Syria Pressed to End Crackdown as Arab States Join Criticism
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faced renewed pressure to end his government’s deadly five-month crackdown on protesters after three Arab countries withdrew their ambassadors from Damascus and Turkey said its neighbor is entering a “critical” period.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain recalled their envoys yesterday, a day after Syrian troops backed by tanks killed more than 100 people in assaults on towns across the country. Activists estimate the death toll at more than 2,400 since protests began in mid-March, inspired by the revolts that ousted the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt. The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Assad’s policies, urging him to meet demands for political change.