Tunisian Revolution and the Middle East--And Now, The Withdrawal From Afghanistan (M.E.T.)

[visionary]

More big things happening in Syria today.

Tens of thousands protesting across the country. Much of the south seems to be up in protest today and over 25 are reported dead in the city of Homs from security forces firing on protesters over the weekend.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141813455655509.html

Thousands attend Syria protesters' funerals

Mourners call for overthrow of President Assad a day after at least 30 demonstrators were killed by security forces.

Last Modified: 18 Apr 2011 13:36

Thousands of Syrians have attended the funerals for protesters killed in the central city of Homs, chanting slogans demanding the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the country's president.

Rights activists say security forces killed at least 25 pro-democracy protesters in Homs on Sunday night as anti-government demonstrations flared across the country, claiming up to 30 lives.

"From alleyway to alleyway, from house to house, we want to overthrow you, Bashar," the mourners chanted, according to a witness at the mass funeral held for eight of the dead on Monday.

Al Jazeera's correspondent Rula Amin, in Damascus, reported that the situation in Homs was very tense.

"People are complaining that many of the wounded are not going to the hospital, they fear that the security forces will pick them up from their hospital bed," she said.

"There is also a shortage of blood according to the people we have been talking to.

"People are concerned that clashes might erupt following the [funeral] processions."

Poor **** Ass head. What will he come up with this Thursday.

---------- Post added April-18th-2011 at 11:05 AM ----------

Al Jazeera English is reporting that the Damascus suburb of Douma has pretty much revolted against the Syrian government. They tore down just about every picture or banner of the president and his father in the city over the weekend. There were of course also around 50,000 protesters from there who marched into the capital before being dispersed on Friday.

Edited April 18, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA

It seems Assad has lost most of his country now. Homs, Latakia, Daraa, Douma, Banyas, have all pretty much revolted (along with a few smaller places across the country), although some of these have calmed a bit. Homs and Douma seem to be beyond the point of return though.

6:45pm Footage of protesters in Homs today:

dY9AsDCEFjc

Some updates:

7:03pm Protests seem to be spreading. Thousands rallying in Homs and our reporter Cal Perry in Damascus said he was just hearing news of a peaceful protest 10km west of the capital. There are also reports of a large demonstration by Kurds in Ain al-Arab in the north.

7:54pm Rami, a protester in the square, just told Al Jazeera that a a sheikh has told the demonstrators that Maher al-Assad, the president's brother, said he would send the security forces to disperse protesters.

Rami says he can see a number of armed "hooligans" who are gathered around the demo.

He is saying all the protesters are unarmed civilians -about 50,000 - and they will continue protesting and camping out in the suqare until the regime is overthrown.

8:35pm An early picture from the sit-in in Homs, posted online by Shantal7afana

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

Protester tells AJ: 70,000 people took to the streets in #Homs this afternoon, no violence http://aje.me/fMUTb8 #syria 2 minutes ago

AJE has interviewed a bunch of the protesters across Syria who demand freedom and want the government to stop oppressing, repressing, and clamping down on them.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141817736498882.html

Earlier in the day, thousands attended the funerals for protesters killed in Homs, shouting slogans against Bashar al-Assad, the country's president.

Witnesses said mourners chanted "From alleyway to alleyway, from house to house, we want to overthrow you, Bashar," and "Either freedom or death, the people want to topple this regime".

http://twitter.com/#!/AJELive

Homs protester:"It's the first time in my life I break the barrier of silence, the first time I feel freedom." http://aje.me/fMUTb8 #syria

3 minutes ago

YEMEN

http://twitter.com/#!/Reuters

FLASH: Group from Yemen's ruling party say they are forming new party to support protests, resignation of president 36 minutes ago

UGANDA

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/04/201141874445864220.html

Uganda cracks down on opposition

Kizza Besigye, who challenged incumbent president, among those arrested for staging protest.

Last Modified: 18 Apr 2011 08:34

Ugandan police have arrested 17 opposition politicians, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye, ahead of a planned protest over spiralling food and fuel prices in the capital Kampala.

A senior official from Besigye's party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), said Besigye was arrested on Monday as he prepared to go to work.

"Besigye was arrested as he left his house this morning and is being held in Kasangati" police station on the outskirts of Kampala, said Alice Alaso, the secretary general of the FDC.

The co-ordinator of the protest, himself an opposition politician, told the AFP news agency that Democratic Party (DP) leader Norbert Mao and the head of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), Olara Otunnu, were also arrested as they tried to join the movement.

"Mao was arrested metres from his gate while Otunnu managed to walk about half a kilometre before he was detained," said Mathias Mpuuga.

EUROPE

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/04/2011418142417356815.html

France threatens to return Tunisian migrants

Interior minister says migrants arriving from Italy without enough money to stay will be sent back across the border.

Last Modified: 18 Apr 2011 15:20

Tunisian migrants arriving in France from Italy will be sent back across the border if they cannot prove adequate financial resources, the French interior minister has said.

