So much for the ceasefire. Despite the U.N. observer mission now in the country, the Syrian regime widened shelling to another town, according to activists. After a brief lull when the ceasefire went into effect, the Syrian Army has been increasing attacks. At least 26 people were reportedly killed on Monday. French foreign minister Alain Juppé said on Tuesday that the tough international sanctions imposed on Damascus have cut its financial resources in half—and Juppé said the "ruling clan" of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been damaged.