Syria is stepping up security measures, closing off areas and setting up checkpoints across the country ahead of nationwide anti-government protests. Damascus has ordered troops not to fire on opposition, after dozens were reportedly killed by snipers. Activists on the ground put the deathtoll from the two-month uprising at 800. Several countries have strongly criticised the Syrian government for the brutal crackdown. Washington is seemingly debating whether the 11-year rule of president Bashar al-Assad is lawful. And as RT's Gayane Chichikyan reports, many believe the U.S. is laying the foundations for drastic action against the regime.

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