Bashar Al-Assad

U.S., UN Horrified by Photo Evidence of Syria War Crimes

Photos which show that Syrian government officials committed war crimes are 'horrible to look at,' says State Dept. Spokeswoman.

Syria's FM: Assad's Future a 'Red Line'

"Nobody can touch the presidency," declares Syrian Foreign Minister as he arrives for "Geneva II" talks.

New Photo Evidence Shows Assad's Gruesome War Crimes

A new report offers photographic evidence that Syrian government officials committed systematic torture and killing.

Syria: West Reaches Out to Assad Over Jihadists

Syrian official: growing concern over rebel forces, including foreign jihadis, has caused the West to reach out to Assad.

48 Besieged 'Palestinian Refugees' Starve in Syria

Al-Yarmouk camp besieged by Syrian army for months, death toll up to 48 as PA Arabs protest on Temple Mount.

Turkey: Assad and Jihadists Are 'Partners'

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu claims that the Assad regime is collaborating with Al-Qaeda affiliate ISIS.

Lebanon Shoots At Syrian Warplanes For First Time

Syrian warplanes violating Lebanese airspace to raid pro-rebel area hit by Lebanon; follows Saudi military aid pledge.

Report Reveals Assad's 'Secret Iraq Oil Lifeline'

Revelation shows Assad's Syria regime propped up by crude oil imports from Iraq slipping past sanctions via an Egyptian port.

White House Condemns Assad Over Aleppo Attacks

White House condemns the Syrian government over its recent air raids on Aleppo that have left more than 300 dead.

Russia: West Understands that Assad is Better than Rebels

Russia's Foreign Minister says that Western diplomats are increasingly saying that Assad is better for Syria than Islamists.

Syria: No One Can Stop Assad from Running Again

Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister reacts to Russian criticism about Assad's declared intentions to seek re-election in 2014.

Moscow Criticizes Assad for Announcing Election Hopes for 2014

Regime's Russian ally issues rare criticism of embattled Syrian president over announcements of his intent to re-run for office.

Former IDF Head: Israel Prefers Assad to Islamist Rebels

Dan Halutz, Israel's former Chief of Staff, says that while Assad regime is 'bad', the alternative could be even worse.

Assad Forces Capture Key Town, Open WMD Routes

Syrian army seizes town on Damascus-Homs highway, allows shipment of supplies and chemical weapons for disposal.

US 'Knew About Rebel Chemical Weapons, Acted Selectively'

Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist reveals proof that US administration knew both sides had weapons; officials deny claims.

Opposition 'Finance Minister' Says War Cost Assad $25 Billion

Syrian opposition's 'Finance Minister': foreign funding for Assad regime renders sanctions ineffective.

Expert: Syrian Chemical Weapons' Could Pollute Mediterranean Sea

800 tons of chemicals to be dumped by US forces into the Mediterranean at the end of the month; expert warns it might damage ecology.

UN Human Rights Chief Says Assad Ordered War Crimes

Despite mounting evidence of massive human rights violations, UNHRC head's statements the first time Assad directly blamed.

Assad's Government Agrees to Attend Geneva Talks

Syrian government will participate in Geneva peace talks but declares that Assad will not “hand over power.”

Geneva II Syria Talks Announced for January

UN announces Assad's regime and opposition forces will hold peace talks in January as fighting rages on.

Syrian Rebels Unite, Call for Islamic State

New Syrian rebel group merges rebel factions, declares wish to replace Assad with fundamentalist republic - but leaves out Al Qaeda.

Syrian Rebels Agree to Attend Geneva Peace Talks

Syrian National Coalition agrees to attend the proposed Geneva II conference, but sets some conditions.

Lebanese Media: Assad 'Weak' for Not Attacking Israel

Lebanese satire program represents Syrian President Bashar Assad as weak, ineffective for inability to respond to IAF air strikes

Report: Hezbollah Preparing for 'Battle for Damascus'

Was Hezbollah "withdrawal" a diversion? Terror group reportedly preparing for massive battle around Damascus.

Assad: Western Backing of Rebels Must Stop

Foreign support for rebels must stop for peace to take place, Assad tells visiting UN envoy.

Assad: Not Ruling Out Running for Re-election

"I don't see any reason why I shouldn't run in the next election," says Syrian President in television interview.

Assad: 'I Should Have Received the Nobel Peace Prize'

Lebanese newspaper also quotes Syrian President telling palace guests he didn't need chemical weapons to "shut Israel up."

Syria: Army of Islam Continues to Expand

An additional combat unit joins forces with the "Army of Islam," comprised of over 50 combat units, to become a major force against Assad.

Erdogan: 'Syria's Assad is a Terrorist, Not a Politician'

One who "killed 110K of his people is a terrorist," Turkish PM Erdogan said after Assad warned Turkey would pay for involvement in Syria war

Assad Places War Jets in Iran for Safety

German intelligence agents say Syrian jets are parked in Iran; Iran sent elite troops to support Assad’s forces.

