Goal is to negotiate more significant changes beyond interim agreement in exchange for, potentially, lifting all international sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy
US, Russia are main backers of two sides, but have largely played behind-the-scenes role
Activists report clear uptick in use of explosives, dropped from helicopters into rebel-held areas, in run-up to Geneva peace talks
First round of Geneva talks fraught with difficulties, not only on substance but on what to talk about and even how to talk about it
UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi reports no progress on key issues of how to end fighting and supply much needed humanitarian aid; announces February 10 as date for when next round of negotiations will begin
Transition negotiators from both sides have been extremely hostile to each other in public, failing to agree on even basic humanitarian issues
UN mediator reports some progress on humanitarian issue during Sunday discussions but focus Monday is likely to be on country's political future
Delegations from Syrian government, opposition begin tentative talks in Geneva; some experts say makeup of delegations could prove a key factor
Officials say the first session in Geneva lasted only about 30 minutes, with only U.N. mediator Lakdar Brahimi speaking
Syria's government had threatened to walk out of peace talks with the opposition if the two sides did not begin "serious sessions" by Saturday
Senior representatives of government, opposition expected to hold first direct talks on Friday after nearly three years of bitter fighting, when they gather with mediator at UN' European headquarters
As meeting opens in Switzerland, accusations fly in all directions after participants present starkly different views of Syria's future
A second international peace conference on Syria is scheduled to convene Wednesday, but the parties may be too far apart for much to be accomplished
Community leader calls for tougher laws and punishment for hate crimes offenders
Turkey's scandal has brought into the open a bitter rivalry between the prime minister and a former ally, a reclusive Islamic cleric living in the United States, who is said to wield significant influence in the Turkish police force
It was a better year for the European economy, but, crisis that has gripped the continent since 2008 is not over yet
2013 saw major changes for Iran, with the election of a more moderate president and agreement to limit its nuclear program
A sanctions-free Iranian economy potentially enables the country to use other elements of its power more extensively
Among more difficult issues lying ahead are permanent, verifiable limits on Tehran's nuclear program, potential lifting of all nuclear-related sanctions
First-stage agreement, capping decades of dispute over Iran's nuclear program, came at end of four days of what diplomats called 'very tough' negotiations
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