Pro-Government Forces Deal Syrian Rebels Big Setback -- Voice of America
BEIRUT — Now that Syrian government troops and Hezbollah guerrillas have captured the strategic border town of Qusair from anti-government rebels, military experts and diplomats say there will almost certainly be a renewed government-led offensive on the northern city of Aleppo.
The rebels had held Qusair for more than a year in their overall struggle to topple the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Its loss to government forces represented a major blow to rebels, whose most effective fighting units, the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra front, were defending the town.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria peace conference likely off until July. Syria peace meeting will not happen in June.
Syrian rebels lose strategic town, bolstering Assad. Syrian army retakes key town of Qusair from rebels.
Deadly battles rage on in Syrian cities.
France, Britain confirm use of sarin gas in Syria. Britain joins France in saying nerve gas used in Syria.
France's foreign minister says military options on the table after confirmation of Syria sarin gas use.
Syrian refugees strain Jordan's resources.
Turkey seeks to reassure investors over protests.
Turkish police arrest 25 people for using social media to call for protest.
Turkish trade unions join protests against PM Erdogan.
U.S. renews Iran sanctions waivers for China, India, others.
US to deploy Patriot missiles, F-16 jets to Jordan.
Yemen army starts operation against al Qaeda in east.
Russia, China join West in pressing Iran at U.N. nuclear meeting.
U.S. says Iran's nuclear reactor plans 'deeply troubling'.
Iran dissident's funeral turns into anti-government protest.
ASIA
Soldier pleads guilty in Afghan massacre, says ‘not a good reason in this world’ for slayings.
Cyber-attacks likely to take centre stage when Obama and Xi meet in California.
Michelle Obama 'snubs' China's first lady.
Malaysia detains Myanmar migrants over deaths.
North Korea accuses South of bid to kidnap nine youths sent home.
China to overhaul workplace safety after deadly fire.
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif calls for end to drone strikes.
Analysis: Glimmer of hope for cash-starved Pakistan economy as Sharif takes over.
China hits back at EU wine over solar panel duties.
Remembering Tiananmen Square 24 years later.
AFRICA
Rights group sounds alarm over Zimbabwe pre-election abuses.
Nigeria makes more Boko Haram arrests.
Kenyan Mau Mau promised payout as UK expresses regret over abuse.
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Mali military claims victory against rebels.
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Rights group slams Zimbabwe security forces.
Nigeria: Jail terms to tackle Islamist militancy.
Egypt demands Ethiopia halt Nile dam, upping stakes.
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EUROPE
Hollande wins Unesco peace prize for Mali intervention.
Mosque burns down in London in suspicious circumstances.
Flooding forces evacuations in Germany, Czech Rep.
Most Europeans, especially the French, unhappy about EU: survey.
Latvia to become 18th eurozone member from 2014.
Russia is purging American 'diplomats' from Moscow like bottles of bad vodka.
Moscow metro fire causes rush hour chaos.
France opens new front in war with Internet giants.
Slovenian opposition leader convicted in bribery case.
AMERICAS
Report: US hasn't seen expected 'Great Recovery'.
U.S., Venezuela to find ways to forge positive relations: Kerry.
Susan Rice to be named US national security adviser. AP source: Obama to name Samantha Power to UN post.
Food rationing to begin in big Venezuelan state.
Brazil calls in army to defuse conflicts over Indian lands.
China president visits Mexico amid tension over cheap goods.
Land dispute to blame for Marine's disappearance in Mexico, aunt says.
Report: Some 20 baseball players may face suspension in doping scandal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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Militants from more than 25 countries have joined the battle in Syria.
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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Large oil firms hit record U.S. spending in 2012, as profits drop.