ANTAKYA, Turkey – The conflict in Syria continues to escalate as President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and rebels fiercely battle over the country's biggest city of Aleppo.

NBC News’ Ayman Mohyeldin has been in and out of Syria several times throughout the ongoing conflict. He is currently in Antakya, Turkey, near the Syrian border.

He answered reader questions about the conflict earlier Tuesday. Replay the informative chat below. 

Syria's embattled Assad appears on TV for first time in two weeks

Syria has been locked in a violent conflict between President Bashar Assad’s regime and civilian forces for over 14 months. The Assad regime’s crackdown on the popular uprising has left thousands dead and prompted international condemnation.  More than 200 U.N. observers are currently in Syria to monitor a cease-fire agreement which has been repeatedly violated by both sides since it took effect in April.

Report: Syria rebels get better weapons as US quietly boosts support

NBC News’ Ayman Mohyeldin is in Syria to report on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict. Ask him your questions during a LIVE Chat beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. 

This chat will be moderated. As many questions as possible will be answered. 

Pope Benedict XVI is on a state visit to Cuba this week hoping to highlight the role of the Roman Catholic Church on the Communist island, as well as making subtle push for change.

Benedict called for "renewal and hope, for the greater good of all Cubans," during a speech on Tuesday. "I have also prayed to the Virgin for the needs of those who suffer, of those who are deprived of freedom, those who are separated from their loved ones or who are undergoing times of difficulty."

But the Cuban government was quick to say that there "will not be political reform" in the country as a result of the pope's visit.

NBC News' Mark Potter is in Havana. He answered interesting reader questions about Benedict's visit earlier today.

Click below to replay the chat.

Russians head to the polls on Sunday to vote in presidential elections most expect Vladimir Putin to win handily. If Putin wins, he was previously president from 2000-2008, he will return to the Kremlin after a four-year stint as prime minister. But, support for Putin’s return is not universal – a vocal opposition has been protesting the election for months.

NBC’s Jim Maceda, who has covered Russia since the days of the Soviet Union, is in Moscow following the elections. He answered reader questions about the elections, Putin’s hold on power, the opposition, etc.

Please replay the chat below.

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The intense fighting in Syria between President Bashar Assad's forces and opposition rebels seems to be getting worse by the day. On Wednesday, a French photojournalist and a prominent American war correspondent working for a British newspaper were killed as Syrian forces intensely shelled the opposition stronghold of Homs. 

Weeks of withering attacks on the city of Homs have failed to drive out opposition factions that include rebel soldiers who fled Assad's forces. Hundreds have died in the siege - galvanizing international pressure on Assad, who appears intent on widening his military crackdowns despite the risk of pushing Syria into full-scale civil war.

NBC News' Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel is on assignment along the Turkey-Syria border. He answered reader questions about the ongoing conflict in Syria earlier today.

Click on the box below to replay the chat.