n this Thursday Feb. 23, 2012 photo, Syrian rebels gather in front of the remains of a burnt military vehicle belonging to Syrian government forces destroyed by Syrian rebels during a clashes at Khaldiyeh neighborhood in Homs province, Syria. (AP Photo)
Within hours of the rebels' withdrawal, President Bashar Assad's government granted permission for the International Committee of the Red Cross to enter the besieged neighborhood of Baba Amr in Homs on Friday. Human rights workers have been appealing for access to Baba Amr for weeks.
"The ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent received today from the Syrian authorities the green light to enter Baba Amr tomorrow to bring in much-needed assistance including food and medical aid, and to carry out evacuation operations," spokesman Hicham Hassan told The Associated Press.
Also Thursday, Syria's main opposition group formed a military council to organize the armed resistance and funnel weapons to rebels, a sign of how deeply militarized the conflict has become over the past year as Syria veers closer to a civil war.
A Syrian official said Wednesday the government was planning a major offensive to "cleanse" rebel-held Baba Amr once and for all as activists reported troops massing outside the neighborhood in western Homs, a city that is a stronghold of the opposition and a symbol of the nearly year-old uprising to oust Assad.
The Baba Amr rebels brigade said they were pulling out to spare some 4,000 civilians who insisted on staying in their homes. They said the decision was based on "worsening humanitarian conditions, lack of food and medicine and water, electricity and communication cuts as well as shortages in weapons."
Homs is Syria's third-largest city with about 1 million people. Before the revolt began, activists estimated 100,000 people lived in Baba Amr. But many have fled over the past year and it is not clear how many people remain there.
The siege of Baba Amr has been among the deadliest of the uprising. Rebels had held the area for several months, but in early February, regime forces surrounded the neighborhood and began firing tank shells that slammed into homes and killed hundreds of people. Many of the wounded could not reach doctors, forcing residents to set up makeshift clinics for crowds of bloodied victims.
The relentless attacks disrupted electricity, Internet and telephone services.
Burhan Ghalioun, head of the opposition Syrian National Council, told a news conference in Paris that rebels have relocated from some areas but said the resistance in Baba Amr "is still strong." It was not immediately clear what escape route the rebels used.
Before the retreat was announced, Rami Abdul-Rahman, head of the British-based activist group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said there was "fierce fighting" at the entrances to Baba Amr and troops have been unable to enter so far.
Syrian activists said government forces had cut off communications to Baba Amr, jamming satellite phone signals as they mass for an apparent ground assault. The neighborhood has been under siege for about four weeks and hundreds have died in shelling.
Authorities had previously blocked land and mobile phone lines, but activists were able to communicate with the outside world with satellite phones.
The activist Revolutionary Council of Homs said it could no longer reach anyone inside Baba Amr. All satellite signals were jammed, it said.
Ghalioun laid out the plans for a military council to organize and unify all armed resistance to Assad's regime.
The Paris-based leadership of the Syrian National Council said its plan was coordinated with the most potent armed opposition force – the Free Syrian Army – made up mainly of army defectors.
"The revolution started peacefully and kept up its peaceful nature for months, but the reality today is different and the SNC must shoulder its responsibilities in the face of this new reality," Ghalioun told reporters in Paris, saying any weapons flowing into the country should go through the council.
Still he tried to play down the risks of all-out civil war between the regime and the opposition.
"We want to control the use of weapons so that there won't be a civil war," he said. "Our aim is to help avoid civil war."
Civil war has been the worst-case scenario in Syria. Sectarian warfare is a real, terrifying possibility in a country with a fragile mix of ethnic groups including Sunnis, Shiites, Alawites, Christians, Kurds, Druse, Circassians, Armenians and more. Both sides have accused each other of leading the nation down the path of civil war. Ghalioun's comments made clear that he does not want the opposition to be blamed.
