the international airport Marj al Sultan is a small village there
6:24 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/dimam78

Reinforcements just entered Darayya, coming from the direction of Moadamiyah.
6:12 PM

Tweets about Darayya coming straight from friend there who just barely escaped a mortar that dropped nearby.
6:13 PM

UPDATE: At least 3 fallen heroes and 10 wounded due to mortar shelling in Darayya Damascus
6:29 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Sahl Ghab: Shelling with tanks on the villages of Huwaiz and Huwaija from the surrounding checkpoints and shelling with machineguns from Rasif checkpoint
4:02 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Qosair: Very heavy shelling by rocket launchers on the villages of Sima Arjon and Hamidiyah
4:06 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Kafr Zeta: Young Abdulrahman Abdulrahim Mohammed Khalaf Al-Talfah was marytyred while trying to defect from security forces in Idlib
4:17 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Daraa: Regime's army is shelling the city with warplanes
4:41 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Bazza'a: Fatima Al-Khalil and her son Abdullah were both martyred in the bombardment of their town by the regime's army
5:00 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Deir Asafir: Renewed and indiscriminate artillery shelling on the city
5:28 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Mesraba: Many shells landed in the city
5:29 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Aleppo: Atareb: Regime's army is shelling the city. This is after the bombing of the municipal building and the building of the area's Directorate
7:12 PM

[visionary]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012...lan?CMP=twt_gu

Syria rebels: 'There is no peace and there is no plan'

Before Saturday's United Nations summit on Syria, some supporters of the country's opposition had their own plan – of sorts – to stop the unfolding catastrophe. It ignored the ongoing high-stakes diplomacy and any other talk of internationally brokered peace. All-out war, said activists, exiles and guerrillas alike, was now the only way to bring an end to the chaos in Syria.

Talking had done nothing but allow the Syrian regime to buy time and consolidate, the dissidents said. After almost 16 months' fighting in town squares and on battlefields, it was time to follow through with a momentum that many Syrians in southern Turkey and border areas controlled by rebel forces now feel is with them.

"There is no peace and there is no plan," said Ahmed Julak, 39, from a hospital bed in the southern Turkish city of Antakya, where he is recovering from a broken leg he sustained while smuggling ammunition into Syria.

https://twitter.com/#!/PJCrowley

The agreement reached by the world powers is a good action plan on paper, but the parties in Syria are unlikely to actually follow it.
6:54 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/jfoleyjourno

Excellent ITV report on utter destruction and massacres in Douma- can clearly hear Syrian war planes http://youtu.be/UnXM7ej0COk
7:22 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/Austin_Tice

Jobdr FSA cdr said they're losing 4-6 cas/day from shells/helos combined. Considering firepower going into there, not impressive #s for Gov.
9:09 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/mannoush

Assad's thugs said from day one,either Assad or will burn Syria to the ground.Assad will die and we will rebuild Syria from the ground up
10:16 PM

https://twitter.com/#!/CitizenGeo

Today, while coming back from work, I saw a column of smoke above our neighborhood & a heli was hovering over
9:16 PM

It was normal .. we are getting used to it. My friend from Homs told me "this is how it begins" .. it's a gradual process
9:19 PM

Our clergymen hold part of the responsibility of the continued bloodshed in Syria. Their silence has emboldened the slaughterer
9:30 PM

I have plans to leave Syria in the next few months .. like many friends. It's neither safe nor sensible to stay here
9:38 PM

I can still hear the explosions .. it's like every 5 or 6 minutes .. have to go for now .. see you
10:54 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Zamalka: Another massacre. It is an obvious public violation and a challenge to the world and human rights organisations, which have so far failed to take a stand suitable for the great sacrifices of the Syrian people. Today, the city of Zamalka has witnessed a massacre which resulted in 85 martyrs, including a doctor who was trying to help the wounded.

The Local Coordination Committees have documented 40 names so far, the residents are unable to identify the rest of the bodies.

Also, over 300 people have been wounded, most of the in critical conditions. To this moment, the city is witnessing sporadic gunfire and a terrible humanitarian situation due to a severe lack in medical supplies. As a result, field hospitals are unable to contain everyone. It is important to note that tens of the residents are still missing.
9:28 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Local Coordination Committees in Syria

Saturday witnessed many violations by the criminal regime, where 174 martyrs fell, including 97 martyrs in Damascus Suburbs including 85 martyrs only Zamalka. 16 martyrs were reported in Deir Ezzor, 16 in Daraa, 14 in Hama, 12 in Idlib, 9 in Aleppo, 7 in Homs,2 in Damascus and 1 in Lattakia.
9:25 PM

Damn Assad and all his inner circle to hell.
And damn the world for playing their games and doing nothing.
How many more days like this?
How many tens thousands need to die?
How many cities have to be destroyed?


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Damascus Suburbs: Harasta: Intense gunfire and shelling by regime forces stationed at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the city and is concentrated in al-Qaboon
11:26 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Halfaya: Intense gunfire by regime warplanes that are flying over the city
11:50 PM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310
Hama: Halfaya: Regime forces raided the city with tanks and BMB vehicles amid intense gunfire
12:33 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Fierce shelling in the city by regime warplane flying over Jobar and Sultanieh
12:32 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Homs: Intense shelling by regime forces in Talbesieh and Ghanto by mortar shells
12:32 AM

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?p...17848338242310

Hama: Qastoon: Intense gunfire by regime tanks, artillery, and heavy weapons has been ongoing in the town since last night and until now. Residents are fleeing the town in fear of shelling
1:17 AM

http://www.extremeskins.com/showthre...94#post8951494
(First 30 days: 1,095 killed)
(Second 30 days: 1,473 killed)
(Third 30 days: (20 days in) 1,807 killed)

4,375 people killed since the ceasefire went into effect.

Pre-Ceasefire death total- 13,368
Current total- 17,741