belfasttelegraph

Tuesday 21 May 2013

In Pictures: Syria's war within

A general view shows damaged cars at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
A general view shows damaged cars at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
A general view shows burnt cars at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
A general view shows burnt cars at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
A Syrian child is helped following an explosion in the northern city of Aleppo, on February 20, 2013. The UN says at least 70,000 people have been killed in the near two-year conflict, and puts the number of Syrians who have fled their homeland at more than 850,000.
A Syrian child is helped following an explosion in the northern city of Aleppo, on February 20, 2013. The UN says at least 70,000 people have been killed in the near two-year conflict, and puts the number of Syrians who have fled their homeland at more than 850,000.
Syrian rescue teams and onlookers gather at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
Syrian rescue teams and onlookers gather at the scene of a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
Syrians shout slogans against violence as they stand next to the crater caused by a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
Syrians shout slogans against violence as they stand next to the crater caused by a powerful car bomb explosion near the headquarters of Syria's ruling Baath party in the centre of Damascus on February 21, 2013. The blast sent thick smoke billowing across the capital's skyline, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, a watchdog and media reported.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces deploy themselves in the streets of Syria's second city Aleppo on February 20, 2013.'The clashes around Kwayris military airport were fierce today, and there were also intermittent battles around Aleppo international airport and Nayrab military air base,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' director Rami Abdel Rahman told.
Syrian government forces patrol the streets of a district under their control in Syria's second city Aleppo on February 21, 2013. A powerful car bomb exploded close to ruling party offices in Syria's capital, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and State television reported.
Syrian government forces patrol the streets of a district under their control in Syria's second city Aleppo on February 21, 2013. A powerful car bomb exploded close to ruling party offices in Syria's capital, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and State television reported.
A Syrian girl cries following an explosion in the northern city of Aleppo, on February 20, 2013. The UN says at least 70,000 people have been killed in the near two-year conflict, and puts the number of Syrians who have fled their homeland at more than 850,000.
A Syrian girl cries following an explosion in the northern city of Aleppo, on February 20, 2013. The UN says at least 70,000 people have been killed in the near two-year conflict, and puts the number of Syrians who have fled their homeland at more than 850,000.
Syrians look at what remains of a tent which caught on fire, at the Zaatari desert refugee camp in northern Jordan on February 19, 2013. A fire swept through the tent killing a seven-year-old Syrian girl and wounding her father and her two brothers, triggering a riot in the compound, an official said. Jordan says it is hosting around 380,000 Syrian refugees, including some 83,000 in Zaatari, which has seen frequent protests, mainly over poor living conditions.
Syrians look at what remains of a tent which caught on fire, at the Zaatari desert refugee camp in northern Jordan on February 19, 2013. A fire swept through the tent killing a seven-year-old Syrian girl and wounding her father and her two brothers, triggering a riot in the compound, an official said. Jordan says it is hosting around 380,000 Syrian refugees, including some 83,000 in Zaatari, which has seen frequent protests, mainly over poor living conditions.
Syrian government forces take position in a heavily damaged street of a district under their control in Syria's second city Aleppo on February 21, 2013. A powerful car bomb exploded close to ruling party offices in Syria's capital, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and State television reported.
Syrian government forces take position in a heavily damaged street of a district under their control in Syria's second city Aleppo on February 21, 2013. A powerful car bomb exploded close to ruling party offices in Syria's capital, killing dozens of people and causing widespread destruction, before a nearby military headquarters came under mortar attack, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and State television reported.
A rebel fighter carries a rifle as he stands in front of a Soviet-made tank T 55 tank abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter carries a rifle as he stands in front of a Soviet-made tank T 55 tank abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter holds his rifle as he poses in front of a Soviet-made tank T 55 tank abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter holds his rifle as he poses in front of a Soviet-made tank T 55 tank abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter jumps of from a Soviet-made tank T-55 abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter jumps of from a Soviet-made tank T-55 abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of al-Yaqubia in northern Syrian, on February 2, 2013. A renewed global push to iron out sharp differences over how to end the conflict in Syria after the foreign minister of close Damascus ally Russia held his first direct talks with Syria's opposition leader.