The SNC has called for arming rebels in the past, but this was the first time it sought to organize the fighters under one umbrella. But it was not clear how successful the SNC will be in unifying the various anti-Assad forces. The opposition's main problem over the past year has been its inability to coalesce behind a single leader or ideology beyond toppling the regime.
Meanwhile, international pressure on the regime has been growing more intense by the day. The U.N.'s top human rights body voted to condemn Syria for its "widespread and systematic violations" against civilians, and the U.K. and Switzerland closed their embassies in Damascus over worsening security. The U.S. closed its embassy in February.
But the U.S. has not advocated arming the rebels, in part out of fear it would create an even more bloody and prolonged conflict because of Syria's complex web of allegiances in the region that extend to Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The Syrian conflict began as mostly peaceful protests, which drew an iron-fisted military crackdown. But the revolt has turned increasingly militarized. There are near daily clashes between armed military defectors and government forces and the rebels have managed to capture and hold small pieces of territory, notably in and around Homs and along the northern border with Turkey.
Western powers trying to help the anti-government forces oust Assad have repeatedly stressed the importance of the fragmented opposition pulling together. The SNC announcement seemed to respond to those calls.
"The Military Bureau will track the armed opposition groups, organize and unify their ranks under one central command, defining their defense missions while placing them under the political supervision of the SNC, and coordinating their activities in accordance with the overall strategy of the revolution," the SNC said in a statement.
Members of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday voted 37 in favor and three against a resolution proposed by Turkey that calls on Syria to immediately stop all attacks on civilians and grant unhindered access to aid groups.
Three members of the 47-nation body abstained and four didn't vote.
Russia, China and Cuba objected to the resolution.
The Geneva-based council's vote carries no legal weight but diplomats consider it a strong moral signal that may encourage a similar resolution in the powerful U.N. Security Council.
The U.N. estimated that more than 7,500 people have been killed since the anti-Assad struggle started in March 2011, when protesters inspired by successful Arab Spring uprisings against dictators in Tunisia and Egypt took to the streets in Syria. As Assad's forces used deadly force to stop the unrest, protests spread and some Syrians took up arms against the regime.
Activists put the total death toll at more than 8,000, most of them civilians.
In Kuwait, the parliament Thursday passed a non-binding resolution calling on the government to help arm the Syrian opposition and to break diplomatic ties with Assad's regime. A day earlier, parliament passed a non-binding resolution urging the government to recognize the SNC as the country's sole representatives.
There was no immediate reaction from the rulers in the oil-rich Gulf state. Some lawmakers also have proposed severing diplomatic ties with Assad's regime, but the issue has not come up for full debate.
live blog 1MAR12
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rss/liveblog/liveblog-586.xml 11:28 AM – Today
Security Forces Reportedly Behead 17Activist organization Avaaz reports that 17 civilians have been beheaded or partially beheaded in the outskirts of the stronghold Baba Amr, according to CNN.
9:24 AM – Today
UN Envoy Expects To Visit Syria Former UN Chief Kofi Annan plans to visit Syria "fairly soon," Reuters reports. Annan was named UN-Arab League envoy on Syria last week and was in New York on Wednesday to discuss the crisis with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
"I would plead with (Assad) that he should engage, not only with me, but with the process we are launching," Annan told reporters. "The first thing we need to do ... is everything we can to stop the violence and the killing, to facilitate humanitarian access and to ensure that the needy are looked after, and work with the Syrians in coming up with a peaceful solution," he added.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Syrian authorities to cooperate and work towards "a peaceful solution for the Syrian people."
"I would plead with (Assad) that he should engage, not only with me, but with the process we are launching," Annan told reporters. "The first thing we need to do ... is everything we can to stop the violence and the killing, to facilitate humanitarian access and to ensure that the needy are looked after, and work with the Syrians in coming up with a peaceful solution," he added.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Syrian authorities to cooperate and work towards "a peaceful solution for the Syrian people."