Claude Gueant said migrants could be returned to Italy under the rules of the Shengen Accords, which allows residents of EU countries to travel within the region without passports.

His comments are the latest in a row between Italy and France over people from the north African nation seeking refuge in Europe.

On Sunday France temporarily shut its border to trains from Italy carrying a group of about 60 mainly Tunisian migrants, leading to accusations from Rome that Paris was violating European principles.

However the European Commission said on Monday that France had acted within its rights.

Cecilia Malmstroem, the European home affairs commissioner, said French authorities had cited "public order reasons" for halting and inspecting the trains.

"Apparently they have the right to do this," she said, adding that France explained that the trains were stopped "very temporarily."

Italy has complained about being "left alone" by European Union partners to deal with thousands of mainly Tunisian migrants who have arrived on its southern island of Lampedusa in recent weeks, fleeing political turmoil in North Africa.

It has issued around 20,000 migrants with temporary permits allowing them to leave Italy to travel to other destinations in Europe, a policy which has been criticised by several of its partners, including France and Germany.

Some of the countries in the 27-nation EU are worried that offering shelter to too many migrants will encourage more to attempt illegal entry to Europe.

However on Monday Franco Frattini, the Italian foreign minister, said that despite their different handling of the Tunisian immigrants, France and Italy would "work together" to clear the cloud hanging over relations.

This comes around the same time that an anti-immigration and anti-EU political party in Finland has made huge gains in weekend elections.

VENEZUELA

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/18/us-venezuela-chavez-idUSTRE73H42H20110418?WT.tsrc=Social%20Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_%20com&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter

(Reuters) - Hundred dollar oil, a brighter economic outlook and growing popularity after a tough couple of years are just a few reasons Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has to be cheerful as he plans a re-election bid.

Add to that list bickering among opposition parties and the bombing of Libya by Western nations, and the socialist stalwart has plenty to help counter popularity-sapping problems such as high inflation and shoddy public services.

Any number of factors could yet upset Chavez's plan to do away with capitalism in South America's biggest oil exporter, but for now the former soldier looks like the favorite ahead of a December 2012 election that would give him a new six-year term.

With typical bombast, Chavez predicts his next election victory would be greater than even his last, when he won more than 60 percent of the vote.

"We are going to wipe them out like never before," Chavez told cheering supporters gathered in the rain outside his presidential palace in downtown Caracas last Wednesday, marking nine years since he survived a coup attempt against him.

Citing his hands-on performance during floods late last year, most polls put Chavez's ratings above 50 percent, up several points since a long recession drove his popularity down to its lowest point for years in 2010.

Despite that, his ratings have tended toward gradual decline since peaks of about 70 percent a few years ago,

"Today Chavez has an advantage, he is the candidate and he has got money," said Luis Vicente Leon, of pollster Datanalisis. "But the Chavez heading to the 2012 election is infinitely weaker than in any other electoral process in the past."

Edited April 18, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

More from Syria. I hear that there may be some shooting going on by loyalist thugs in Homs.

I''ll have more on that later if it does turn out to be accurate.

Here a bit more of AJE's coverage of the situation in Homs:

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

9:18pm SHAMSNN has posted this footage of protests in Homs today. The man with the microphone is said to be Asaad al-Kahel, described as a "respected religious man".

jijDymoXZso

Edited April 18, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

9:03pm Protester in Homs who gives his name as Abu Omar tells Al Jazeera that 70,000 people took to the streets this afternoon.

"I'm 45 years old. It's the first time in my life I break the barrier of silence, the first time I feel freedom. The regime does not wish us to enjoy freeedom or dignity. For decades we've been ruled by an iron fist, by the force of weapon."

10:41pm Suhair Atassi, a rights activist, emailed this update about the protest in Homs: "Some large tents have been set up and protesters are calling the square Tahrir Square [Liberation Square, a reference to the focal point of protests in Cairo]. They've set up barriers and are checking ID's of those entering.

"There are old people, women, kids, even sick people. I couldn't imagine this until I saw it with my own eyes."

10:55pm Yesterday, activists reported that about 300 anti-government protesters in the southern city of Suweida were attacked by "government thugs". Al Jazeera just spoke to a university student who took part in the protest and this is his account of the events:

People were holding pictures of the leaders of the Syrian revolution [against French rule], it was Independence Day. They were chanting 'The Syrian people are one'. Then, supporters of the president came by cars, with metal sticks and pictures of the president, and started beating people up - girls, young, old, and they tore apart the pictures of the leaders of the revolution.

"I wasn't beaten, I escaped, they chased me, and I saw them beating my friend. Five people were injured.

"They're not genuine supporters of the president. They're thugs used by the regime to threaten and beat up protesters. They're well known as bad people, they have a criminal past. They are recruited and protected by the regime who pay them, give them mobile phones and food."

This video posted yesterday is said to be from Suweida:

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11:45pm The Syrian interior ministry says events in the country amounts to "armed insurrection" and calls on citizens to "report terrorists", according to Reuters.

