Death Toll Surges to 100 in Syria Crackdown

The death toll in the massive pre-Ramadan crackdown on Syrian rebels has surged to 100 and climbing. Tanks stormed Hama, ground-zero of the uprising, as well as several other towns in the second-bloodiest day since the revolution began in March, reports the Washington Post. President Obama said he was "appalled by the Syrian government's use of violence and brutality," and called reports out of Hama "horrifying." The coordinated government attacks included a major assault on the eastern town of Deir al-Zour near the Iraqi border. The crackdown was aimed at preventing anti-regime demonstrations during Ramadan, which begins today. (More Hama stories.)