9:15 AM – Today
UN Rights Body Slams SyriaThe UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution introduced by Turkey that condemns Syria for "widespread and systematic violations" against civilians, the Associated Press reports. Russia, China and Cuba voted against the resolution.
The AP reports:
The AP reports:
The resolution urged Syria to immediately stop all attacks on civilians and grant unhindered access to aid groups. It also supported gathering evidence on possible crimes against humanity and other serious abuses in the fighting in Syria, so that those who committed them can be held to account at a later date. Syria's seat in the room remained empty during the vote, after the country's U.N. envoy stormed out of the council Tuesday having accused the body of supporting terrorism and prolonging the crisis in his country.
9:02 AM – Today
Qusayr, Syria
Syrians queue for bread outside a bakery in Qusayr, 15 kms (nine miles) from Homs, on March 1, 2012. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) 
Syrian women walk under the snow after buying bread from a bakery in Qusayr, 15 kms (nine miles) from Homs, on March 1, 2012. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) 
A Syrian man carries bread from a nearby bakery as he walks under the snow in Qusayr, 15 kms (nine miles) from Homs, on March 1, 2012. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) 8:54 AM – Today
Britain Withdraws DiplomatsBritain has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Damascus and suspended services at the embassy, Reuters reports. A diplomat told the news service the decision was made in response to the worsening security situation in the country.
Hague tweeted: "I have informed Parliament that I have withdrawn British diplomats from #Syria & suspended our Embassy there for security reasons."
According to HuffPost UK, the foreign secretary explained in a statement before parliament:
"We have maintained an Embassy in Damascus despite the violence to help us communicate with all parties in Syria and to provide insight into the situation on the ground. Throughout this time we have kept the security situation of our staff and Embassy premises under intense and constant review. We now judge that the deterioration of the security situation in Damascus puts our Embassy staff and premises at risk, and have taken the decision to withdraw staff accordingly."
Hague tweeted: "I have informed Parliament that I have withdrawn British diplomats from #Syria & suspended our Embassy there for security reasons."
According to HuffPost UK, the foreign secretary explained in a statement before parliament:
"We have maintained an Embassy in Damascus despite the violence to help us communicate with all parties in Syria and to provide insight into the situation on the ground. Throughout this time we have kept the security situation of our staff and Embassy premises under intense and constant review. We now judge that the deterioration of the security situation in Damascus puts our Embassy staff and premises at risk, and have taken the decision to withdraw staff accordingly."
8:30 AM – Today
Rebels Reportedly RetreatThe AP reports Syrian rebels in Homs have announced they are making a "tactical retreat" from the Baba Amr neighborhood because of worsening humanitarian conditions.
From the AP:
From the AP:
A statement by the Baba Amr rebels brigade says the decision was made to spare some 4,000 civilian residents who insisted on staying in their homes. In the statement issued Thursday, the rebels warn government troops against carrying out "revenge" attacks targeting civilians. It said any such action will "cost the regime dearly."Syrian elite troops launched a ground assault on Wednesday to "cleanse" the Baba Amr neighborhood from gunmen. Security forces have been shelling Homs for over 3 weeks.
Burhan Ghalioun, head of the opposition Syrian National Council, told a news conference in Paris that rebels have relocated from some areas but said the resistance in Baba Amr "is still strong."
8:09 AM – Today
Rebels Reportedly Retreat  | @ AP : BREAKING: Syrian rebels retreat from besieged district in Homs after monthlong military assault. |
6:36 PM – 02/29/2012
Syrian Activists Killed While Saving Foreign JournalistsThirteen Syrian activists have been killed in the process of helping wounded foreign journalists trapped in Homs escape to safety over the past week, the international activist group Avaaz has reported.
According to Avaaz, which has helped facilitate the escapes, all four journalists set out from Homs with a team of local Syrian guides on Sunday night, but were soon after attacked by the Syrian Army. Three Syrians were killed in this attack, which forced Daniels and Bouvier to return to the field hospital in Baba Amr. Seven more Syrians were killed during the retreat.Read the full report by HuffPost's Joshua Hersh here.