A rebel fighter stands in front of a building after they took over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A rebel fighter stands in front of a building after they took over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Rebel fighters flash the V-sign for victory as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Rebel fighters flash the V-sign for victory as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A family watches as rebel fighters drive past as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A family watches as rebel fighters drive past as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrians women sing victory songs as they celebrate after rebel fighters took over their village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrians women sing victory songs as they celebrate after rebel fighters took over their village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Rebel fighters gather close to a former pro-Syrian regime sandbag bunker painted in the colours of the Syrian flag after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Rebel fighters gather close to a former pro-Syrian regime sandbag bunker painted in the colours of the Syrian flag after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A rebel fighter helps their leader, who was injured during shelling by pro-Syrian regime forces, as he board a small boat that will take them across the Orontes river to Turkey near the northern Syrian town of Darkush on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A rebel fighter helps their leader, who was injured during shelling by pro-Syrian regime forces, as he board a small boat that will take them across the Orontes river to Turkey near the northern Syrian town of Darkush on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian women look on as rebel fighters drive past celebrating celebrating after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian women look on as rebel fighters drive past celebrating celebrating after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A Syrian boy flashes the V-sign for victory as others sing victory songs as they celebrate after rebel fighters took over their village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
A Syrian boy flashes the V-sign for victory as others sing victory songs as they celebrate after rebel fighters took over their village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters flash the V-sign for victory as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebel fighters flash the V-sign for victory as they celebrate after taking over the village of Aljanodiya, northwestern Idlib province, following fighting against pro-Syrian regime forces, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition chief Moaz al-Khatib said he is ready for dialogue with officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, subject to conditions including that some 160,000 detainees are released. The United Nations says more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrians dance during a demonstration against the regime in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrians dance during a demonstration against the regime in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian government troops take position in a heavily damaged area in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on January 12, 2013. Syrian rebels overran Taftanaz airbase in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in a significant advance, as talks between the UN peace envoy and US and Russian officials failed to make headway on ending the conflict.
Syrian government troops take position in a heavily damaged area in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on January 12, 2013. Syrian rebels overran Taftanaz airbase in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in a significant advance, as talks between the UN peace envoy and US and Russian officials failed to make headway on ending the conflict.
Syrian government troops take position in a heavily damaged area in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on January 12, 2013. Syrian rebels overran Taftanaz airbase in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in a significant advance, as talks between the UN peace envoy and US and Russian officials failed to make headway on ending the conflict.
Syrian government troops take position in a heavily damaged area in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on January 12, 2013. Syrian rebels overran Taftanaz airbase in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in a significant advance, as talks between the UN peace envoy and US and Russian officials failed to make headway on ending the conflict.
A UN Jeep crosses the border between Israel and Syria on January 31, 2103 a day after an overnight Israeli strike in the Lebanon-Syria border area. Iran's deputy foreign minister said that the alleged Israeli air strike on a Syrian military research facility a day earlier will have 'grave consequences.'
A UN Jeep crosses the border between Israel and Syria on January 31, 2103 a day after an overnight Israeli strike in the Lebanon-Syria border area. Iran's deputy foreign minister said that the alleged Israeli air strike on a Syrian military research facility a day earlier will have 'grave consequences.'
A Syrian university student-turned-rebel makes a victory sign from his post in an ancient building located just 50 metres from the base of Aleppo's citadel in northern Syria on November 8, 2012. A defiant President Bashar al-Assad has rejected calls he seek a safe exit, vowing he would 'live in Syria and die in Syria,' as fighting raged in the country.
A Syrian university student-turned-rebel makes a victory sign from his post in an ancient building located just 50 metres from the base of Aleppo's citadel in northern Syria on November 8, 2012. A defiant President Bashar al-Assad has rejected calls he seek a safe exit, vowing he would 'live in Syria and die in Syria,' as fighting raged in the country.
A placard reading at left 'Winter has arrived in Syria, Bread and Blankets' hang on one of the supply trucks of the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) on January 3, 2013 in Istanbul. IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation sent 850 tons of flour to Syria.'Bread&Blanket for Syria' campaign is supported by nearly 200 NGOs including Union of Civil Society Organizations of the Islamic World, Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association of Turkey (MUSIAD), Turkish Volunteer Institutions Foundation, Humanitarian Aid Foundation (IHH), Deniz Feneri Association, Cansuyu Aid Association, Yardimeli Association, Ensar Foundation, Verenel Association and Istanbul International Brotherhood and Assistance Association.
