Thousands of Syrian protesters flooded the streets on May 6th in a "Day of Defiance" against President Bashar al-Assad's 11-year regime, with large protests occurring in major cities across the country. The government responded to the spreading protests with a violent security crackdown, using military force at checkpoints and arrests to quell dissent, though protesters' morale remained high despite the massacre that occurred with many being shot and killed during the May 6th demonstrations.

3. Syrian Rebels hold day of defiance

4. Semi-relevant background info: Country: Syria Official Government: Republic Leader: President Bashar Al-Assad Prime Minister: AdilSafr Population: 22.5 million

5. The protests People are protesting peacefully in streets Want end to 11 year regime of Al-Assad Started via online organization and moved to streets Protests spread; now in all major cities

6. The government response Al-Assad made security crackdown on protests Using military force to quell protests Checkpoints enforced and Protestors arrested Morale is still high

7. A day of defiance Friday, May 6th: Thousands flooded the streets Huge protest in Capitol and other cities Many shot and killed in massacre People still cheer and martyr selves

8. International Response UN placed sanctions on Syrian Gov’t, refuses sales of arms Hopes to stop violence by restring arms No intervention yet, but might change