Both Espinosa and Conroy managed to continue beyond Homs, but became separated when their party was once again targeted by shells from the Syrian Army, Avaaz said; three more Syrians were killed then.
Espinosa stayed behind to attend to some of the wounded Syrians while Conroy, who was wounded in the legs in the initial press-center attack, continued on to Beirut. It took three more nights of risky travel through the woods and mountains of northern Syria before Espinosa arrived in Beirut.
5:43 PM – 02/29/2012
U.S. Officials Double Down On Assad RegimeThe Obama administration strongly criticized the Syrian regime on Wednesday over the bloodshed in the city of Homs.
According to the Associated Press, the administration summoned senior Syrian envoy Zuheir Jabbour over the attack on Homs. State Department diplomat Jeffrey Feltman met with the envoy, and reportedly expressed "outrage over the month-long campaign of brutality and indiscriminate shelling.''
Also on Wednesday, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice slammed Syria's decision to deny the U.N. humanitarian chief access to the country. "Rather than meeting the needs of its people, the barbaric Syrian government is preparing its final assault on the city of Homs," Rice said in a statement, according to the AP. "Meanwhile, food shortages are reported to be so severe that people, especially children, will soon start dying of hunger," she added.
According to the Associated Press, the administration summoned senior Syrian envoy Zuheir Jabbour over the attack on Homs. State Department diplomat Jeffrey Feltman met with the envoy, and reportedly expressed "outrage over the month-long campaign of brutality and indiscriminate shelling.''
Also on Wednesday, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice slammed Syria's decision to deny the U.N. humanitarian chief access to the country. "Rather than meeting the needs of its people, the barbaric Syrian government is preparing its final assault on the city of Homs," Rice said in a statement, according to the AP. "Meanwhile, food shortages are reported to be so severe that people, especially children, will soon start dying of hunger," she added.
4:21 PM – 02/29/2012
Free Syrian Army Supporters In Idlib
Free Syrian Army supporters chant anti government slogans under snowfall on the outskirts of Idlib , north Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
2:22 PM – 02/29/2012
VIDEO: Children Hit In Homs Amateur video released by Reuters purports to show a child trapped in rubble in the city of Homs. The video also allegedly shows a dead body lying in the rubble of one of the city's streets, and gunfire rocking streets of Idlib.
Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
WARNING: This video contains GRAPHIC images.
Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
WARNING: This video contains GRAPHIC images.
1:49 PM – 02/29/2012
Spanish Journalist Reportedly Escapes HomsSpanish journalist Javier Espinosa has reportedly escaped the city of Homs, the Associated Press writes.
Espinosa's domestic partner said on Wednesday that the journalist is currently in Lebanon. Edith Bouvier and William Daniels, two French journalists, remain trapped in the besieged city.
Espinosa's domestic partner said on Wednesday that the journalist is currently in Lebanon. Edith Bouvier and William Daniels, two French journalists, remain trapped in the besieged city.
1:17 PM – 02/29/2012
"They're trying to finish it off""All the signs out of Homs are that they are trying to finish it off," a senior Western diplomat told Reuters on Wednesday.
Elite troops attacked the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs on Wednesday morning in what appears a new drive to capture the neighborhood from rebels. The troops reportedly belong to the 4th Armored Division, which is controlled by president Bashar Assad's younger brother.
Reuters reports:
Elite troops attacked the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs on Wednesday morning in what appears a new drive to capture the neighborhood from rebels. The troops reportedly belong to the 4th Armored Division, which is controlled by president Bashar Assad's younger brother.
Reuters reports:
Details from Homs were sketchy but as Syria refused to allow a visit to the country by a senior U.N. humanitarian envoy, Valerie Amos, a senior Western diplomat told Reuters: "All the signs out of Homs are that they're trying to finish it off. "They clearly feel that letting her in now would be devastating for their image - as indeed it would be.Also on Wednesday, activists said troops bombarded Rastan and have attacked the town of Helfaya.
