Assad: No Dialogue With Opposition

President Bashar al-Assad seems determined to settle the conflict in Syria through brute military force. Speaking on behalf of Assad and the Syrian regime, the country’s information minister said Monday, “There will be no dialogue with the opposition prior to the Syrian army's imposition of security and stability in all parts of the country.” The opposing forces have long said that they would not negotiate with the regime until Assad is removed from power. A turning point in the escalating conflict was reached in August when Assad began using air strikes to attack the rebels. Earlier Monday, the new U.N. envoy to Syria said he believes ending the conflict will be “very, very difficult.”