War crimes are increasingly defining the conflict in Syria. But a recent workshop for opposition fighters held in southern Turkey hopes to teach them international humanitarian law that helps them be "Fighters Not Killers."

Syrian rebels are on the defensive these days, losing ground to new offensives by government troops. Western diplomats are hopeful the rebel losses will persuade their leaders to attend an international conference being organized by the U.S. and Russia to chart a path to peace in the blood-soaked country. Host Scott Simon speaks with NPR's Deb Amos.

Analysts explain that Assad defines victory as holding on to key territory, including Damascus, and they say Assad's goal is to stay in place until 2014, as he said he would, to run in a presidential election. The overall commander of the Free Syrian Army says his rebels are getting hammered by the regime in the south because arms shipments stopped over a month ago.

Ambassador Robert Ford crossed into northern Syria on Wednesday. The secret visit was confirmed by Syrian activists at the media office at the Bab al-Salama crossing on the Turkish frontier.

Ambassador Robert Ford, the State Department's point man on Syrian policy, met with the head of the Aleppo military council on Wednesday. Syrian rebels thanked him for the delivery of some 65,000 MREs. Both the visit and the shipment appear to be a sign of support for Gen. Salim Idriss, the rebels' commander.

Morning Edition rides along with Andrew Harper of the UNHCR to the Syrian border. Roughly 3,000 Syrians each day wait for buses to take them to refugee camps in Jordan.

The Bakdash ice cream parlor has been a landmark in the Syrian capital Damascus for more than a century. But after two years of war, the owners have set up a new shop in Amman, Jordan, home to many Syrian refugees.

More than half a million refugees have crossed into Jordan, and the number is expected to rise rapidly. Jordanian officials say the influx is threatening the stability of the kingdom.

The war in Syria has torn families apart and driven millions out of the country, but it has also transformed some Syrians as they take on roles they never imagined. A 26-year-old woman from Homs has put her dream of teaching English literature on hold as she works with the opposition.

Aleppo was once the financial heart of Syria. But as the country's revolt grinds on, many of the city's most innovative businessmen have moved to the Turkish border town of Gaziantep. An estimated 150,000 Syrians are there — some of whom are putting down roots — raising questions about Aleppo's future.

More than 100 private aid groups have emerged since the uprising began, and many activists say the experience they've gained will be valuable in rebuilding the country.

Syria's political opposition is meeting in Istanbul this week to choose a rebel government, despite opposition from the Obama administration. The vote has been postponed twice because of internal tensions over naming a rival government to Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.

Islamist brigades are competing with pro-democracy civilians to shape Syria's future. In many areas in rebel-held northern Syria, Islamists have set up religious courts that deliver rulings under Shariah, or Islamic law.

A 28-year-old computer wizard known as the Harvester, along with his online rebel friends, have hacked into a pro-regime TV station as part of their ongoing battle against the government's electronic army.

In a rare test of democracy, a soft-spoken, 31-year-old aid worker won a seat on the Aleppo provincial council in a vote held on March 3 in neighboring Turkey. Abdul Rahman Kahir won top votes for his work organizing aid distributions in the Syrian city.

Syrian rebels have captured a provincial capital, Raqqa, in the north of the country. The Syrian government has responded with airstrikes, which has set off an exodus of refugees heading to the Turkish border.

Aleppo, Syria, is holding the first free elections for 25 city council seats and 26 provincial council seats. This election is far from perfect, but those involved say they want to set an example for other Syrian towns.

Secular activists launched the uprising in Syria two years ago, but ultraconservative Muslims are becoming a more potent force as the war grinds on. The sides have little in common besides their opposition to President Bashar Assad's government.

Many Syrian children have lost family members and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Even those who have fled into neighboring Turkey have not been able to leave the trauma behind.

At one camp near the town of Atma, near the border with Turkey, some private aid is getting through, but it's not nearly enough. There's a shortage of tents, water and food — all amid falling temperatures.