Smoke from shelling, reportedly by government forces, in Aleppo on Thursday. Reuters
Syrian Government’s Forces Gain, But A Siege War Goes On -- New York Times
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Syrian government forces have recently ousted rebels from a string of suburbs outside Damascus, threatening their yearlong control of territory south of the capital city, cutting supply lines and surrounding strongholds that one fighter called their “last castle” in the area.
Around the northern city of Aleppo, rebels are also newly on the defensive. They are demanding that all fighters mobilize against a government offensive or face consequences in Islamic courts.
These recent battlefield successes — allowing the government to threaten rebel strongholds in and around Syria’s two main cities — prompted Syria’s prime minister, Wael al-Halqi, to declare on Thursday that the government was heading for an “astounding victory,” just as President Bashar al-Assad prepares for peace talks that the United States and Russia hope to convene by year’s end.
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MIDDLE EAST
Assad gaining ground in Syrian civil war.
4 Syrian generals among 31 dead in rebel bomb attack.
Top Syrian rebel commander Abdul Qadir al-Saleh dies.
Syrian air defenses ‘harass’ Turkish aircraft by putting them under radar lock: General Staff.
Iranian dissidents say Iran has built secret new nuclear site.
Israel steps up rhetoric ahead of Iran talks.
Netanyahu to lobby world powers against Iran nuclear deal.
Eight police killed in south Yemen ambush.
Saudi denies contact with Israel on Iran.
ASIA
Draft security pact with U.S. is headed to Afghan assembly of tribal and civil leaders.
Humanitarian crisis looms in Philippines.
Philippines' Aquino 'tempted to despair' at typhoon toll.
Japanese Air Force put on alert after Russian bomber fly-by.
Pakistan plans to try former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for ‘high treason’.
Indonesia recalls its Australian ambassador alleging phone-taps on President Yudhoyono.
New Maldives leader vows stability after crisis, protests.
Summit ends amid demands for war crimes inquiry against Sri Lanka.
AFRICA
Nigeria: 29 Islamists killed in two raids. Soldiers raid Boko Haram stronghold in Nigeria.
Chad starts military campaign against rebels in Darfur.
Libyan militia expelled from capital.
Libya spy chief Mustafa Nuh freed 'by Zintan militia'. Military chief in Libya's Benghazi escapes assassination.
Sudan says it killed deputy Darfur rebel leader.
Britain suspends aid to Malawi over corruption and whistleblower murder.
Government: Mandela remains in stable, critical condition.
EUROPE
Irish President Higgins to make first state visit to UK.
France's Hollande in Israel for Iran-focused visit.
Manhunt after gun attacks in Paris.
Russia seeks clues over plane crash that killed 50. Russia crash jet 'fell vertically'.
Russian court grants bail to activist held over Greenpeace Arctic protest.
Ukraine stops buying Russian gas.
Vatican tasks outside firm EY to check finances.
AMERICAS
Obama to brief senators as Iran talks resume.
Argentina's Fernandez eases back to presidential duties after surgery: government.
Toronto council poised to strip mayor of powers.
After a year of talks, Colombia, rebels inch toward peace.
Chile election: Bachelet and Matthei go to second round.
Incredible pictures of Midwest tornado devastation after SIXTY twisters killed eight people and destroyed Illinois town.
Welcome to Honduras, the most dangerous country on the planet.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
‘Al-Qaeda bioweapons expert’ secretly held for 3 years in Israel with no trial.
Militant behind Volgograd suicide bombing killed in Russia's Dagestan.
Counter-Terrorism: The sest friend and worst enemy of Islamic terrorists.
U.S. drone strikes down since curbs were imposed.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stocks resume rise with Dow clearing 16,000; S&P 500 above 1,800.
Dubai Air Show: Boeing leads order books race.
Virtual currencies vulnerable to money laundering: U.S. Justice.
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