Syria Continues Assault on Homs

Syrian tanks have relaunched their assault on Homs, shelling the beleaguered city for a 10th day today after the government's rejection of the Arab League's attempts to launch a UN peacekeeping mission in the country. The League's push was today also rejected by Russia, which said a ceasefire—by both the government and the opposition—must precede such a mission. "The tragedy is that the armed groups that are confronting the forces of the regime are not subordinate to anyone and are not under control," said a Russian official.

The Arab League is calling for the quick deployment of a 3,000-strong peacekeeping force, including members from UN countries. But past experience suggests the UN won't agree to such a mission "when there is no peace to keep," notes the New York Times. The League's earlier monitoring mission consisted of just 200 people; its head, Mohammed al-Dabi, left the job yesterday. At least 23 were reported dead in continued fighting yesterday across several cities. (More Syria stories.)