Edited April 18, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

Worrying signs that Syrian security forces and army are be cracking down on Homs and enacting some sort of house by house arrest or killing throughout the city.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

12:09am Activist Suhair Atassi wrote in an email update a short while ago that there are 10,000 people gathered in the centre of Homs, including 400 women. There are also six buses carrying security forces armed with Kalashnikovs and other weapons, she says.

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

Over one thousand protesters remain in the center of Homs. Security forces can still be seen on the outter sections of the city. 15 minutes ago

Homs remains in a state of "complete lockdown - no one allowed in or out. The Army has surrounded the entire city." 16 minutes ago

There are at LEAST 3 rings of security around Homs. None of which have soldiers equip with night vision. So ... that's not good. 1 minute ago

On the main highway running north from Damascus to Aleppo: just N of Hisya, there are 2 armored personnel carriers blocking entry. 5 minutes ago

---------- Post added April-18th-2011 at 07:37 PM ----------

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

Working on it. Homs. Gunfire heard ... unclear if this is more firing in the air, or something worse. 11 minutes ago

Reports say tear gas has been used, firing being heard in Homs. RIGHT NOW seems like it is in the air. Getting this on the air AJE. 6 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/Reuters

FLASH: Syrian forces fire shots at protesters who had gathered in Homs City in defiance of warning to disperse: rights campaigner 11 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/Tharwacolamus

Homs Eyewitness: 6,000 people were in Freedom Square when tear gas gunfire started, many dead, wounded, arrested 4 minutes ago

Homs Eyewitness: security forces closed off side streets & are firing at & arresting protesters trying to escape 5 minutes ago

Edited April 18, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

Sources in Homs tell AJE that security forces told people to clear the square at 230am, but opened fire at 215am. Many wounded. Syria 16 minutes ago

Reportedly many security force members then changed into civilian clothes and dispersed into the fleeing crowd and followed them. Some wounded protesters were taken away by the security forces before any medics could reach them.

2:48pm The sit-in by protesters at Clock Square in Homs [twitpic by @Shantal7afana]

http://twitter.com/#!/SubMedina

Eyewitness to Aljazeera: Protesters were shot at while they were sleeping. Helicopters flew overhead 4 minutes ago

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

2:40pm A protester at the Clock Square in Homs says many people are dead after security forces open fire at protesters.

3:26am Al Jazeera's Cal Perry, in Damascus, says witnesses in Homs tell him that several people are wounded and rushed to hospital in cars, but medics are unable to reach the square because of gunfire. He's also told people are afraid to go to the hospital, thinking that if they go, security forces will be waiting for them there and they will end up in detention.

Al Jazeera English is reporting that tanks were seen advancing on Homs earlier to help blockade the city.

---------- Post added April-18th-2011 at 09:17 PM ----------

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/04/201141901928585194.html

Burkina Faso gets new prime minister

Ambassador to France to lead new government following a mutiny by soldiers and days of riots in West African country.

Last Modified: 19 Apr 2011 00:49

Burkina Faso's president has appointed a new prime minister following days of riots and protests involving soldiers, police and students in the West African country.

Luc-Adolphe Tiao, Burkina Faso's ambassdor to France, was named as prime minister late on Monday, three days after his predecessor, Tertius Zongo, was dismissed by president Blaise Compaore.

Earlier, Burkina Faso's state TV said students had burned down the ruling party headquarters and the prime minister's house in the central city of Koudougou, according to the Associated Press.

In the northern town of Kaya, soldiers and paramilitary police fired shots in the air, torched the home of an army regiment chief and ransacked that of a regional officer, residents told the AFP news agency by telephone.

Edited April 19, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://twitter.com/#!/SubMedina

Syria, Homs protest http://is.gd/5xRSP1 And the shots at night http://is.gd/zexsqM 1 hour ago

q0DwZidv-BA

The second video...is terrifying.

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Some updates from Homs:

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-18

3:50am A wrap-up of the latest developments in Homs by Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith:

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4:00am Reports on twitter say tanks are rolling into the centre of Homs. Heavy gunfire is also reported and security forces allegedly broke into Khaled bin al-Waleed mosque. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify these reports.

4:55am At least two people were injured in the shooting at Clock Square in Homs. Unconfirmed reports say that a number of people were killed when security forces opened fire at protesters, however, Al Jazeera cannot independently verify this.

Eyewitnesses say people at Clock Square were given until 2:30am local time to leave the square and by 2:15am security forces opened fire.

5:20am The first video of the shooting at Clock Square in Homs appeared in YouTube. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify the authenticity of this footage.

4m0i9vt6qWk

5:54am Amateur video published by the Sham news agency shows how a wounded or dead man is being carried from what is believed to be Clock Square in Homs. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify the authenticity of this footage:

N3MfTq0HQo0

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011418205623820740.html

Former Saleh allies form new party in Yemen

Former members of Yemen's ruling party form new bloc to support protests against Ali Abdullah Saleh's decades-long rule.

