News

The events in the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughour may turn out to be some sort of turning point in Syria's uprising, as it moves towards completing its first three months with no end in sight.

The reported killing of more than 120 security forces personnel in and around the town in recent days is by far the biggest frontal challenge to Bashar al-Assad's regime since the revolt began in March.

The authorities have made it clear they will act decisively and forcefully to restore control.

It is a challenge they cannot ignore without admitting that they have lost control of a significant chunk of territory.