#1 Fears Rise With Arrests in Restive Syrian City
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 1:38 am
NewYorkTimes
[quote]Syrian security forces arrested dozens of people on Monday in a new offensive, their largest foray into a central Syrian city since withdrawing last month, prompting residents to build barricades to block a more ambitious assault, residents said.
Since withdrawing with the military in June, the security forces have occasionally entered Hama, a city that still bears the scars of a ferocious government crackdown a generation ago. But Monday’s incursion appeared to be more extensive, though short-lived, and protesters vowed that they would stop any attempt to retake the city by force.
“People here are ready with rocks,â€
[quote]Syrian security forces arrested dozens of people on Monday in a new offensive, their largest foray into a central Syrian city since withdrawing last month, prompting residents to build barricades to block a more ambitious assault, residents said.
Since withdrawing with the military in June, the security forces have occasionally entered Hama, a city that still bears the scars of a ferocious government crackdown a generation ago. But Monday’s incursion appeared to be more extensive, though short-lived, and protesters vowed that they would stop any attempt to retake the city by force.
“People here are ready with rocks,â€