Last Modified: 18 Apr 2011 21:57

Members of Yemen's ruling party including three former ministers formed a new bloc to support protests against the rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president.

The new party, called the Justice and Development Bloc, opposes the suppression of protests and is demanding an end to Saleh's 32-year rule, Mohammed Abu Lahoum, its leader, said on Monday.

The protests, inspired by uprisings that toppled the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia, are now in their third month and bring tens of thousands of people onto the streets almost every day demanding an end to endemic poverty and corruption. Scores of protesters have been killed.

At least 88 people were wounded on Monday in the Red Sea port of Hudaida as plain clothes police fired bullets and tear gas at protesters, who responded by hurling stones, witnesses and doctors said.

After years of backing Saleh as a bulwark against regional instability and the activities of al-Qaeda's active Yemeni branch, Saudi Arabia and the United States are now pressing him to negotiate with the opposition on handing over power.

The new Justice and Development Bloc includes former ministers for tourism, human rights and transport from the ruling party, and a number of members of parliament, who joined a stream of former officials who have already deserted Saleh.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/04/201141962059232241.html

Ugandan opposition leader vows more protests

Kizza Besigye, who challenged incumbent president, says courts are being used to "harass and persecute" him.

Last Modified: 19 Apr 2011 08:23

Uganda's opposition leader has vowed to continue protests against spiralling fuel and food prices after being charged with riotous behaviour.

Kizza Besigye, whose right hand is heavily bandaged after he was hit by a rubber bullet last week as police quelled his first protest, was arrested on Monday after a scuffle with security forces.

Appearing in a court in Kampala, the capital, the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) remained defiant, saying he saw nothing wrong with the "walk to work" protest, which is highlighting the plight of people who cannot afford fares for public transport.

"I will walk again on Thursday; no one has said what I'm doing is wrong," said Besigye.

"This court is being used to harass and persecute me ... the court is using the police to abuse my rights."

Besigye was freed on bail on Monday, but several opposition politicians - including one who was a presidential candidate in February's election - were remanded after they refused to apply for bail.

Nobert Mao, who heads the Democratic Party, and his colleagues said they saw no point in seeking bail when they were going to protest again and get arrested.

"We are willing to talk to President [Yoweri] Museveni and suggest practical solutions," Mao said by phone from inside the police cell.

Edited April 19, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-19

12:23pm Struggling to keep track of which city is where? Here's a handy map...

12:39pm Syrian state media says that three army officers and three children were killed "by armed criminal gangs" in Homs, reports the AFP news agency. Official news agency SANA said:

Armed criminal gangs who block roads and spread fear in the area, came upon General Abdo Khodr Al-Tellawi, his two children and his nephew, and killed them in cold blood.

Two other officers "fell as martyrs to armed criminal gang's bullets in Homs", the agency said.

The victims' bodies were "mutilated", SANA added.

http://twitter.com/#!/RulaAmin

Security forces are now stationed at the square in Homs making sure protesters don't come back for another sit in Syria 11 minutes ago

Govt says what's happening in Homs is an armed revolt that won't be tolerated. led by salafist groups syrian authorities say 8 minutes ago

Edited April 19, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011419135036463804.html

Syria 'lifts emergency law'

Government approves bill lifting emergency law, in place for 48 years, following demands by pro-democracy protesters.

Last Modified: 19 Apr 2011 14:49

Syria's government has passed a bill lifting the country's emergency law, in place for 48 years, just hours after security forces fired on protesters.

Tuesday's move is a key demand of pro-reform demonstrators who have been holding protests across the country for weeks.

A senior lawyer said Bashar al-Assad, Syria's president, was yet to sign the legislation, but that his signature was a formality.

According to the country's official SANA news agency the government also abolished the state security court, which handled the trials of political prisoners, and approved a new law allowing the right to peaceful protests.

However the interior ministry also passed a law that says citizens must obtain permission to demonstrate, the agency said, hours after the ministry imposed a total ban on political gatherings.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-19

According to the country's official SANA news agency the government also abolished the state security court, which handled the trials of political prisoners, and approved a new law allowing the right to peaceful protests.

2:57pm Al-Ikhbariya Syrian TV news channel says dozens of students tried to stage a protest at Damascus university's medical school.

The channel descried the gathering as "an attempt to creat chaos", says Al Jazeera's Rula Amin.

5:00pm The Syrian interior ministry has called Syrians in an official statement released, not to take part in protest rallies, demonstrations or sit-ins under any pretext .

The statement, which came hours after a similar statement that accused those it called Salafist groups of organizing an armed insurgency, in Homs and Baniyas in particular, has also warned that authorities would firmly apply the law for maintaining security and stability in the country.

---------- Post added April-19th-2011 at 11:41 AM ----------

More Updates From Syria

http://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque

Reuters: Protests spill out in Banias in response to lifting of emergency law, demanding freedom. 15 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Great protest headed from suburbs to Abbasids' square in Damascus on Apr 15th http://youtu.be/Ek1Qj6QHe9k 43 minutes ago

Ek1Qj6QHe9k

I think it's interesting that the other people in the city mostly seem to be cheering them on and such.

