dog days of august upon us

In Syria, the Damascus regime prepares for fall 'offensive' against rebel-dominated areas, as protesters demand international action. Somalia's politics of humanitarian assistance: insurgents block famine refugees. The fall begins in the middle east with gunfire across the Israel/Lebanon border. Israel puts its strength on display. Georgia will soon choose between orderly Presidential transition and dangerous breakdown. International Crisis Group (ICG) gauges the current situation in the new South Sudan.