SYRIAN RATS JUMPING SHIP PROVE ASSAD REGIME IS NEARING END

NYTIMES: DAMASCUS, Syria, Oct. 29 - During a United Nations investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri that threatens the power of President Bashar al-Assad, a first cousin who is one of the most powerful businessmen in Syria has left the country. While it remains unclear why the president's cousin, Rami Makhluf, left - his allies say he is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, working on the expansion of his business empire - many people with close connections to the ruling Baath Party say his departure underscores the investigation's threat to the Assad family's grip on power.

When Assad falls, Iran will be completely isolated and surrounded.