Epstein Secrets

over the past few weeks has had little impact on the continuing violence in Syria. UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on July 9. The focus is now on promoting dialogue between the regime and opposition groups. Russia's ongoing support of the Assad regime

har al-Assad in Damascus on July 9. The focus is now on promoting dialogue between the regime and opposition groups. Russia's ongoing support of the Assad regime has been a major stumbling block to international action, although some reporting indicates that Russia is more at ease EFTA00701937 with

ng benchmarks on fair elections, corruption-free government, justice, and human rights. For more information please contact: Maureen Quinn at or Camilla Reksten-Monsen at *The International Peace Institute (IPI) is an independent not-for-profit thin tart iW‘rl a sta representing more than 20 nationalities with off

took place in Mohamed Ali square on December 4th. EFTA00668482 Syria: As the United Nation's estimate of the official death toll reached 60,000, Bashar Al Assad proposed a peace initiative on January 6th comprising a national reconciliation conference and a new government. His appearance and tone on nationa

earance and tone on national television was reminiscent of Qaddafi's last ditch efforts at restoring order in war-torn Libya in the middle of 2011. Assad's rare appearance and proposal contrasted with the facts on the ground, particularly several new defections, most crucially the head of the military

e Egyptian nationals, despite the deployment of a high-level delegation. For more information please contact: EFTA00668483 Maureen Quinn at or Camilla Reksten-Monsen at • The Middle East Update presents a summary of ongoing developments in the Middle East based on information from the local and international pres

ally in recent weeks with the reported kil=ing of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children in Houla, Qubair, andrAl Heffa by forces tied to the Assad government. The Free Syrian Army is n=ticeably better equipped, using antitank rockets to inflict heavier casual=ies among Syrian security forces. F

own and unable to conduct patrols. The situation is forci=g the international community to reconsider its options for implementing t=e action plan. Bashar al-Assad, under heavy international pressure to comp=y with the peace plan, appeared unfazed as he gave a speech to the Parliam=nt on June 3 denying any gove

atives sti=l hold key positions in the military which is making the democratic transi=ion more difficult. <a or<=span> <=pan styleriont-size:8.0pe>Camilla Reksten-Monsen at - lor <mailt° =/o:p> 2 EFTA_R1_01660835 EFTA02522604 <=>*The International Peace Institute (IPI) =s an independent, not-for-profit think tan

ion. The Israeli strikes on Syrian military targets near Damascus between May 4th and 6th brought new levels of tension to the conflict as both the Assad regime and, more importantly, Hezbollah threatened retaliation for what they considered a casus belli. Though the Israeli motive was aimed at preven

se partnerships could all come under criticism if violence against minorities persists. for more information please contact: Maureen Quinn at or Camilla Reksten-Monsen at for •The International Peace Institute (IPI) is an independent, not-for-profit think tank with a staff representing more than 20 nationalities wi

d. Syrians are facing continued repression by the Assad Government and a stalled economy that has been h

d forces in the south. For more information please ammo: Maureen Quinn at +I-212-225-9604 or nuinis'aininssort or EFTA_R1_00225444 EFTA01840549 Camilla Reksten-Monsen at +1.212.225.9602 or rcksicait iteinstorg • he international Peace Institute (IPI) Is an independent, not.ior-profit think tank with a staff repres