Syria's President Denies Ordering Deadly Crackdown On Protests -- Wall Street Journal/AP
BEIRUT—Syria's president denied he ordered the deadly crackdown on a nearly nine-month-old uprising in his country, claiming he isn't in charge of the troops behind the assault.
Speaking to ABC's Barbara Walters in a rare interview that aired Wednesday, President Bashar Assad maintained he did not give any commands "to kill or be brutal."
"They're not my forces," Mr. Assad responded when asked if Syrian troops had cracked down too hard on protesters. "They are military forces [who] belong to the government. I don't own them. I'm president. I don't own the country."
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MIDDLE EAST
Opposition groups report clashes in northern Syria.
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Iran explosions prompt speculation of secret attacks.
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Yemen PM says government imminent, U.N. warns on civilians.
Israel ex-President Katsav begins jail term for rape.
ASIA
Karzai says Kabul attack was plotted in Pakistan.
Afghanistan: 19 killed in Helmand roadside bomb.
'Silent coup' rumors swirl as Zardari leaves Pakistan.
Pakistan's Zardari in hospital 'for heart condition'.
Outrage grows over air pollution and China’s response.
AFRICA
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Kenyan military reports dozens killed in multiple engagements with Somali militants.
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Western nations now on the sidelines at Sudan talks.
6-year-olds working in gold mines in Mali, says Human Rights Watch.
EUROPE
S&P threatens downgrade for Europe bailout fund.
Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'.
Mikhail Gorbachev calls for a new vote in Russia. Putin takes formal step to regain Kremlin top job.
Russia chides Clinton over election criticism.
Romania ratifies U.S. missile shield agreement.
AMERICANS
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Mexico blames gangsters for casino tragedy, but clears others.
Despite Army takeover, fear strong in Mexican town.
Colombians stage big anti-Farc protests.
Mexico says Gadhafi son tried to enter country.
Political protesters in Guyana clash with police.
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Economic troubles in Europe and U.S. start to affect Asia.