Q&A: Is Syrian war escalating to wider conflict?

Story highlights Israel takes steps to defend itself after claims it launched an assault on Damascus In exclusive interview with CNN, Syrian official called alleged assault "declaration of war" Few would logically appreciate widening of conflict, but hopes of resolving it seem distant CNN — Israel is taking steps to defend itself against threatened retaliation from Syria after claims it launched a night assault on a suburb of the capital Damascus on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Frederick Pleitgen, Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al Mekdad called the alleged assault a “declaration of war.” Meanwhile, condemnation flowed from its allies, including Iran, which said the “vicious acts” could “jeopardize security of the entire region.” What do we know about the extent of Israel’s intervention? It said the move followed the alleged blasts and “intensified Israeli Army patrols” along the “‘Blue Line’ within the occupied territories.” United Nations Security-General Ban Ki-Moon has urged all sides to exercise “maximum calm and restraint.” However, Ban’s spokesman said in a statement issued on Sunday that the United Nations could not “independently verify what has occurred.” Is Israel saying anything? After Sunday’s strike, Iran’s foreign minister phoned his counterpart in Syria and “praised the resistance by the Syrian government against the enemies’ plots.” Hezbollah is a Shiite militant group regarded by Israel and the United States as a terrorist organization, although its political wing is a key player in Lebanon’s government. A real danger exists that this complex conflict in Syria could escalate into a region-wide battle involving Syria’s major allies – Iran and Hezbollah, and Israel, other regional powers, and the Western states.” Analysts say that as part of the Lebanese government the group would be risking a great deal if it responded to Israeli aggression with force.