Assad's forces try to beat back rebels edging into Damascus

AMMAN, Feb 8, Reuters - President Bashar al-Assad's forces fought back on Friday in an effort to retake sections of the Damascus ring road from rebels trying to tighten their noose around the capital, opposition activists said. Rebel fighters based in the eastern Ghouta region broke through defensive lines two days ago, capturing parts of the road and entering the neighbourhood of Jobar, 2 km (a mile) from main security installations in the heart of the city. ...