Updates Monday 30 July 2012

200,000 flee Syria's Aleppo as battle ragesJuly 30, 2012 Around 200,000 civilians have fled fighting in Syria's most populous city Aleppo and many more were trapped, the UN said Sunday as a government offensive against rebels entered a second day. Meanwhile, the Syrian National Council accused the government of preparing to carry out "massacres" in the northern city and pleaded for heavy weapons to enable rebels to meet the regime onslaught. AGENDA A rare standNadine Elali, July 29, 2012 In a rare stand against the Syrian regime, President Suleiman has accused Syrian forces of violating Lebanese territory. His outcry comes amid increasing international pressure on President Bashar al-Assad and points to the growing weakness of the Syrian regime's grip on power in Lebanon. Stalemate in SidonAlex Rowell and Bassem Nemeh, July 28, 2012 The past few days have seen a series of tit-for-tat exchanges in Sidon between supporters of Salafist cleric Ahmad al-Assir and members of the Popular Nasserist Organization. With both sides telling NOW Lebanon they will escalate their efforts, the future looks tense for the city. How will the Aoun-Berri fight end?Matt Nash, July 27, 2012 The ongoing dispute between Michel Aoun and Nabih Berri is threatening to sever ties between the two allies. While Hezbollah has not jumped to Aoun's defense, Aoun is unlikely to cut off relations with the Party of God or the March 8 alliance in general. NOW EXTRA The end of the silk roadAna Maria Luca, July 27, 2012 Silk worm breeding and silk weaving is a dying tradition in Lebanon. A museum in Mount Lebanon, the House of the Artisan in Zouk Michael and two embassies in Beirut are trying to bring back to life the trade that once helped Lebanon flourish. NOW SYRIA Latest Syria developmentsJuly 30, 2012 They toare standing up for freedom and demanding democratic reforms in the face of an oppressive regime. NOW Syria is tracking the latest developments from inside the state, where peaceful protesters are pushing forward the Arab Spring with a new uprising.