U.S. closes Syria Embassy, pulls all staff

[EJR914]

U.S. closes Syria Embassy, pulls all staff

(CBS/AP)

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration closed the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on Monday and pulled all American diplomats out of violence-wracked Syria as the U.S. stepped up pressure on President Bashar Assad to leave power.

Robert Ford, the American ambassador, and 17 other U.S. officials left Syria and were expected to travel back to the United States. Ford informed Syrian authorities of the decision to leave earlier in the day, State Department officials said. Two diplomats left by air and the others went overland to Jordan.

Their departure comes two weeks after the State Department warned that it would close the embassy unless Assad's government better protected the mission, citing safety concerns about embassy personnel and a recent series of car bombs. And it coincides with a U.S. effort to build an international coalition in support of Syria's opposition.

More here:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57371805/u.s-closes-syria-embassy-pulls-all-staff/

The Syrian government is trying to put down an uprising of rebels in Damascus right now.  They can no longer guarantee the safety of any Americans in Syria.  Hilary Clinton has said that the US needs to act, so keep your eyes on this one to see what the US response will be.

[RS762]

Syria is getting messy and looking more and more like a full-blown civil war.
The "free syrian army" has a consistent military presence in the capital of damascus and is currently launching an offensive in Homs, Bashar Al-Assad's days are looking numbered, Russia and China have Vetoed several UN moves against Syria however im sure the "Free Syrian Army" is already enjoying the benefits of CIA and Nato support by the way of money and weapons.

[EJR914]

Yep, I'm sure the CIA is having a field day over there!

[CrystalHunter1989]

Operation Eagle Pull 2.0