Syrian Government Siege Grips Homs

Created: 2012-02-19 22:28 EST
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Amateur video out of Syria appears to show the bombardment of Homs.
 
The video, which could not be independently verified by Reuters, comes as Egypt is withdrawing its ambassador in an effort to isolate President Bashar al-Assad.
 
Egypt's move follows last week's Arab League call for Arab states to halt diplomatic cooperation with Syria.
 
The United Nations estimates that more than 5,500 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began last March.
 
The Arab plan calls for a halt to the violence and for Assad to hand power to a deputy in order to start talks with the opposition.
 
More footage shows damaged homes.
 
The West has ruled out any Libya-style military intervention but the Arab League, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, has indicated some of its member were prepared to arm the opposition.
 
China says it believes a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis is still possible.
 
But Britain's foreign minister says he fears the Middle Eastern country will slide into civil war.