Vice-President Resigns; No Reason Given

Syrian Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam has resigned from the government and the [...] party [...] during a meeting [...] on the first day of a conference focusing on reform.

No reason has been given for his resignation and it is not known if the party has accepted it.

Mr Khaddam, a veteran hardliner, is seen as an architect of Syrian influence in neighbouring Lebanon.

I'm quoting from a story that appeared on the BBC website Tuesday morning: Syrian vice-president steps down

BBC regional analyst Daniel Nassif says Mr Khaddam's influence has grown weaker recently.

International pressure earlier this year forced Syria to withdraw the troops it had sent to Lebanon during the 1975-1990 civil war.

There's more of course and you can find it here.

Thanks to www.exportinfo.org/worldfactbook/syria_WFB.html for the map.

Special Bonus: Here's a quiz for you! How long has it been since a vice president resigned in the USA?