For the first time in months, a United Nations Special Envoy Team carried out a field visit to war-torn Syria.  The UN representatives met with the rebel Revolutionary Military Council as well as civilian and Christian leaders at a location north of Damascus.

Rebels have pounded away but have failed to breakthrough and capture significant territory in the Syrian capital.

A leader of at least one rebel faction is demanding the release of 160,000 people apparently being held by the government and secret police.  The rebels also want the Assad regime to resume issuing passports.

The new American Secretary of State John Kerry expressed hope for the UN visit, but reiterated the U.S. position that any political solution to the Syria Crisis must involve President Bashar al-Assad steeping down.