As history unfolds, Israel strengthens its position by capturing key high points on Mount Hermon from the Assad regime, citing regional chaos as Iran’s influence wanes and Islamist forces rise in Syria

Journalist Nur Golan says Syrians want to rebuild their country and live in peace and stability; Opposition activist accuses UN of ignoring the suffering of Syrians and working for Iran, Russia 

Military says will protect against any violation of Israel sovereignty after warning Syrian rebels taking control of the area near the border, not to advance 

Called to succeed his father after the designated heir, brother Basel is killed, Bashar al-Assad takes the leadership bringing hope of reforms but those end quickly as the young dictator continues the hard hand of his father

Rebel sources tell CNN a search for the ousted leader is underway and military and intelligence officials are being questioned; other sources say plane movements on radar are inexplicable and it may have been shot down  

Syrian army reportedly retreats as rebels rally toward capital; US officials predict Assad's regime could fall 'by next week'; Iran reportedly evacuated senior IRGC commanders; Assad denies fleeing, but his location remains unknown