Syria: 'Excellent Start On Chemical Disarmament'

"It was an excellent first day, with stress on the word 'first'," said a Damascus official of Syria's chemical disarmament.

Assad: I've Made Mistakes

Syrian President admits that he has made “mistakes”, but continues to refuse to talk to the "terrorist" rebels.

Assad: If People Object, I Won't Run for Re-election

During a TV interview, the Syrian President seems indecisive about upcoming elections and will depend on the call from the Syrian people.

Syrian FM: We Intend to 'Reclaim' the Golan

Despite the war, for Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, there is only one problem of Syria's fit to be discussed at the UN – Israel.

Assad: We'll Adhere to the UN Resolution

Syria will adhere to United Nations accords on its chemical weapons, President Bashar Al-Assad tells an Italian television channel.

Peres: I Doubt Assad Ever Read Anne Frank's Diary

President Shimon Peres compares the gassing of millions of Jews during the Holocaust to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Syrian FM: Assad Will Not Step Aside for Anyone

There will be no government in Syria without Bashar al-Assad as its leader, said Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem

Syria Rejects Possibility that Assad will Step Down

President Bashar Al-Assad's future is "not up for discussion," Syrian Foreign Minister declares.

Defense Minister says Assad Must Go

Moshe Yaalon says the lack of a moderate alternative, has prevented Israel from openly pressing for regime change in Syria.

Assad Promises Full Compliance With Weapons Inspectors

Syrian president says he will comply with Russian-brokered deal over chemical weapons, but warns "rebels" could attack inspectors.

Syrian Officer: Assad Told Me to Use Chemical Weapons

Syrian officer who defected to rebels says President Assad gave orders to use chemical weapons.

Video Reveals Key Iranian Role in Syrian Civil War

Remarkable footage includes insight into daily routine of Iranian fighters in Syria, includes interview with Iranian commander.

Syria Expert says 'Assad Can Potentially Win this War'

It's been 3 years since the revolution began in Syria; the rebels' failure to become a real force will give Assad the victory.

Assad: U.S. Threat of No Bearing on Chemical Decision

In an interview with Russian state TV, Syrian President says Russia alone convinced him to cede his cache of chemical weapons.

Assad Celebrates Birthday as Rebels Rue 'Dirty' Chemical Deal

A Russian plan to stave off a U.S. strike may give the Syrian President cause for celebration. Rebels view the deal with contempt.

Ya'alon: Assad Had Better Not Get Us Involved in Syria

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon reiterates that Israel will do whatever it needs to do defend its citizens.

Assad: US Should 'Expect Anything' if it Attacks

The United States needs to be prepared for “every action” if it attacks Syria, says Bashar al-Assad in an interview with US television.

Report Says Syria Has 1,000 Tons of Chemical Weapons

A report Monday said that Syria had plenty of chemical weapons, and is likely to use them if attacked by the U.S. or Western countries.

Syria Amassed Chemical Stockpile with Western Help

Leaked cables: The Assads amassed their chemical weapons with help not only from Russia and Iran, but also from the West.

Ya'alon: There Are Consequences to Action, and Inaction

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said that Israel needed to be ready for any scenario that develops in Syria - no matter what the US does

Kerry on Assad: The Evidence Speaks for Itself

U.S. Secretary of State dismisses Syrian President's claims that there is no evidence he used chemical weapons against his own people.

Assad: No Evidence against Me

Syrian strongman says there is no evidence showing his forces are responsible for chemical attacks.

Report: Assad May Not Have Known About Chemical Weapons Use

German report claims that Bashar al-Assad may not have known about the use of chemical weapons against Syrians.

Pope Francis Launches Anti-War Campaign

As US President Obama campaigns for support for military intervention in Syria, Catholic leader rallies opposition.

Former Iranian President: Assad Attacked His Own People with Gas

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani breaks with Iran's tradition of protecting Assad, says the Syrian leader used chemical weapons.

Peres: Assad will Disappear – One Way or the Other

Syrian president ‘has lost the right to be a leader,’ Peres declares.

Switzerland: Syria Tried to Buy WMD Technology

Assad regime sought a vacuum pump, valves and a bioreactor but was rejected, says Bern.

Assad: Striking Syria Could Lead to a Regional War

Syrian President challenges the world to provide proof that his regime attacked civilians with chemical weapons.

British MPs Reconsidering Rejection of Syria Action

British parliamentarians are reconsidering their rejection of military action on Syria last week, and may hold another vote

Report: Obama Delayed Attack to Get Russia 'On Board'

Report claims reason for the US delay on a Syria attack was to allow Obama to persuade Russia to help remove Assad from office.