Syrian insurgents have reached the gates of Damascus and government forces have abandoned the central city of Homs, prompting rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. Rebel control of Homs is considered a game-changer and poses a serious threat to Assad's rule. The government now only has control of three of 14 provincial capitals. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an 'orderly political transition.' Thousands of people rushed to stock up on supplies in Damascus and many shops were shuttered.