Deal collapsing

Despite a deal reached on Wednesday between the Arab League and Syria to end the Syrian government's bloody crackdown on protests, violence has continued over the weekend, leading the head of the Arab League to express concern for the holding power of the agreement.

"The failure of the Arab solution will have disastrous consequences in Syria and the region," said Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby, adding that Syria's government should take "immediate measures" to protect civilians.

The 22-nation bloc called a meeting for next Saturday because of "the continuation of violence and because the Syrian government did not implement its commitments in the Arab plan to resolve the crisis."

The weekend violence in Syria continued on Sunday during the Eid al-Adha feast, one of Islam's holiest holidays, with activists reporting at least 13 people killed. An additional five people were reportedly killed on Saturday when tank shells were fired on Homs, which has become a main hub for both the protest movement and the government's reprisal. Fifteen more lost their lives in a protest march on Friday.

The UN estimates over 3,000 people have died since the start of the crackdown in March.

Unfulfilled promise

As many as 50 people are thought to have been killed since Syria reached the deal with the Arab League that was meant to reduce the violence that has swept the country in the seven months since the protest movement began.

Damascus released 553 people who had been arrested during the protests on Saturday to coincide with Eid al-Adha. The release of those detained during the protests was part of the Arab League deal signed by Syria, but it is believed that many more people continue to be held.

In addition, the Arab League plan calls for a military withdrawal from Syrian cities, unrestricted media observation, and an open dialogue between the regime and the opposition.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe on Sunday said he does not believe Syria will live up to its end of the bargain.

"I personally think there is nothing more to expect from this regime," he told Europe 1 radio. "Despite its occasional announcements, it will not commit to a program of reforms."

Author: Matt Zuvela, Spencer Kimball (AP, Reuters, AFP)
Editor: Andy Valvur