Timeline: Syria 2011

From security forces breaking up a gathering in Marjeh Square in Damascus in March, to a rising death toll leading to Arab League monitors sent to the country, Syria's 2011.

March 1

Security forces break up a gathering in Marjeh Square in Damascus of 150 protesters holding pictures of imprisoned relatives.

March 24

President Bashar Al Assad orders the formation of a committee to study how to raise living standards and lift the law covering emergency rule, in place for 48 years.

April 22

Security forces and gunmen loyal to Mr Al Assad kill at least 100 protesters, a rights group says.

May 23

The European Union imposes sanctions on Mr Al Assad and nine other senior members of the government.

July 31

Syrian tanks storm Hama, residents say, after besieging it for nearly a month. At least 80 people are killed.

November 2

Syria agrees in principle to an Arab League plan to withdraw its army from cities, free political prisoners and hold talks. The next day activists say security forces kill 11 people in Homs.

November 12

The Arab League suspends Syria's membership.

November 16

Army defectors attack an Air Force Intelligence complex near Damascus.

December 7

Mr Al Assad denies ordering his troops to kill peaceful demonstrators, telling the US television channel ABC that only a "crazy" leader kills his own people.

December 13

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, reports the death toll from nine months of unrest has risen to more than 5,000.

December 19

Syria signs the Arab League peace plan, agreeing to let observers in to the country to monitor the withdrawal of troops from protest-hit towns, free political prisoners and start talking to dissidents.

December 27

A first team of Arab League observers landed in Syria to monitor a deal to end nine months of deadly violence.