Reports have now emerged that President Obama has signed an executive order some time this year, authorizing
covert
support to help the rebels oust Mr Assad. The details of that support are unknown, but it could include training, communication equipment and intelligence sharing. The American president has been for months resisting being
dragged
into another war in the Middle East, but while the United States insists it still wants a political transition in Syria, events on the ground are now forcing the US to take in more hands-on approach to conflict in an effort to shape the outcome.
A landmark trial has begun in Brazil with dozens of former officials from the governing Workers' Party facing corruption charges. The case, which
dates back
to 2005, rocked the government of the then-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Paulo Cabral reports.
This case centers on claims that the governing Workers' Party was paying a monthly allowance of tens of thousands of dollars to members of parliament in exchange for political support. The then-President Lula da Silva avoided an
impeachment
hearing because there was no evidence of his direct involvement. But the case, which took years to get to the court, is critical for the Workers' Party which is still in power and for Mr da Silva who remains a key figure in Brazilian politics.
World News from the BBC
European markets have fallen after the head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi said the bank would