A placard reading at left 'Winter has arrived in Syria, Bread and Blankets' hang on one of the supply trucks of the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) on January 3, 2013 in Istanbul. IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation sent 850 tons of flour to Syria.'Bread&Blanket for Syria' campaign is supported by nearly 200 NGOs including Union of Civil Society Organizations of the Islamic World, Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association of Turkey (MUSIAD), Turkish Volunteer Institutions Foundation, Humanitarian Aid Foundation (IHH), Deniz Feneri Association, Cansuyu Aid Association, Yardimeli Association, Ensar Foundation, Verenel Association and Istanbul International Brotherhood and Assistance Association.
Children from the refugee 'Camp of Palestine' in Syria's central city of Homs watch a United Nations (UN) convoy on January 21, 2013. The United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) announced a series of reports from Syria this week underlining the terrible price children are paying in a conflict that has ravaged the country for 22 months and left more than 60,000 people dead, according to UN figures.
Children from the refugee 'Camp of Palestine' in Syria's central city of Homs watch a United Nations (UN) convoy on January 21, 2013. The United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) announced a series of reports from Syria this week underlining the terrible price children are paying in a conflict that has ravaged the country for 22 months and left more than 60,000 people dead, according to UN figures.
Israeli troops and UN peacekeepers inspect on November 8, 2012 the area where three mortar shells fired from Syria landed in Alonei Habashan in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. The incident, which caused no damage or injuries, is the latest in which fighting between rebels and government forces in Syria has crossed over into the Israeli-annexed strategic plateau.
Israeli troops and UN peacekeepers inspect on November 8, 2012 the area where three mortar shells fired from Syria landed in Alonei Habashan in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. The incident, which caused no damage or injuries, is the latest in which fighting between rebels and government forces in Syria has crossed over into the Israeli-annexed strategic plateau.
A woman takes in picture her kid playing with snow balls in front of a giant poster featuring Syria's president Bachar al-Assad on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
A woman takes in picture her kid playing with snow balls in front of a giant poster featuring Syria's president Bachar al-Assad on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
People walk past a poster featuring Syria's president in a street covered with snow on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
People walk past a poster featuring Syria's president in a street covered with snow on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
People walk past a poster featuring Syria's president in a street covered with snow on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
People walk past a poster featuring Syria's president in a street covered with snow on January 10, 2013 in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Snow carpeted Syria's war-torn cities but sparked no let-up in the fighting, instead heaping fresh misery on a civilian population already enduring a chronic shortage of heating fuel and daily power cuts.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Israeli troops and UN peacekeepers inspect on November 8, 2012 the area where three mortar shells fired from Syria landed in Alonei Habashan in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. The incident, which caused no damage or injuries, is the latest in which fighting between rebels and government forces in Syria has crossed over into the Israeli-annexed strategic plateau.
Israeli troops and UN peacekeepers inspect on November 8, 2012 the area where three mortar shells fired from Syria landed in Alonei Habashan in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967. The incident, which caused no damage or injuries, is the latest in which fighting between rebels and government forces in Syria has crossed over into the Israeli-annexed strategic plateau.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Syrian people cross the border between Syria and Turkey on November 8, 2012, to enter the town of Ceylanpinar in Turkey. Two Turkish nationals were injured on November 8, 2012 in Ceylanpinar, a district bordering Syria in the southeastern province Sanliurfa, after fierce clashes broke out between Syrian opposition fighters and regime forces, both battling for control of a region in the far northeastern corner of the country. The clashes broke out early in the morning in the Rasulayn region of Syria's al-Hasakah province, a few hundred meters from Ceylanpinar, whose residents could hear the sound of mortar fire and intense shooting across the border.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Rescue workers cover a corpse under the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Rescue workers cover a corpse under the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch bulldozers clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch bulldozers clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian rebels and bystanders watch a bulldozer clean the debris outside Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, northern Syria, on November 22, 2012. The latest toll brought the count of people killed in Syria after 20 months of violence to more than 40,000.
Syrian regime forces stand near the bodies of rebels outside a cement factory in the strategic district of Sheikh Said in the northern city of Aleppo on February 3, 2013. Syrian warplanes raided Sheikh Said after insurgents seized the neighbourhood, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding that fierce clashes pitted insurgents against troops in the heart of Syria's second city.
