Today's Story Line

They're handing out free posters of Bashar al-Assad in Syria as he consolidates his power. Key to the continuing rule of Assad's minority clan - a massacre that occurred 18 years ago.

Why Australia and New Zealand have taken a low diplomatic profile in solving the latest crises in the South Pacific.

As most Japanese politicians fling mud at one another ahead of this weekend's elections, a former yakuza campaigns on issues.

Can Prince William save the monarchy - and will there be a photo of it?

David Clark Scott World editor

REPORTERS ON THE JOB..

*YOU WANT TO GO WHERE? The Monitor's Scott Peterson was met with 40 questions when he told his interpreter in Damascus that he wanted to go to Hama. This is the site of a massacre of an estimated 10,000 people in 1982. "It's a famous place for waterwheels," Scott said, stalling. His interpreter wasn't fooled. During the taxi ride, Scott caught him reading over his shoulder as Scott boned up on the details of the massacre. "Here," Scott said, "You may as well read it for yourself." Adds Scott: "There's really only one reason a journalist would go to Hama, and it's not tourism."

FOLLOW-UP ON A MONITOR STORY..

*HOOLIGANS HURT ENGLAND: England's team may get booted from the Euro 2000 soccer championship if its fans misbehave again. As reported on June 16, authorities took special precautions against so-called soccer hooligans prior to last Saturday's Germany-England match in Charleroi, Belgium. But fans rioted in the streets following England's 1-0 win over Germany. England plays again Tuesday. But soccer officials say it will be the team's last game if fans become violent again.

*HORIZONTAL DEMO: Protesters in South Korea lie in the street and shout at the jets overhead near the main gate of the US Air Force Koon-ni bombing range Monday.

As reported on June 2, protesters consider the range dangerous and want it relocated. Some activists also want US troops to be withdrawn from South Korea.

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