Syria Rebels Set 48-Hour Deadline

Lunchtime on Friday will be a tense moment in Syria. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels announced Wednesday a 48-hour deadline for President Bashar al-Assad and government forces to cease their attacks on the Syrian people. If the government cannot do so, rebels said they will resume fighting back after adhering to a United Nations-imposed peace deal. Reports of violence have been widespread throughout the country, including 108 killed in Houla last week and 13 found shot execution-style this week. If the government did not halt such violence, rebels said, they would “no longer [be] bound by the…peace plan.” Rebels want troops withdrawn to their bases, a leader said in a video announcement. The U.N. said it continues to maintain a significant part of many cities and towns throughout the country.