From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Is Syria on the way to becoming a failed state?

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

After three years of civil war, Syrian President Assad claims a turning point has now paved the way to his re-election. Sure enough, his army backed by Hasbola has retaken important rebel strongholds, but the restoration of order is a distant dream. The death toll is 150,000. 2.5 million refugees have flooded neighboring countries. Seven million have been displaced within Syria itself. Today we'll hear about chemical

weapons, the international proxy war, and civilians faced with the choice of death by bullets

or by starvation. Today's talking point, 15 months on the job,

58 million in severance pay.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Warren. I'll, back with To the Point.

Just a year ago, it looked as if rebel forces would topple Syrian President Bashir al-Assad.

This week, the rebels have lost control of several cities,

and Al-Assad now appears to be planning for re-election.

But as we'll hear today, it seems that three years of civil war won't be over anytime soon.

Today's talking point, Yahoo, fired Enrique de Castro after just 15 months as chief operating officer.

How come he got $58 million in severance pay?

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