Syria Observers' Mission Suspended

The Arab League said Saturday it's simply too dangerous for its monitors to continue their mission in Syria as violence escalates in recent days. There's been a "critical deterioration of the situation," said Nabil Elaraby, the secretary-general of the Arab League, in a statement. The group said around 100 observers would stay in the country, however. The bloc also confirmed that it is holding talks with Russia, an old ally of Syria's, in order to push through a United Nations draft resolution condemning President Bashar al-Assad—a move that Moscow has opposed. Opposition activists said another 98 people were killed Saturday, including a reported three children, one woman and 11 defected soldiers.