Syria's President Denies Ordering Deadly Crackdown On Protests -- Wall Street Journal/AP
BEIRUT—Syria's president denied he ordered the deadly crackdown on a nearly nine-month-old uprising in his country, claiming he isn't in charge of the troops behind the assault.
Speaking to ABC's Barbara Walters in a rare interview that aired Wednesday, President Bashar Assad maintained he did not give any commands "to kill or be brutal."
"They're not my forces," Mr. Assad responded when asked if Syrian troops had cracked down too hard on protesters. "They are military forces [who] belong to the government. I don't own them. I'm president. I don't own the country."
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MIDDLE EAST
Opposition groups report clashes in northern Syria.
Assad denies responsibility in Syrian crackdown. Syria’s Assad says he didn’t order crackdown on demonstrators.
Iran explosions prompt speculation of secret attacks.
'Arab Spring' is at critical juncture-IMF Chief.
Yemen PM says government imminent, U.N. warns on civilians.
Israel ex-President Katsav begins jail term for rape.
ASIA
Karzai says Kabul attack was plotted in Pakistan.
Afghanistan: 19 killed in Helmand roadside bomb.
'Silent coup' rumors swirl as Zardari leaves Pakistan.
Pakistan's Zardari in hospital 'for heart condition'.
Outrage grows over air pollution and China’s response.
AFRICA
Muslim brotherhood claims another victory in Egyptian elections.
Libya authorities 'to disarm Tripoli by 31 December'.
U.S. troops deploy in LRA rebel hunt: Ugandan Army.
Kenyan military reports dozens killed in multiple engagements with Somali militants.
Congo president wins in kind of ‘coup d’etat’.
Western nations now on the sidelines at Sudan talks.
6-year-olds working in gold mines in Mali, says Human Rights Watch.
EUROPE
S&P threatens downgrade for Europe bailout fund.
Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'.
Mikhail Gorbachev calls for a new vote in Russia. Putin takes formal step to regain Kremlin top job.
Russia chides Clinton over election criticism.
Romania ratifies U.S. missile shield agreement.
AMERICANS
Brazil's economic growth stalls in third quarter.
Mexico blames gangsters for casino tragedy, but clears others.
Despite Army takeover, fear strong in Mexican town.
Colombians stage big anti-Farc protests.
Mexico says Gadhafi son tried to enter country.
Political protesters in Guyana clash with police.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Experts: Al-Qaida minting few militants online.
Military a growing terrorist target, lawmakers warn.
Insider: $56 billion later, airport security is junk.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
China warns of 'severe challenges' to exports to West.
Bill Gates developing nuclear reactor with China.
Billionaires with 1% tax rates.
Why Congress is warming up to ban on insider trading.
Economic troubles in Europe and U.S. start to affect Asia.
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