As the public uprising in Syria continues to edge towards full blown civil war, France's Le Figaro has recently put forth an interesting claim that Russia has established a radar base near the Syrian-Turkish border in a village called Kesab from where activities in Turkey as well as the İncirlik and NATO bases are being observed. According to the Le Figaro article, the radar system, which was set up over the past few months, also provides the opportunity to closely track the activities of the opposition movement to Bashar Assad's regime. The article stated that the population in Kesab, which is situated at an elevation of 1,300 meters, primarily consists of Armenians and Alevis that are staunch loyalists to the Assad administration.
RUSSIA DISCREDITS FRANCE
The international community continues to exert pressure on Russia to cut support offered to Bashar Assad. French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius has announced that Russia is involved the preparation being made for the post-Assad era in Syria. Speaking on France's Inter radio station, Minister Fabius commented that Russia is becoming increasingly distanced to Assad and stated, "The probability of reaching a compromise on Syria with the Moscow administration continues to increase."
Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov states that his country is in no way involved in any plans related to Assad's resignation. Lavrov went on to state, "That we have held any discussions with anyone regarding the post-Assad era is a lie."
Meanwhile, combat between the Syrian opposition and the regime's troops continued yesterday. At least 30 people were killed in events that transpired following the Friday prayer.
The Turkish-American ‘Everything for Turkey Platform’, left a black wreath which read "The Turkish public will never forget CNN’s manipulations” in front of the CNN building in New York on Saturday. 
A foundation entitled the “Every Thing for Turkey Platform” (Her şey Türkiye İçin Platformu) has announced they will be holding a demonstration in New York aimed at preserving Turkey’s best interests.
Muhammed Alabasy, who has been working for Iran’s Al Alam television station for the past eight years of his 36-year career in journalism, has resigned due to being pressured to use the term “Turkish Spring” in reference to the nationwide protests in Turkey. 
Prime Minister Erdoğan, whose trip took him to Algeria criticized Assad stating that “His father massacred Humus. His son is doing far more. These workings are not forgivable.”
Syrian President Assad has announced that they have reaceived the initial delivery of S-300 missiles from Russia. Russian Defense Minister Shoigu stated “Russia may deliver new assault weapons to Syria.
A meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the upcoming second Geneva Conference which aims to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria failed to reap a precise date for when the summit will actually take place. 
After a marathon negotiating session of EU Foreign Ministers, a ban on arming the Syrian opposition in order to protect the innocent public has in effect been lifted. England’s unyielding stance in favor of the embargo’s expiration was influential in the decision-making process. 
Iran has issued a four billion-dollar worth credit to Syria. 
The allegations the Syrian regime is using chemical warfare against the opposition, which have been put forth by Turkey, the United States and Israel, have now been confirmed. Reporters from Le Monde which spent months on the opposition front lines say the weapons are being masked by tear gas to make detection that much harder. 
Myanmar opposition leader and pro-democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi condemned on Monday a policy by a district government to limit Muslim Rohingya families to two children in an effort to curb their population growth, calling it both discrimination and going against human rights.
President of the Syrian National Council George Sabra says they are not hopeful regarding Geneva II and that there is no way they will attend a conference while the situation in Syria remains as it is. “You win a war on the battlefield and not at the table,” says Sabra. 
Days after Prime Minister Erdoğan called on U.S. President Obama to take action against the ongoing massacres suffered by Muslims in Myanmar, during a meeting held in the Oval Office of the White House, the U.S. leader hosted Myanmar President Thein Sein for a meeting in the very same location. 
It has come to light that the United States and Russia have agreed on having Manaf Tlass, the most influential commander to turn his back on the Assad regime, to preside over the transitional period in Syria. Tlass, will be brought on to take command of the rebel forces under the United States and Russia’s control to undertake negotiations with the Assad regime.
Upon a stern warning by Iraqi Kurdish Regional leader Barzani, the PKK’s Syrian offshoot, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), has released 75 Kurdish politicians from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) that were abducted by the organization last week. 
