The conflict began with demands for political reform after the Arab Spring movement that swept the Middle East and Africa , but devolved into civil war when the al-Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators . France considers sending Syrian rebels night-vision gear and body armor , a source says . Britain 's foreign secretary says the UK will announce new aid soon . The US is considering providing weapons to rebel groups in Syria.
France considers sending Syrian rebels night-vision gear and body armor , a source says . Britain 's foreign secretary says the UK will announce new aid soon . The US is considering providing weapons to rebel groups in Syria.