Six more killed in Syria despite Arab monitors - Erika Solomon

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/16/us-syria-idUSTRE8041A820120116

The movement to end more than four decades of Assad family rule began with largely peaceful demonstrations, but after months of violence by the security forces, army deserters and insurgents started to fight back, prompting fears of civil war.
Assad, who retains the support of core military units, is backed by his own Alawite minority as well as some minority Christians and some majority Sunni Muslims who fear chaos, civil war and the rise of Islamist militancy if he is toppled.
The president, 46, who appeared in public twice in as many days last week, is eager to show that his people love him.