Syrian troops storm restive town

Syrian activists say troops firing from machine guns mounted on tanks have stormed a rebellious town in central Syria.

They say the tanks and armored vehicles entered Rastan early Tuesday and dozens of troops have deployed on the town’s streets. (more…)

Muallem accuses West of seeking to ‘dismember’ Syria

Western nations are trying to unleash “total chaos” in Syria that will lead to the break-up of the country, Syria’s foreign minister told the UN on Monday.

With Europe and the United States pressing for UN Security Council sanctions against Syria, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem (more…)

Travel: Washington Monument closed indefinitely

Washington, DC- The National Park Service said Monday that the Washington Monument will be closed indefinitely and that the 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August had done more damage to it than had been previously disclosed. (more…)

4 Syrian army deserters shot dead

Security forces have shot dead four soldiers trying to desert, as China voiced concern over events in Syria and Damascus accused the West of trying to unleash ‘total chaos’ in the country.

‘Four soldiers in Maar Shamsa in (northwestern) Idlib were shot dead while trying to flee the Wadi Deif military camp, (more…)

UN Security council to take up Palestinian bid Wednesday

The U.N. Security Council will meet Wednesday to start the process of formally considering the Palestinian request for membership in the world body, the council president said Monday.

Lebanese Ambassador Nawaf Salam, who holds this month’s rotating presidency, (more…)

Mutilated woman, slain brother become symbols of Syria’s pain

Zainab Alhusni was a simple seamstress in Syria, well-loved by all her neighbors and friends. Now, in a tragic turn of events, she has become a symbol of the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation.

Ban forces Syria to cut oil production

Syria has told foreign oil companies to cut production due to a backlog of crude that has filled its storage capacity because the government has been so far unable to bypass an embargo on crude oil exports imposed by the European Union. (more…)

Patriarch Rai to tour the US starting Oct 4

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai will head to the US on a tour from October 4 until October 23, National News Agency ( NNA) reported on Monday.

Rai’s visit to the state of Washington was cancelled, according to NNA. (more…)

Freed US hikers describe harrowing ordeal in Iran

Two American hikers being held in an Iranian prison got a big surprise one day after their exercise routine: Instead of being blindfolded and led back to their cell, they suddenly heard the words, “Let’s go home.” (more…)

Clinton: Mikati says Lebanon will fulfill its international obligations

U.S. Secretary of State was told by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a meeting in New York Monday that Lebanon will fulfill its international obligations .

“We discussed many international issues including Lebanon and the prime minister has assured me that Lebanon will meet its international obligations,” Clinton said after their meeting. (more…)