August 17, 2011 – Syria News Blog: A Roundup of International Reportage
Syria’s Protest Movement
As international rhetoric in condemnation of the violence in Syria roars, the Syrian government continues in its unflinching suppression of the country’s deepening unrest. The Turkish ultimatum issued last week – end the violence and implement reforms within two weeks or expect an intensification of Turkish interference – appears to have fallen on deaf ears. On Saturday, the Syrian military initiated a new assault on the coastal city of Lattakia, leading to more deaths, detainments and international condemnations. Tunisia has withdrawn its ambassador to Damascus, Switzerland has imposed more sanctions against Syrian officials, and Jordanian officials have urged for an end to the violence. Now deep into the summer, the deadlock between the government and the opposition continues with no signs of abatement in the near or distant future.