Securities & army tanks in #Homs today

27 minutes ago

Qx1nsH_oits

Pupils demonstrate after they've left their school in Daraa

9 minutes ago

33sIDduoMgg

Homs Yesterday

CG77Kxzribc

---------- Post added April-19th-2011 at 11:57 AM ----------

YEMEN

Security forces fire on Yemeni protesters

Firing in Taiz comes as UN says that 26 children have been killed in violent protests over the last two months.

Last Modified: 19 Apr 2011 11:32

Security forces have opened fire on demonstrators in the southern Yemeni city of Taiz, injuring at least four people.

Nouh al-Wafi, an activist, said several thousand protesters had been rallying in the city on Tuesday to demand the resignation of Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president, when security forces fired on them.

The Reuters news agency said at least one person had been shot dead.

http://twitter.com/#!/alguneid

BREAKING SANAA SUHAILTV Repblcn guards are shooting now at big demo 50 minutes ago

AJA Wounded in Hundreds flood makeshift hosp #Sanaa Neighbouring mosque is used YEMEN Repblcn Guards shot at Demo. 25 minutes ago

RT @ionacraig West Sanaa once again battle ground. Random gunfire coming from rooftops 22 minutes ago

Why Saleh is more violent than usual, When GCC are in middle of a meeting discussing #Yemen? 21 minutes ago

Sanaa Nasser Moh Hezam Qahtan Al-naggar, announced dead by Makeshift hosp @thwrataltagher 18 minutes ago

BREAKING SANAA Makeshift hosp. calls all ambulances to go to Al-sitteen st YEMEN 11 minutes ago

BREAKING 50 Gun shot injuries arrived Makeshift Hosp. #Sanaa Some critical 10 minutes ago

BREAKING Makeshift hosp. SANAA call upon All Hospitals,Pharmacies, Doctors. Supplies&Medics needed. Can't cope 50 seconds ago

Edited April 19, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

YEMEN

Map of the protests in Sanaa Yemen

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=208524688437899033617.0004a0dea7f037b0c6774&ll=15.38815,44.221001&spn=0.193975,0.287361&z=12

http://twitter.com/#!/alguneid

Makeshifthospital 2 DEAD 60, GUN SHOT INJURIES, 200 GAS SUFFOCATION SANAA SUHAILTV Latest figures 57 minutes ago

Gama lKhawlani,Local Administration Minister Deputy.Many mention him , leading thugs 2attack protesters. TWEETS &SUHAILTV 41 minutes ago

A Dr. from another, private hosp. Sanaa Science&Technology Hosp., caring for :187 injuries, 2 in ICU Short of medical supplies 34 minutes ago

SUHAILTV SANAA 3 lady Drs, rushed to help in makeshift hosp., were kidnapped by Saleh Security Forces 12 minutes ago

UN HumanRightsCouncil, discusses NOW Saleh Crimes against peacefully protesting Yemen people 9 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/gregorydjohnsen

Congrats to @jebboone (first on being released) and second on this incredible map of the protests in Yemen http://bit.ly/dW0cny 16 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/JebBoone

RT @theyementimes: UN discusses Yemen as JMP returns from Riyadh empty-handed http://bit.ly/f8kHoC 7 hours ago

Edited April 19, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

YEMEN

http://twitter.com/#!/alguneid

German Charge De' affairs SANAA briefed Activists about UN SC meeting ,tonight. In Status Que situation YEMEN is unacceptable 2 hours ago

SecurityCouncil to discuss HumanRights Economic Social upheavals in Yemen Will issue a stand against R violations (German envoy) 2 hours ago

SecurityCouncil if Saleh doesn't yield to tonight's announcement, a stiffer resolution will be issued 1 hour ago

EU has agreed to send #HumanRights violations In #YEMEN to #ICC (Intnl Crimes Court) 1 hour ago

EU demands that Saleh should respond to GCC plan and mediation. If no progress, he'll be held responsible 1 hour ago

BREAKING (BY PHONE) Repblcn Guards Reinforcements from Sanaa to Taiz arrives, within 30 min. Pessimistic about next week casualties 7 minutes ago

[visionary]

SYRIA

Night protests in Zamalka and Irbin Syria suburbs of Damascus

7 hours ago

62volQR5sEg

Today's protest in Banyas

1 hour ago

eXVt5Ggg7wM

Alawites and Sunnis protest together in Jable Latakia

7 minutes ago

_Hawhfg9BZc

Protests in Al Kiswe, suburb of Damascus Syria

1 hour ago

Su_StNEWfo4

The martyrdom of Naim Muqaddam of Douma Damascus Syria

15 minutes ago

--Bloody--

Alawites and Sunnis protest together in Jable Latakia

7 minutes ago

_Hawhfg9BZc

The protest in Banyas is continuing 8 minutes ago

About a thousand people protest in Deir El Zour with slogans supporting Homs and Banyas 8 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/wissamtarif

Video (1) Demo in Zabadani Damascus Suburb Syria tonight http://tinyurl.com/69qq825 3 hours ago

GKLzDkRp8No

[visionary]

Bahrain

I just had to post this before I get to Syria.

check these two statements:

http://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=7824&language=en-US&ItemId=1007

The Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed the U.N Secretary General on the latest developments in the Kingdom of Bahrain and efforts made to maintain security and stability.

