article_snippet: US Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged that it would need increased pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, 'to make it clear to US Secretary of State John Kerry that there is a determination by everybody to seek that political outcome and change US Secretary of State John Kerry calculation about negotiating'. '
article_snippet: And I am convinced that, with the efforts of our allies and others, there will be increased pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.'
article_snippet: Despite international outrage at the death toll, and allegations that his regime used chemical weapons against his regime own people in August 2013, Assad has clung to power and does not look likely to be deposed any time soon.
article_snippet: Assad forces have consolidated His forces grip on the capital Damascus, where 18 more people were killed and more than 100 were injured in air raids yesterday.