Syrian Opposition Council Struggles for Legitimacy
Disconnect from conflict on the ground saps confidence in overseas political movement.
5 Jul 12
Middle East
Turkey Awakens, But Still Cautious on Syria
Alarm at downing of Turkish fighter plane, but no appetite for military intervention.
29 Jun 12
Iraq Bombs Deliberate Ploy to Incite Sunni-Shia Conflict
Mainstream politicians on all sides agree on the threat, but critics say they should set example of unity themselves.
21 Jun 12
Non-Violence Still Best Hope for Syrian Opposition
Opposition divided between advocates of violent and peaceful means of resolving conflict.
11 Jun 12
Arab Unrest Drives Iraqi Refugee Return
Government says its resettlement programme has boosted numbers, though main driver seems to be fear of violence in host states.
23 May 12
Homs Activist Pessimistic About UN Observers
Rate of shelling has fallen since United Nations team arrived in the area, but locals fear government forces will hit back with a vengeance when monitors leave.
1 May 12
Syrians More United Than World Believes
Opposition may be diverse, but it shares common distress about the past and hope for the future.
25 Apr 12
UN Syria Mission Doomed To Fail, Experts Say
Number of monitors too small to affect regime’s actions.
20 Apr 12
Syrian Opposition Sceptical of Ceasefire
Critics of peace plan warn it might give President Bashar al-Assad breathing space to consolidate control.
16 Apr 12
Iraqi Women Trained in Ad Agency Skills
Enhancing financial management forms part of efforts to build female-run advertising and design agency.
5 Apr 12
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