U.N Secretary General, for his part, emphasized the world organization’s support for measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to maintain security and stability. He also praised the political reforms led by His Majesty the King and Bahrain's progress and prosperity at all levels.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in Libya and efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain to provide humanitarian assistance to the Libyan people in accordance with the working mechanism of the United Nations in this regard.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38105&Cr=bahrain&Cr1=

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his concern to Bahrain’s Foreign Minister about the violence in the country in which demonstrators have been killed or injured, and called for maximum restraint and caution.

The Secretary-General said he hoped the situation would calm down and that serious, inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders could start as soon as possible, according to his spokesperson.

In this context, he urged all the parties to respond constructively to the call for a dialogue, stating that it was important to accommodate the aspirations of the people.

Notice the difference?

SYRIA

Citizens' videos capture Syrian turmoil

Anti-government demonstrations captured on video by citizens across the country.

Ryan Rifai Last Modified: 18 Apr 2011 14:07

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141811535799497.html

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

I've been informed about a protest has taken place in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, I will confirm & get back 8 hours ago

Talked to someone who witnessed an arrest. Aleppo 7 hours ago

I interviewed a couple of medical students, who witnessed what happened today, I will tell you what I gathered very soon. 6 hours ago

Heavy security presence until now around Faculty of Medicine & main gate, multiple security branches are here too. I've Left Aleppo 6 hours ago

I'll write what I gathered about Aleppo university protest today, all info were gathered from witnesses, I saw nothing myself 6 hours ago

The protest started at the central university library, with tens of protesters chanting for freedom & peace. Then the protest surrounded by pro-regime thugs & students, they chanted for Assad & beat protesters, someone saw an arrest.

About twenty students, medical students among them, escaped to the Faculty of Medicine & sheltered there. At this point, the reading library in the Faculty of Medicine were watching from small openings before the windows there.

At this time, reading library turned into chaos, as students started shouting to support their friends in the lower floor. Some students went from the reading library to the lower floor & all shouted against securities "برا برا" means "Out Out".

Securities gathered with Batath thugs & broke into the faculty & started a brutal beating against students. The brutallity was indescribable, I saw myself some blood on someone's t-shirt when arrived, he's apparently a ****ing thug. Been told about 10-15 arrests, I couldn't confirm, but I confirm that security arrested one of their thugs by mistake.

His name is Ahmad Nour Hazori, released later & seen at scene, someone pointed at him for me. He's a medical student in the sixth year, he asked students in the library to calm down, or go at their own risk. I was told that he's pro-regime & played double role, somehow he asked students not to protest & protected some from beatings. He's OK. They released him, because some students refused to leave campus before they assure his safety.

About the medical reading library, securities went there, closed the door & started lecturing & insulting students there. They didn't want to allow students out until they check their student IDs & make sure they are all medical students.

In the library, a student broke something (watch?) to express his discontent, securities were provoked & started beating him. Then students allowed out, some mobile phones were confiscated. Classes canceled for the rest of the day 5 hours ago

A student told me: Imagine the janitor who I greet every morning, beats me when I say "Freedom, peaceful" 5 hours ago

I have found this video taken near the central university library http://youtu.be/CihyxH1_zMU not clear though6 hours ago

CihyxH1_zMU

Video of a medical student being rushed to the hospital http://goo.gl/nAZ4w Aleppo 5 hours ago

Videos from Aleppo university protest on Apr 20th

1/3 4 hours ago

SbEETxKsTDA

Videos from Aleppo university protest on Apr 20th

2/3 #Syria 4 hours ago

Videos from Aleppo university protest on Apr 20th

3/3 4 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque

From Homs: Even AlJazeera isn't getting the full picture of what is happening here. It's a "zombie city" now. Not going to end well. 4 hours ago

Good Friday protests planned for #Syria under the banner "one people, one heart, one hand, one ambition" 4 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK

University and school students protest in Daraa

4 hours ago

8SWYV8Gi3fE

Bashar supporters attack the medical students standing in silent protest Damascus

4 hours ago

HdxVUj6A-3I

Gas bombs to disperse a funeral procession of a martyr Homs

5 hours ago

Great guys of Homs protecting a public place from the thugs

5 hours ago

64j_zzD0kxs

Edited April 20, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://twitter.com/#!/SyrianProtests

Mars Daraa massacre http://tiny.ly/sapK 1 hour ago

lO6v39AchoM

Beirut Silent sit-in Solidarity with #Syria #Yemen #Bahrain #Libya http://j.mp/eEXBmq via @TrellaLB 2 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK

Clip of night protests in Inkhil Daraa

1 hour ago

Evening protest in Jable Latakia

9 minutes ago

cRxf7tf4rgQ

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Protesters burning Hafez's pictures in Dareyya, they have no fear not anymore

47 minutes ago

Other news today from Syria is that the Police Chief from the city of Baniyas was replaced by the government. There were many killings and arrests by security forces and regime thugs in Baniyas a few days ago. Also Syrian women came out in the hundreds to protest the arrests and forced the government to promise to send in the military and pull back the security forces.

