A Syrian MP has fled the country to join the opposition against President Bashar Assad, saying the people are suffering sweeping human rights violations.

Syria's two largest opposition groups have signed an agreement on setting up a democracy after President Bashar Assad's regime falls, opposition figures said today.

Syrian dissidents meeting in Turkey today formally announced the creation of a broad-based council designed to overthrow President Bashar Assad’s regime in what appeared to be the most serious step yet to unify a fragmented opposition.

Acil Tabbara reports from Dubai on unrest in the region and the role played by Facebook