NEW : At least 172 died Tuesday , opposition says . France formally recognizes new Syrian coalition ; U.S. says it will give aid . Syrian spokesman : Opposition abroad is `` clinically dead , '' even after a recent unification . " Comment: The US and Russia are not going to let the rebels take over Syria.
NEW : At least 172 died Tuesday , opposition says . France formally recognizes new Syrian coalition ; U.S. says it will give aid . Syrian spokesman : Opposition abroad is `` clinically dead , '' even after a recent unification . `` Defending Syria is a national destiny and not a political option , '' an official says .