"Communicating over the Internet, the Baba Amro activist, who calls himself only Ahmed and who said he had just left the area, said: "We call on all Syrians in other cities to move and do something to lift the pressure off Baba Amro and Homs.
"They should act quickly."
Homs, a symbol of opposition to Assad in a nearly year-long revolt, was without power or telephone links, Ahmed said.
11:04 AM – 02/29/2012
Qusayr, Syria 
Syrian mourners carry the body of a man who was killed by a shrapnel during his funeral in Qusayr, 15 kms (nine miles) from Homs, on February 28, 2012. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) 
10:57 AM – 02/29/2012
UN Humanitarian Chief Denied AccessUN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos says Syria has repeatedly denied her access to the country. In a statement, Amos said she is 'deeply disappointed' that Syria rejected her visa requests.
| | @ AP : UN humanitarian chief says Syria has denied her repeated requests to visit besieged country: http://t.co/wkAZamf4 -EF |
10:11 AM – 02/29/2012
Sarmin, Northern Syria This footage, shot by an AP video journalist on Tuesday February 28, purportedly shows the aftermath of alleged shelling by Syrian army tanks.
10:04 AM – 02/29/2012
Reporters Trapped In HomsFrench journalist Edith Bouvier of Le Figaro is still in Homs, the French government confirmed on Wednesday. According to the Associated Press, William Daniels and Spanish reporter Javier Espinosa also remain trapped inside the city.
Bouvier was injured last week in the city's Baba Amr neighborhood, in the same attack that killed American reporter Marie Colvin and French photojournalist Remi Ochlik.
The AP reports:
Bouvier was injured last week in the city's Baba Amr neighborhood, in the same attack that killed American reporter Marie Colvin and French photojournalist Remi Ochlik.
The AP reports:
The French Foreign Ministry demanded that the Syrian regime ensure conditions that allow for the "sure and rapid evacuation" of the two French journalists, "notably through an immediate cease-fire in Baba Amr." "France is mobilized to accomplish the priority evacuation of its two citizens blocked in Homs, in liaison with Syrian authorities," as well as the Red Cross and Red Crescent, ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.
9:16 AM – 02/29/2012
"Baba Amr Will Be Cleaned Within Hours"Syrian security forces appear to have started a ground operation in the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs, the Associated Press reports. A Syrian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, reportedly vowed the neighborhood would be "cleaned" within hours.
According to the AP, about 100,000 residents are trapped in the area -- including three Western journalists.
According to the AP, about 100,000 residents are trapped in the area -- including three Western journalists.
6:47 PM – 02/28/2012
Venezuela Continues Fuel ShipmentsVenezuela has continued fuel shipments to Syria despite growing international condemnation of the Syrian regime, the country's energy minister said on Tuesday.
From the AP:
From the AP:
Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said the possibility of facing international sanctions won't deter Venezuela from helping Syria. He said Venezuela's state-run oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, has sent two loads of 300,000 barrels each to Syria. "Syria is a blockaded country," Ramirez said. "If it needs diesel and we can provide it, there's no reason not to do it."
Chavez is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has drawn widespread international criticism for his tough military response to an 11-month-old uprising.
Syria is not facing an economic blockade as Ramirez alleged. But European Union countries have frozen the assets of Syrian government officials and the country's central bank, and the bloc has also sought to cut Syria's supply of equipment for its oil and gas sectors. So far, the EU sanctions have had little effect on Assad's regime.
2:53 PM – 02/28/2012
Sarmin, Northern Syria
A Free Syrian Army soldier walks next to a burned tractor in Sarmin, north of Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. According to the residents of the city at least fourteen people were killed yesterday during clashes between the Free Syrian Army and President Assad's forces. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) 
Villagers prepare the tomb for Ghassan Ali, 40, who was killed during clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the government forces in Sarmin, north of Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) 
Residents stand by their house destroyed in clashes between the Free Syrian Army and President Assad's forces in Sarmin, north of Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) 2:49 PM – 02/28/2012
VIDEO: Homs Under SiegeReuters and the Associated Press released video out of Homs that purportedly shows security forces relentlessly shelling the city's civilian neighborhoods.
