The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. April 22, 2013 85 Reportedly Killed in Syria; U.S. Doubles "Nonlethal" Opposition Aid ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Activists in Syria are accusing forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad of committing a new massacre outside of the capital Damascus. The activists say at least 85 people have been killed after Assad's forces attacked a suburb following five days of clashes. The Obama administration, meanwhile, has agreed to double what it calls "nonlethal" aid to the Syrian opposition. In a joint statement with 10 allies, the United States said it would provide $250 million worth of assistance. In return, the rebels have pledged to keep the money away from "radical/extremist elements." .