Syrian regime forces stand near the bodies of rebels outside a cement factory in the strategic district of Sheikh Said in the northern city of Aleppo on February 3, 2013. Syrian warplanes raided Sheikh Said after insurgents seized the neighbourhood, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding that fierce clashes pitted insurgents against troops in the heart of Syria's second city.
Syrian regime forces take position outside a cement factory following clashes with rebels in the strategic district of Sheikh Said in the northern city of Aleppo on February 3, 2013. Syrian warplanes raided Sheikh Said after insurgents seized the neighbourhood, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding that fierce clashes pitted insurgents against troops in the heart of Syria's second city.
Syrian regime forces take position outside a cement factory following clashes with rebels in the strategic district of Sheikh Said in the northern city of Aleppo on February 3, 2013. Syrian warplanes raided Sheikh Said after insurgents seized the neighbourhood, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding that fierce clashes pitted insurgents against troops in the heart of Syria's second city.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Former war crimes prosecutor Carla del Ponte (R) stands next to head of the UN's Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro (C) during a press conference on October 25, 2012 at the United Nation Offices in Geneva. Carla del Ponte, a member of a UN commission investigating rights abuses in Syria, said Thursday that war crimes and crimes against humanity were happening in war-torn Syria.
Former war crimes prosecutor Carla del Ponte (R) stands next to head of the UN's Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro (C) during a press conference on October 25, 2012 at the United Nation Offices in Geneva. Carla del Ponte, a member of a UN commission investigating rights abuses in Syria, said Thursday that war crimes and crimes against humanity were happening in war-torn Syria.
A Free Syria Army (FSA) soldier keeps an eye on the road ahead where a government regime sniper is positioned at a building overlooking two main roads in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 24, 2012. Peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said that Syria and 'most' rebel chiefs have agreed to a truce this week, boosting hopes of a breakthrough in the conflict, but the main armed opposition group was sceptical.
A Free Syria Army (FSA) soldier keeps an eye on the road ahead where a government regime sniper is positioned at a building overlooking two main roads in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 24, 2012. Peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said that Syria and 'most' rebel chiefs have agreed to a truce this week, boosting hopes of a breakthrough in the conflict, but the main armed opposition group was sceptical.
Syrian rebel fighters stop a vehicle at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebel fighters stop a vehicle at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A picture shows a heavily damaged house following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A picture shows a heavily damaged house following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels play football at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels play football at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels take position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels take position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels take position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels take position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Sacks of wheat burn following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Sacks of wheat burn following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects damages following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man inspects damages following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels patrol in a vehicle that used to belong to the Syrian police in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels patrol in a vehicle that used to belong to the Syrian police in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebel fighters gather at a security checkpoint in Syria's northern Latakia province on February 3, 2013. At at least 15 people, including five children and a woman, were killed in a missile attack by the army on a rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Syrian rebels stand guard outside a church in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels stand guard outside a church in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel stands guard near destroyed shops in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel stands guard near destroyed shops in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Sacks of wheat burn following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Sacks of wheat burn following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian men walk past destroyed shops following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian men walk past destroyed shops following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels play football in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels play football in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian men ride a motorcycle past damages following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian men ride a motorcycle past damages following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel plays football with comrades at an empty school in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man salvages belongings from a destroyed house following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian man salvages belongings from a destroyed house following air strikes by regime forces in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel takes position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel takes position in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels stand guard outside a church in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
Syrian rebels stand guard outside a church in the town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A picture shows destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A picture shows destruction following air strikes by Syrian regime forces in the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain near the border with Turkey on November 16, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition while fighting raged inside Syria.
A Syrian rebel fires his assault rifle against a Syrian government forces positos in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on November 15, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition.
A Syrian rebel fires his assault rifle against a Syrian government forces positos in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on November 15, 2012. France raised the prospect of providing Syria's rebels with defensive weapons as Turkey joined it and the Gulf Arab states in recognising the newly unified opposition.
