Syrian civil war drags on (summary)

Although fighting has intensified in and around Damascus where the international airport was closed, no decisive blows have been struck by either side in the conflict. Although Syrian forces have air space superiority and heavy weapons, the opposition continues to control most of the north of the country. Discoveries of massacres suggests human rights violations on both sides. The steady surge of refugees into neighbouring countries continues to stress the capacities of relief agencies. All travel to Syria should be avoided.