King of Jordan tells Assad to step down
Speaking of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Jordan’s King Abdullah told the BBC: “I believe, if I were in his shoes, I would step down.” It’s the latest sign that pressure is mounting on the Syrian regime to halt its brutal crackdown on protests inspired by the Arab Spring. On Monday the European Union also turned the screw on the Syrian government by approving more sanctions. On Sunday, Arab leaders suspended Damascus from membership in the Arab League due to its violent attacks on civilians. Syria, however, still enjoys the support of Russia, who condemned both the Arab League and the West for aiding opponents of Syria’s regime.