U.S., Arab nations boost help for Syria rebels
Syrian opposition activists say more than two dozen people were killed today as government troops shelled the already-battered city of Homs - just weeks after Bashar Assad's regime publically agreed to adhere to a peace plan drawn up by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan.
With the violence continuing, the U.S. and dozens of other countries warned Syria's government to end siege on the rebels during a weekend conference in Turkey, and they're offering more help to the beleaguered rebel forces.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had tough words for Assad's regime on Sunday.
"There is no more time, or excuses or delays. This is the moment of truth," Clinton told CBS News.
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"A group of nations will be providing assistance for the fighters, and that is a decision that is being welcomed by the Syrian National Council," Clinton said.
That group of nations includes Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, which today pledged millions to pay rebel salaries, and to encourage more Syrian Army defections to shift the balance of power.
The U.S., meanwhile, pledged $12 million in aid, including for the first time, satellite communications equipment.
The sense from the Istanbul conference is that clearly Assad has flouted Annan's six-point peace plan, and we're seeing an interest in pursuing other means of pressuring the regime.
Watch Ward's full report in the video player above.
