US envoy George Mitchell (C) leaves the presidential palace in Damascus after his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on June 13, 2009. Mitchell, the highest ranking official to visit Syria since President Barack Obama took office in January, is in Damascus on the the latest leg of a regional tour. He met Assad as Obama's administration steps up efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. Getty Images logo Getty Images 32 months ago

US envoy George Mitchell (C) leaves the presidential palace in Damascus after his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on June 13, 2009. Mitchell, the highest ranking official to visit Syria since President Barack Obama took office in January, is in Damascus on the the latest leg of a regional tour. He met Assad as Obama's administration steps up efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

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