Battle for Aleppo intensifies

The northern Syrian city of Aleppo has become a key battleground in the country's ongoing conflict. A series of blasts in the city’s centre killed dozens on Wednesday, and clashes in the historic souk at the weekend destroyed over 1,500 shops. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the souk was once the last stop before Europe for traders plying the ancient silk route from Asia. As residents and international observers look on anxiously, it’s clear the battle for Aleppo is far from over.

FOCUS

07/10/2009 - CAMBODIA

The long road to Khmer Rouge justice

Some 30 years after the hardline communist regime fell, Duch, a notorious camp commandant, is the first high-ranking Khmer Rouge official to be tried in the UN-backed war crimes court.

PAKISTAN

Swat: a real battle against the Taliban?

The Pakistani army says the insurgency in the Swat valley has been quashed. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are now returning to their valley. But did the army really win this battle against the Taliban?

06/10/2009 - EGYPT

Christian-Muslim tension in Egypt

The relationship between Coptic Christians and the rest of Egyptian society is taking a turn for the worse. After violence perpetrated by Muslims, some Christians accuse authorities of treating them as second-class citizens.

GUINEA

Amid the bloodbath, harrowing tales of rape

Around 30 women have alleged they were brutally raped by soldiers during the September 28 massacre in Guinea that the UN says left at least 150 dead. FRANCE 24's Tatiana Mossot heard some of their harrowing testimonies.

2016 OLYMPICS

Rio de Janeiro wins bid to be host city

Rio de Janeiro has been selected by the International Olympic Committee Friday to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Focus takes a look at the reaction in Brazil and in the other cities that were competing.

React to the article

(0) Reactions

REPORTERS

Exclusive documentary: Syria, the Unfolding Tragedy
THE INTERVIEW

David W. Lesch, Professor of Middle East History
SYRIA

Syria jets pound rebel strongholds in Damascus
THE DEBATE

Syria: Turkey's next move (part 2)
THE DEBATE

Syria: Turkey's next move
THE DEBATE

The Battle of Damascus (part 2)
MEDIA WATCH

'Duck, stop quacking! The Free Syrian Army is going to catch you'
SYRIA

Syria witnessing a 'state of war', Assad tells cabinet
THE DEBATE

Massacre in Homs (part 2)
THE DEBATE

Massacre in Homs
TERRORISM

France backs move to list Hezbollah as terror group
SYRIA

Syrian opposition calls on rebels to defend Qusair
HAARETZ

Syrian army says captured Israeli Jeep is proof of aid to rebels
SYRIA

The battle for Qusair
SYRIA

Battle for Qusair raises threat of Syria partition
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: the battle for Qusair
SYRIA

Hezbollah-backed Syria troops take key town Qusair
SYRIA

Syrian forces, Hezbollah attack rebel-held Qusair
IN THE WORLD PAPERS

'End it like Beckham'
HAARETZ

Geneva talks on Syria last chance to avoid foreign intervention

- Bashar al-Assad - Syria - war