Russia and the United States agreed on Tuesday to try to bring together Syria's warring parties at an international conference, possibly by the end of this month, in an attempt to negotiate an end to their civil war Russia - a staunch ally of Assad – has blocked sanctions against Syria at the United Nations and has supplied Syria with arms. Both Russia and the United States have made clear that peace efforts have been stepped up because of growing concern that the violence could spread beyond Syria. Israel carried out two air strikes against Syria recently. On April 25th the White House said US intelligence agencies believe Syria may well have used chemical weapons against its own people, a view which if confirmed would mark a further escalation in the conflict. Both the US and Russia are concerned that Syria may be dominated by Islamists - threatening Israel, Jordan and Lebanon.

Pray: for joint international peace talks. Pray against the region being further destabilised. (Ps.9:15-18)

More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/07/us-syria-crisis-conference-idUSBRE94612S20130507