Russia said it was surprised that the United States was backing an "odious" resolution at the UN Human Rights Council condemning the Syrian regime's use of foreign fighters, saying it undermined peace efforts.   "To my huge astonishment, we have learnt that apart from the...

Along with no-fly zone plans, the White House is considering arming parts of the Syrian opposition and formally recognizing the Syrian opposition council, reports Josh Rogin. The White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for a no-fly zone inside Syria that would be enforced by...

This piece is part of " Obama and the Middle East: Act Two ," a series of policy proposals for the president's second term by Washington Institute fellows. The Assad regime's brutal suppression of the Syrian uprising has spurred a humanitarian disaster, with the United Nations now...

 Awakened by the sound of gunfire, Ahmad could hear the armed men knocking on his brother's door, shouting insults and calling the family "dogs". Ahmad's sister-in-law said the gunmen told her husband to "bow to your god, Bashar" -- the Syrian president. She and her husband and...