From Teenage Graffiti To A Country In Ruins: Syria's Two Years Of Rebellion -- Reuters
(Reuters) - On a cold winter's night in early 2011, some Syrian schoolboys drew a few slogans on a wall in a town the world had barely heard of. Two years on, more than 70,000 people have died in the bitter conflict that ensued, and calls for the West to give more help to the Syrian rebels are rising.
It was in the southern town of Deraa that 16-year-old Mohammad and five friends gathered to scrawl graffiti demanding the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, whose family had ruled the country for 40 years. They chose to vent their anger at the pervasive fear and repression in the country at their school in the Hay al-Arbeen district.
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MIDDLE EAST
Assad issues a worldwide plea as a top Syrian General defects.
Car bomb blast kills nine in Iraq's Shi'ite south.
Iraqi Kurds mark 25 years since Halabja gas attack.
10 years on, Iraq still grapples with war's legacy.
Saudi cleric issues rare warning in call for reform.
Israeli premier names new defense minister. Ex-general Yaalon named as Israeli defense minister.
Palestinians prepare for Barack Obama's first visit to West Bank, but don't expect peace deal soon.
ASIA
North Korea threatens Japan with attack.
Pakistan government completes full term.
Nepal police break up anti-government rally.
China’s new President vows to deliver ‘Chinese Dream’.
China, U.S. should stop war of words on hacking, says new Chinese premier.
Ireland: Australia is the land of plenty for the biggest wave of Irish emigrants in a generation.
Indian police arrest 6 over Swiss tourist's rape.
AFRICA
Fifth French soldier killed in Mali.
Rebels fight Sudanese government troops in South Darfur.
Rebels in Congo loyal to warlord flee or give up.
Vote count under way in Zimbabwe referendum.
Riot police open fire as Kenyan protesters challenge election results.
Libya’s oil sector makes quick recovery after 2011 revolution.
South African police officer charged with dragging man behind car.
EUROPE
Euro zone reaches deal on Cyprus bailout. Cyprus parliament postpones session to discuss bank levy. Cyprus parliament delays debate on EU bailout.
U.K.'s Osborne vows to protect Britain's armed forces in Cyprus as cash machines are EMPTIED and 60,000 British savers face losing millions in 10% bank account tax.
St Patrick's Day celebrations around the world.
The blessing of the 150,000: Pope Francis is mobbed as he holds first Sunday audience.
US scraps final phase of European missile shield.
Italy's Grillo issues warning to members who defied vote orders.
Is Nicolas Sarkozy ready to be France's comeback kid?
Germany cracks down on Salafists.
AMERICAS
Presidential candidates spar in Venezuela.
Honduras police accused of death squad killings.
Death toll from fireworks explosion in Mexico rises to 16.
Argentina debates Pope's political past.
Argentina slams 'disrespectful' U.K.'s Cameron for 'daring to rebuff' Pope.
Bankrupt Alabama county eyes debt cuts topping $1 billion.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda claims assault on Iraqi justice ministry.
Guantanamo Bay detainees’ frustrations simmering, lawyers and others say.
Al Qaeda propaganda arm confirms death of senior religious emir.
Cyberwar expert: Al-Qaeda ‘too stupid’ to launch cyber attacks.
Bulgaria will not take lead in blacklisting Hezbollah: PM.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Disney bans kids under 14 from entering parks alone.
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S III: Spec showdown.
Weekend St. Patrick's means a bigger celebration.