The opposition in Syria claims the government has stepped up attacks on cities around the country, just ahead of a joint mission due to begin this week. The mission, sent by UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, has been given the brief of finding a political solution to the crisis. This, against a backdrop of a report by an Arab diplomat that Saudi Arabia is sending equipment to arm the oppostion. RFI speaks to an analyst on the Middle East about what hope there is for a ceasefire.
