NIGHTWATCH: Syria Update

Syria: The Syrian army seized Idlib and rebels, activist Noureddin al-Abdo said on 14 March. Al-Abdo said fighting stopped on the night of 13 March, the Free Syrian Army has withdrawn and regime forces are performing house-to-house searches. News reports also reported the start of another army sweep operation in Dara’a, at the opposite end …

NIGHTWATCH: Syria Update – Opposition Defector

Syria: For the record. President al-Asad announced parliamentary elections will be held on 7 May. Comment: Despite the violence, Asad is undeterred from following the political reform plan he outlined last year, which will include multi-party elections. The Syrian Opposition. Former judge, attorney and prominent opposition figure Haithem al-Maleh withdrew from the opposition Syrian National …

NIGHTWATCH: Syria Ground Truth / Integrity Tips

Syria: Deputy Oil Minister Abdo Hussameddin announced his resignation and departure from the Ba’ath Party to side with the opposition against President Al-Asad’s regime. If confirmed, he would be the highest-ranking official to defect, and the third member of the administration to do so. A video of his declaration was posted on YouTube and repeated …