2:26 PM – 02/28/2012
Syrian Fathers Accuse Troops Of Targeting ChildrenAl Jazeera interviewed two fathers in Damascus, who tell the network their sons have been targeted by Syrian security forces.
2:03 PM – 02/28/2012
Red Cross Delivers Aid To Homs And IdlibThe International Committee of the Red Cross delivered food and supplies to the cities of Homs and Idlib, Reuters reports on Tuesday.
"We managed to bring relief material into Homs city and Idlib today which was handed over to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent branches in both cities to be distributed as soon as possible," ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan said.
Yet the group warns security has to improve before the aid can be distributed. The organization calls for a daily ceasefire to guarantee civilians safe access to the aid supplies. "People need to have a daily window during which they know they will receive the necessary help," Hassan told Reuters.
"We managed to bring relief material into Homs city and Idlib today which was handed over to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent branches in both cities to be distributed as soon as possible," ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan said.
Yet the group warns security has to improve before the aid can be distributed. The organization calls for a daily ceasefire to guarantee civilians safe access to the aid supplies. "People need to have a daily window during which they know they will receive the necessary help," Hassan told Reuters.
1:45 PM – 02/28/2012
DamascusThe Central Bank Building in Damascus on February 28, 2012. (ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty Images) 
11:26 AM – 02/28/2012
BBC Reports From HomsThe BBC aired what appears to be some of the most recent images from Syria's Homs. Security forces kept up their attack on the city on Tuesday.
11:20 AM – 02/28/2012
Clinton: Assad Fits Definition Of War CriminalTestifying before the Senate, U.S. Secretary of State Clinton said on Tuesday that Syria's President Bashar Assad fits the definition of a war criminal.
From the AP:
From the AP:
Asked if Assad is a war criminal, Clinton said he would fit into that category. She stopped short of saying the international community should make that designation and level charges, pointing out that such a step often makes it difficult for a leader to step down.
10:55 AM – 02/28/2012
U.N. Human RIghts Council Debates Syria
Fayssal al-Hamwi, Syrian Ambassador in Geneva delivers his statement to the urgent debate on Syria during the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The Syrian ambassador blamed members of the human rights body of promoting terrorism and prolonging the Syrian crisis, according to the AP. "We are convinced that the real aim behind holding this session today is to cover up for the violence and murder perpetrated by the armed groups against innocent civilians," Al-Hamwi reportedly said.
10:50 AM – 02/28/2012
"Well Over" 7,500 People Have DiedThe U.N. estimates more than 7,500 people have died since the start of the conflict in Syria in March 2011.
| | @ AP : BREAKING: UN political chief says "well over" 7,500 people have died in Syria violence. |
10:48 AM – 02/28/2012
Reports: Tunisia Offers Assad AsylumReuters reports Tunisia offered to give president Bashar al-Assad and his family political asylum if it would help end Syria's crisis. An aide to Tunisia's president told Reuters that "Tunisia is ready in principle to grant political asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family if this proposal will contribute to stopping the bloodshed."
8:53 AM – 02/28/2012
Edith Bouvier In Lebanon?A diplomat and rebel sources told Reuters that French journalist Edith Bouvier is also in Lebanon.
Yet according to the Associated Press, Bouvier is still in Syria. "The Syrian opposition group Local Coordination Committees and global activist group Avaaz said Paul Conroy was the only foreign journalist to escape Syria," AP writes.
Yet according to the Associated Press, Bouvier is still in Syria. "The Syrian opposition group Local Coordination Committees and global activist group Avaaz said Paul Conroy was the only foreign journalist to escape Syria," AP writes.
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