Obama administration formally recognizes Syrian opposition group
• Washington PostPresident Obama formally recognized a newly formed Syrian opposition group as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, the administration hopes will speed the downfall of President Assad and the formation of an alternative government.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/world/middleeast/united-states-involvement-in-syria.html?hp&gwh=4AA8712ABC772855F325310E81B4350A&_r=0