Turkey seeks world action as Syria’s Homs bleeds

Syria’s army pounded the rebel city of Homs on Wednesday as Turkey sought international action to protect civilians from former ally President Bashar al-Assad, a move that risks the wrath of Russia and China. (more…)

Turkey mediated in release of 11 kidnapped Iranians in Syria

Syria’s Free Syrian Army has said Turkey mediated the release of 11 kidnapped Iranians, expressing gratitude to Turkey for its help and support for the rebel army.

Gunmen kidnapped 11 Iranian pilgrims heading to the Syrian capital from Turkey last Wednesday. The group of 35 pilgrims was traveling on a bus outside the central city of Hama when armed men ambushed the group. (more…)

M.E. officials attack Russia, China, urge cutting ties with Syria

ARAB leaders and officials have attacked the UN after Russia and China blocked a resolution condemning the Damascus regime, as Tunisia urged the world to cut diplomatic ties with Syria.

Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali said Moscow and Beijing’s actions showed the veto system of the Security Council was flawed (more…)

French court asked to rule on genocide bill

France’s Constitutional Council has been asked to determine whether a bill concerning the mass killings of Armenians a century ago violates the constitution. (more…)

GCC, Turkey urge Syria to accept Arab League peace plan

The Arab plan, which envisages President Bashar al-Assad transferring power to his deputy and the formation of a national unity government within two months, has been rejected by Syria. (more…)

Turkey ready to work with UN on Syria , says FM

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said Turkey will support any decision the Arab League will take on Syria even if the decision involves UN intervention to bring about an end to the bloodshed .
“I would like to announce that we will support the decisions made at a critical meeting of the Arab League this afternoon ( on Syria) (more…)

Analysis: The cost of Syria’s crackdown

Could the country’s economic decline, spurred on by the protests, pose a graver challenge to al-Assad than the uprising?

Turkish Foreign Minister in Beirut for Visit

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived in Lebanon Saturday morning for talks with Lebanese officials, National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Davutoglu , who arrived at the Rafik Hariri International Airport on board a private jet from Turkey , headed for the presidential palace for talks with President Michel Suleiman. (more…)

Syria bars “Freedom Convoy” from delivering aid

Organizers say Syrian authorities have barred hundreds of activists from crossing into the country to deliver aid to victims of the Syrian regime’s deadly crackdown on anti-government dissidents. (more…)

Russian Ship Carrying Arms Reached Syria, report

A Russian ship, allegedly carrying tons of weapons, made a dash for Syria after Cypriot officials allowed it to leave their waters, Turkish officials said Thursday.

The ship had made an unscheduled stop in Cyprus Tuesday, technically violating an EU embargo on arms shipments to Syria, which has killed thousands in a crackdown on dissent. (more…)