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Brave boy face a tank in #Banias

#Syria26 minutes ago

Bc-xBQpUiyc

I think whoever is in the tank has got to be somewhat nervous, lol.

A protest in Al-Hasakah in front of the Faculty of Literatures on Apr 21th http://youtu.be/DoZqPuwJptY 24 minutes ago

Brave people start a protest in As-Suwayda on Apr 21th "Our homeland is united, we have no sectarianism" http://youtu.be/IV0VahRFdFo 20 minutes ago

People in Daraa are free & they show us how civilized & peaceful they are http://goo.gl/NPKoI 2 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/MalathAumran

the protest thats going on now at Ayen Alarab is against the well of kurdish party leaders whom negotiations with the Cov 51 minutes ago

Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

LOL Ahmadi and Khamenei are acting like high-schoolers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13155282?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has come under pressure to reinstate intelligence minister Heidar Moslehi in an apparent internal power struggle.

Mr Ahmadinejad accepted Mr Moslehi's resignation on Sunday, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly ordered that he stay on in the job.

Over two-thirds of Iran's 290 lawmakers signed a statement on Wednesday warning Mr Ahmadinejad to obey the order.

Analysts say Iran's clerics view Mr Ahmadinejad as grabbing too much power.

Edited April 21, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Two political security Toyota 4WD Valve are outside the main gate of university campus. Aleppo 6 hours ago

Thugs & security forces enter Al Mouathamyah on Apr 21th

1 hour ago

Security forces & thugs are in Homs to scare people on Apr 21st

11 minutes ago

A peaceful protest in Copani (Ein El Arab) on Apr 21st, chanting for freedom & unity http://youtu.be/WQrAcuW4kI8 9 minutes ago

WQrAcuW4kI8

A protest in #Daraa on Apr 20th, a child chanting & protesters repeat after him

8 minutes ago

GsKfYHdY8vs

http://twitter.com/#!/MalathAumran

Daraa now: return of security barriers to the entrances of the city heavy security army 4 tanks 4 hours ago

hundreds of women are now demonstrating in Deal #Daraa encourage people to participate in the demonstrations tomorrow 3 hours ago

the Syrian national army full armed is occupying the Syrian cities !!! we proud of you heroes what a victory you achieved 1 hour ago

<--- but The more they try to act powerful the more we believe how weak they are 1 hour ago

(Its in Daraa) they army in the entrance of Darya

31 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK

Students Ammar Jabr and Ghayth Musa Basha (with broken arms) have been released after being detained at Damascus Medical School 6 hours ago

Sameer Abu Zayed, of Kharbet Gazaleh, police chief in Inkhil released, originally detained for refusing to shoot unarmed protesters 5 hours ago

Protests in Aleppo Bab Al Hadid!!!

4 hours ago

Children at Amawiyeen Elementary School Daraa participated in spontaneous protest, govt forces fired in air to terrorize students 3 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/wissamtarif

Zabadani's high school demonstrated today in Damascus Suburb

2 hours ago

Wadi Barada High school demonstrated today in Damascus suburb

2 hours ago

8 schools and high schools have demonstrated all over 2 hours

ago

Security forces shooting live bullets on people NOW in Daraya Damascus 2 hours ago

A wave of arbitrary detention in Latakia, villages of Daraa, Madaya, and Deir ez-Zor in Syria 1 hour ago

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://twitter.com/#!/RevolutionSyria

Security forces and thugs are celebrating after they killed 4 protesters and wounded tens in Homs Apr-19 http://bit.ly/g6ntgt 1 hour ago

18xJ114tt-o

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Officer encourage security gangs to shot at homes & people in Homs http://youtu.be/yQKhYPKqdQA Syria 53 minutes ago

XiBJu7IynHQ

Nice video for the peaceful protest that took place in #Aleppo on Apr 21st, Syrians are united

Syria 43 minutes ago

Yet another inspiring video from #Aleppo, the disabled man is reported to be arrested, unconfirmed though

#Syria 40 minutes ago

pb1pCbn0Ka4

http://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK

Mass protest in Kobani

Protests in Al Harra Syria Daraa "We will protest everyday until the govt topples"

4 hours ago

7 hours ago

Most of the cars coming from #Daraa are not permitted to enter #Damascus and are forced to return 4 hours ago

Leaked commands for security forces to deal with #Daraa with an iron fist 4 hours ago

Eyewitness confirm they saw security forces abandon the political security branch in Daraa 4 hours ago

Medical students protesting at Damascus University were beaten with belts and rods by fellow students affiliated with Ba'ath party 3 hours ago

Protests in Jassem

48 minutes ago

XiBJu7IynHQ

Edited April 22, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA GREAT FRIDAY!