Displaced Syrian refugees flash the victory sign at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees flash the victory sign at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
A Displaced Syrian boy gets a haircut at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
A Displaced Syrian boy gets a haircut at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrians prepare food outside their tent at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrians prepare food outside their tent at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
A displaced Syrian woman sits with her children outside their tents at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
A displaced Syrian woman sits with her children outside their tents at a makeshift refugee camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees gather outside their tents at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees gather outside their tents at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees play football at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees play football at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees play football at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
Displaced Syrian refugees play football at a makeshift camp along the Turkish border in the village of Atme in the northwestern province of Idlib, on January 31 2012. Syria's main opposition group was to meet in Cairo, a day after a surprise statement from its chief that he was willing to hold talks with regime officials, a Syrian National Coalition member said.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of the Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of the Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
GRAPHIC CONTENT A man identifies the body of his relative in the grounds of the courtyard of the Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
GRAPHIC CONTENT A man identifies the body of his relative in the grounds of the courtyard of the Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
A man fires his gun in the air during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
A man fires his gun in the air during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men look for their relatives amongst the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men look for their relatives amongst the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
People carry the body of a deceased man during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
People carry the body of a deceased man during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
People carry the body of a deceased man during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
People carry the body of a deceased man during a funeral procession in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 30, 2013. Syria's opposition charged that 'global inaction' was giving Bashar al-Assad's regime a license to kill, a day after dozens of young men were found shot execution-style in the city of Aleppo.
GRAPHIC CONTENT A man displays the body of a young Syrian civilian, executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, as it lays in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
GRAPHIC CONTENT A man displays the body of a young Syrian civilian, executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, as it lays in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men pray over the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
GRAPHIC CONTENT Men pray over the bodies of Syrian civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq river, in the grounds of the courtyard of a Yarmouk School, in the Bustan al-Qasr district of Aleppo, on January 29, 2013. The bodies of at least 65 young men, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in Aleppo city, adding to the grim list of massacres committed during Syria's 22-month conflict.
Syrian rebels of the Al-Karama batallion man a checkpoint in an alleyway in the northern city of Aleppo on November 8, 2012. A defiant President Bashar al-Assad has rejected calls he seek a safe exit, vowing he would 'live in Syria and die in Syria,' as fighting raged in the country.
Syrian rebels of the Al-Karama batallion man a checkpoint in an alleyway in the northern city of Aleppo on November 8, 2012. A defiant President Bashar al-Assad has rejected calls he seek a safe exit, vowing he would 'live in Syria and die in Syria,' as fighting raged in the country.
A Syrian rebel stands next to an armoured vehicle under a bridge during shelling by regime forces in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
A Syrian rebel stands next to an armoured vehicle under a bridge during shelling by regime forces in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels make victory signs as they take position in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels make victory signs as they take position in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels gather under a bridge during shelling by regime forces in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels gather under a bridge during shelling by regime forces in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels take position in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels take position in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels patrol an area in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
Syrian rebels patrol an area in the northwestern Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughur on January 25, 2013. More than 60,000 people have been killed in violence across Syria since an anti-regime revolt morphed into an armed insurgency after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad launched a brutal crackdown on dissent.
International peace envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi attends a meeting on Syria at the Arab League in Cairo, on November 12, 2012. Syria's newly united opposition launched a push for diplomatic recognition at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, buoyed by the hard-won unity deal among the disparate factions.
International peace envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi attends a meeting on Syria at the Arab League in Cairo, on November 12, 2012. Syria's newly united opposition launched a push for diplomatic recognition at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, buoyed by the hard-won unity deal among the disparate factions.
Standing in front of a row of plastic tents a young boy flashes the V-sign in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near the northern city of Azaz on December 5, 2012. The internally displaced faced further misery as heavy rain was followed by a drop in temperatures. The United Nations estimated late October that more than 2.5 million people have been affected by the fighting in Syria. There are more than 348,000 Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries, but many more are unregistered.
Standing in front of a row of plastic tents a young boy flashes the V-sign in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near the northern city of Azaz on December 5, 2012. The internally displaced faced further misery as heavy rain was followed by a drop in temperatures. The United Nations estimated late October that more than 2.5 million people have been affected by the fighting in Syria. There are more than 348,000 Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries, but many more are unregistered.
