syrian army. damascus was no exception. warplanes have been firing at the eastern suburbs of the city, and artillery shelling on opposition-held areas much the number of civilians killed this week exceeded 500, including women and children. but the free syrian army is also moving closer to the center of the city, trying to gain ground. they had claimed attacks on government strongholds, including a military air force. the government denies those claims, but did accuse terrorist groups of attacks on neighborhoods. neighborhoods were attacked this week. they are inheart by residents loyal to president assad and are predominantly of the minority group. these were the first attacks of sectarian nature. they feel oppression by islamic radical group who the government says are rising in number. these groups, the government says, are paid by conservatives and trying to destabilize the country in its secular nature. so far there hasn't been any political solution for the crisis here. and the military solu

but if anything, it's actually the syrian opposition, the free syrian army who warned israel and asked israel not to interfere in the syrian matter, in the fighting that's happening. as far as the syrian opposition is concerned, if israel interferes, they see it as an interference in favor of the syrian regime. for as far as israel is concerned, they don't want any disruption of the situation among the borders and they did make it clear they are ready for any development. >> thanks very much for bringing this up today. other news now, the canadian man who was believed to be in a vegetate tive state for more than a decade has been able to communicate to scientists that he's not in any pain. he suffered a serious injury when he was involved in a car accident, but it's the third time that a severely brain damaged patient has been able to respond regarding their care. here's more. >> scott is about to show he can communicate with his mind rather than his body. doctors thought he was vegitative, unaware of himself or the outside world. >> i want you to imagine that you're playing tennis. >>

fighters of the free syrian army insists they are taking ground. but opposition leaders have been greatly hampered by deep divisions until now. which is what makes these pictures so significant. the new opposition coalition to discuss ways that britain can strengthen their hand. first, the government needed assurances from the opposition leader. >> i welcome the commitment he has made to reach out to all opposition groups and communities and to respect human rights, to finalize a clear plan for political transition in syria, and of course to demonstrate how the coalition can be a credible political alternative to the upside receive. -- the assad regime. >> the opposition coalition needs international recognition. france jump first. britain will be close behind. that means they could be sued arming the rebels, but the u.n. embargo will have to be lifted first. the aim? tipping the balance against president assad. the signals today could hardly be clearer. this seemed to be itching to announce formal recognition of the new opposition coalition if the