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Could Syria Be a Test of France’s Reemergence?

By Martin Michelot

French President François Hollande faces no shortage of domestic problems following the unveiling of his government’s controversial budget. But at a November 13 press conference, Hollande diverted attention to foreign policy by announcing France’s recognition of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, making it the first Western country to embrace that organization. This decision was celebrated as a crucial step toward the end of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and as a symbol of Hollande’s ability to make tough decisions.  READ MORE

Turkey, Syria exchange artillery fire for fifth-straight day

Turkish artillery fired toward Syria for a fifth day in a row on Sunday, minutes after a Syrian shell landed on Turkish territory. READ MORE

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia asserts its influence

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most influential Arab states. The billions it earns from oil production help it assert its interests, but there are growing tensions with its neighbors - including Syria. READ MORE

Why Russia Is Backing Syria

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By Ruslan Pukhov

Many in the West believe that Russia’s support for Syria stems from Moscow’s desire to profit from selling arms to Bashar al-Assad’s government and maintain its naval facility at the Syrian port of Tartus. But these speculations are superficial and misguided. The real reason that Russia is resisting strong international action against the Assad regime is that it fears the spread of Islamic radicalism and the erosion of its superpower status in a world where Western nations are increasingly undertaking unilateral military interventions. READ MORE

NATO nixes Syria action plan

NATO rejected Turkey’s request for the adoption of a contingency plan to include the establishment a no-fly zone over Syrian airspace, which was made during a meeting last week in Brussels after Turkey invoked Article Four of the NATO Treaty in response to Syria’s downing of a Turkish jet in international airspace. READ MORE

How would NATO respond to Syria shooting down a Turkish plane?

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By Uri Friedman

Turkey made the startling announcement that it had lost contact with one of its F-4 military jets near the country's southern border with Syria, and that it had launched search-and-rescue efforts for the plane's two pilots. READ MORE

Is Russia at a dead end on Syria?

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By Klaus Dahmann

Russia is sticking to its position on Syria, although its objective is unclear. Agreement within the United Nations Security Council seems impossible to broker, but diplomatic wrangling continues. READ MORE

Russian shift on Syria is key, says former NATO chief

By Michael Knigge

Syrian opposition demands more supportReport links Syrian rebels with human rights abusesSyrian First Lady Asma al-Assad: The good wifeSyrian forces commit 'systematic torture': reportOn a deadly mission: Journalists in SyriaThe reel revolutionSyrian crisis could spill over into LebanonSyrian deserters lead charge to overthrow AssadRefugees torn over return to violent Syria Russia’s shifting stance towards Syria is essential to end the conflict, former NATO Secretary-General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer tells DW. He also urges Russian President-elect Putin to attend the upcoming NATO summit. READ MORE

Russia changes tack, signals open to Syrian intervention

By Paul Koring

As the carnage in Syria worsened, Russia signaled a new-found willingness Monday to consider international intervention while the world’s nations planned a United Nations vote aimed at exposing the inaction of the great powers. READ MORE

Syria, Turkey and military intervention

By Nİhat Alİ Özcan

The changing nature of the clashes indicates Syria is drifting into a civil war. Long-lasting fights mean more pain for Syrian people. However, without foreign intervention, regime change and a solution seem difficult. READ MORE