Syrian Army Preps New Crackdown

One down, one to go—for now. Having steamrolled the rebellious town of Jisr al-Shoughour, Syrian army units are now preparing to crack down on Maaret al-Numan. Tanks have moved southwest toward the town, surrounding it but not yet entering, according to a Syrian general. As the army moves, thousands more Syrians have continued streaming north toward Turkey to seek refuge. But while the attack on Jisr al-Shoughour seems to have successfully snuffed out active rebellion, the increasingly brutal crackdown, and resulting backlash, has begun to raise questions about the ability of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to maintain order. Defiant refugees in Turkey responded angrily to calls from the government to return to Jisr al-Shoughour, shouting, "You ruined us, Bashar! Just leave!"