A Rebel fighter fires at a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
A Rebel fighter fires at a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
Rebel fighters try to locate a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
Rebel fighters try to locate a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
A Rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
A Rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
Rebel sniper takes aim at a target in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
Rebel sniper takes aim at a target in the city of Aleppo on January 18, 2013. UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned that Syria is in a 'death spiral', as his top humanitarian and human rights officials pleaded with the UN Security Council to take firmer action.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
A Syrian rebel fighter helps women cross the road at a check point in Aleppo's old city on January 16, 2013. Syria's transport sector has lost 3.6 billion Syrian pounds ($391 million/294 million euros) since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad broke out in March 2011, state media reported.
A Syrian rebel fighter helps women cross the road at a check point in Aleppo's old city on January 16, 2013. Syria's transport sector has lost 3.6 billion Syrian pounds ($391 million/294 million euros) since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad broke out in March 2011, state media reported.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels prepare missiles for launch near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels gather near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Syrian rebels gather near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab, 30 kilometres from the northeastern Syrian city of Aleppo, on January 16, 2013. Universities were closed across Syria to mark a day of mourning called after twin blasts tore through an Aleppo campus while students were writing exams, killing at least 87 people.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
Turkish soldiers stand guard in Akcakale by the Turkish-Syria border on October 4, 2012 in southern Sanliurfa province. Turkish artillery hit targets near Syria's Tel Abyad border town for a second day today, killing several Syrian soldiers according to activists and security sources, after a mortar bomb fired from the area killed five Turkish civilians. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of going to war with Syria, hours after parliament authorised possible cross-border attacks.
A rebel fighter fires towards Syrian government forces in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
A rebel fighter fires towards Syrian government forces in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
A rebel fighter stands next to the body of a man killed after a missile targeted a building in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A rebel fighter stands next to the body of a man killed after a missile targeted a building in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians look for survivors amidst the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians look for survivors amidst the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A rebel fighter (R) prepares the wires of a car-mounted camera used to spy on Syrian government forces while his comrade smokes a cigarette in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
A rebel fighter (R) prepares the wires of a car-mounted camera used to spy on Syrian government forces while his comrade smokes a cigarette in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
TV monitors broadcast the live feed from a camera situated on an electrical car (unseen), used by rebel fighters for spying on Syrian government forces in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
TV monitors broadcast the live feed from a camera situated on an electrical car (unseen), used by rebel fighters for spying on Syrian government forces in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City, on January 7, 2012. Syria's domestic opposition snubbed a call to dialogue from President Bashar al-Assad, as NATO powers challenged the leader's defiant grip on power and dispatched Patriot missile batteries to neighbouring Turkey.
Men pull the body of a wounded person from the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Men pull the body of a wounded person from the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians shout slogans as they rush to the location of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians shout slogans as they rush to the location of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians rush to the location of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians rush to the location of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A view of the neighborhood of Saif al-Dawlah in the city of Aleppo seen on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
A view of the neighborhood of Saif al-Dawlah in the city of Aleppo seen on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
Syrians look for survivors at the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians look for survivors at the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A Syrian man makes his way out of a destroyed building after it was targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A Syrian man makes his way out of a destroyed building after it was targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians pull the body of a wounded man from the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians pull the body of a wounded man from the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A 15-year-old rebel fighter, the youngest of four brothers in the same unit, runs across a road behind a makeshift barrier as the street is being monitored by pro-government force snipers in the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
A 15-year-old rebel fighter, the youngest of four brothers in the same unit, runs across a road behind a makeshift barrier as the street is being monitored by pro-government force snipers in the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
Syrians walk along a street following evening prayers at the al-Nasr mosque in the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
Syrians walk along a street following evening prayers at the al-Nasr mosque in the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
Syrians look for survivors amidst the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
Syrians look for survivors amidst the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in the al-Mashhad neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 7, 2013. The United Nations recently denounced a 'proliferation of serious crimes including war crimes' in Syria, as ever more horrifying images and videos emerge from the country.
A dummy dressed up in army fatigue and a mask depicting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is erected in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, the scene of heavy fighting on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
A dummy dressed up in army fatigue and a mask depicting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is erected in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, the scene of heavy fighting on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
A father and son return home with vegetables, as smoke from a pro-government forces artillery strike ascends in the background, in the al-Amaria neighbourhoodin the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
A father and son return home with vegetables, as smoke from a pro-government forces artillery strike ascends in the background, in the al-Amaria neighbourhoodin the city of Aleppo, on January 6, 2013. Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad in a rare televised speech denounced the opposition as 'slaves' of the West and called for a national dialogue conference to be followed by a referendum on a national charter and parliamentary elections.
Syrian rmen walk through the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
Syrian rmen walk through the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
Rebel fighters search for pro-government snipers in buildings on the front line in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, where heavy fighting has been taking place on Januray 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Rebel fighters search for pro-government snipers in buildings on the front line in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, where heavy fighting has been taking place on Januray 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Rebel fighters talk with a family trapped and awaiting their father's return home, along the front line in Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Rebel fighters talk with a family trapped and awaiting their father's return home, along the front line in Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Syrian rebels man a checkpoint in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
Syrian rebels man a checkpoint in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
A Syrian girl talks with her friend in a street in a neighbourhood in the northern city of Aleppo, on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
A Syrian girl talks with her friend in a street in a neighbourhood in the northern city of Aleppo, on January 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Syrian rebels gather at a checkpoint in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
Syrian rebels gather at a checkpoint in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 19, 2012. European leaders said they are concerned by the increasing violence in Syria and want opposition groups there to cooperate to ensure a peaceful change of government.
Rebel fighters search for pro-government snipers in buildings on the front line in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, where heavy fighting has been taking place on Januray 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
Rebel fighters search for pro-government snipers in buildings on the front line in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo, where heavy fighting has been taking place on Januray 5, 2013. Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for a peaceful solution to the conflict roiling Syria, but said the terms of a settlement to end the bloodshed there must be defined by the Syrian people.
A Syrian girl rides her bicycle in an almost deserted street in the Teshrin neighborhood of the Qabun area in Damascus on January 3, 2013. US troops began arriving in Turkey to man Patriot missile batteries against threats from neighbouring Syria, where the 21-month conflict between the regime and rebels has escalated.
A Syrian girl rides her bicycle in an almost deserted street in the Teshrin neighborhood of the Qabun area in Damascus on January 3, 2013. US troops began arriving in Turkey to man Patriot missile batteries against threats from neighbouring Syria, where the 21-month conflict between the regime and rebels has escalated.
A Syrian rebel fighter holds a gun as he guards a post during clashes with government forces in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 16, 2012. Syria said it was interested in exploring a proposal by the UN and Arab League peace envoy for a truce later this month even as it unleashed multiple air strikes on rebel positions on a key highway.
A Syrian rebel fighter holds a gun as he guards a post during clashes with government forces in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 16, 2012. Syria said it was interested in exploring a proposal by the UN and Arab League peace envoy for a truce later this month even as it unleashed multiple air strikes on rebel positions on a key highway.
Syrian women walk past destroyed buildings in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 16, 2012. Syria said it was interested in exploring a proposal by the UN and Arab League peace envoy for a truce later this month even as it unleashed multiple air strikes on rebel positions on a key highway.
Syrian women walk past destroyed buildings in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on October 16, 2012. Syria said it was interested in exploring a proposal by the UN and Arab League peace envoy for a truce later this month even as it unleashed multiple air strikes on rebel positions on a key highway.
A Syrian boy carries a bag as he walks in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 15, 2012. Fighting between regime forces and rebels has raged in Syria's commercial capital since mid-July, including in its UNESCO-listed old city which embraces the ancient citadel and historic covered market, or souk, as well as the landmark Umayyad Mosque.
A Syrian boy carries a bag as he walks in the old city of Aleppo in northern Syria on October 15, 2012. Fighting between regime forces and rebels has raged in Syria's commercial capital since mid-July, including in its UNESCO-listed old city which embraces the ancient citadel and historic covered market, or souk, as well as the landmark Umayyad Mosque.
A young Free Syrian Army fighter climbs under barbed wire as he trains at their camp, in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, close to the Turkish border, in an area under the control of rebel fighters, on October 15, 2012. UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi called Monday for a ceasefire in Syria during the upcoming four-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, as the revolt entered its 20th month with a death toll of more than 33,000.
A young Free Syrian Army fighter climbs under barbed wire as he trains at their camp, in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, close to the Turkish border, in an area under the control of rebel fighters, on October 15, 2012. UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi called Monday for a ceasefire in Syria during the upcoming four-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, as the revolt entered its 20th month with a death toll of more than 33,000.

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