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

Homs and Deraa remain completely sealed up. Both in a state of virtual seige. 1 hour ago

Damascus looks heavily sealed too. Army is on the outskirts, controlling roads w/checkpoints. I see checkpoints on circle as well. 1 hour ago

Organizers told me yesterday they have a plan to get around the ring of security in Damascus. We'll see if it works in just a few hours. 1 hour ago

Security around city center in Damascus is half in uniform, half civilian dressed. All armed, some with guns - some sticks 46 minutes ago

Civilans and Army members team up overnight in Homs and walk night patrols looking for gunmen ahead of "Great Friday" protests. 23 minutes ago

Are these regular civilians? Or are these regime thugs and soldiers looking for protesters?

http://twitter.com/#!/RulaAmin

Protesters say they want to try to reach the capital Damascus, so far Damascus has not seen any significant protests 10 minutes ago

CHINA

http://twitter.com/#!/AJEnglish

Chinese lorry drivers continue strike: Protest in Shanghai comes against the backdrop of rising inflation. http://aje.me/hiM4aN

6 minutes ago

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-22

11:19am Syrian plain clothes security and military have set up checkpoints in areas surrounding Damascus, checking ID cards of people travelling in and out, activists talking to Al Jazeera say, citing eyewitnesses.

The deployment appears to be a move to head off any attempt by large numbers of protesters from flashpoint suburbs, such as Douma, from marching on the capital as happened last Friday.

Security was deployed in Douma, Harasta, Al-Tell, Irbin, Joubar, Daria and Mudamia, according to the local witnesses.

Security forces have also been demanding to see ID cards of residents in the capital walking through main squares, two witnesses say.

Edited April 22, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-22

12:36pm A lawyer in city of Hasakah, in the mainly Kurdish northeast, was detained by security yesterday after applying for permission to hold a peaceful demonstration, his fellow lawyer Louai Mustafa Osso.

Osso said Fadel Salim Faisal was detained by airforce security after requesting permission from the governor.

Faisal wanted to adhere to the new law by applying for permission, but didn’t expect it to be granted.

"The government say they are reforming, but they are still just prioritising security. People don't trust the government and this case proves them right."Faisal was detained at 7pm and released at 1am,and was "mistreated in their custody", Osso said, without going into details about the alleged mistreatment.

Faisal has been accused of "communicating with foreign services" and "participating in and organising violent demonstrations," charges which Faisal denies.

1:24pm We're getting reports of a demonstration in Qamishli. An email update from Suhair Atassi, a prominent rights activist in Damascus, says 5,000 people have gathered, including Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians.

1:40pm An eyewitness tells Al Jazeera that about 500 peaceful protesters in Hasakah are being attacked by government supporters. The protest is taking place near the Grand Mosque and protesters have been surrounded by government supporters, according to the witness.

1:59pm Reuters quote witnesses saying that security forces use teargas at protest in the Damascus district of Midan.

2:04pm Protest also reported in Zabadani, a mountain town outside Damascus, with slogans calling for the overthrow of the regime.

2:24pm An activist in Douma tells Al Jazeera that thousands of people have gathered around Municipality Square, now renamed Freedom Square, shouting, "The people want the fall of the regime."

Plain clothes security and the military have set up checkpoints on roads leading in to Douma and are allowing only residents through, but have not yet entered the town centre to prevent protests.

The witness said he had spoken to several demonstrators who had come to Douma from nearby districts of Irbin and Harasta yesterday to avoid the roadblocks.

Separately a witness to the Douma protest said people had not accepted the lifting of emergency laws as meeting their demands for change.

"We do not trust this government and the credibility of all officials has been shaken. Our demands go further than lifting emergency laws: We want the whole constitution to be changed and Article 8 removed [that gives the Baath Party the right to rule state and society]. And we want the release of all political prisoners."

2:30pm Al Jazeera's Cal Perry says a protest in Damascus has been broken up. He can smell teargas from his hotel in the centre of the city.

Protests in Baniyas

2:59pm Sources tell Al Jazeera that two people have been killed in a town called Adroua but this is yet to be confirmed. We're also told ten people have been injured in Harak in the south, near Daraa.

3:15pm Oneline activists in contact with people in Syria tell Al Jazeera that one person has been killed in Homs and two in Azraa near Daraa.

As other media organisations, Al Jazeera has limited access to Syria and we cannot independetly confirm the reports.

Rula Amin on AJE is reporting that around 10 are dead in Syria today.

3:37pm Daraa, the first city in which major protests erupted, is today witnessing the biggest anti-regime demonstrations so far with tens of thousands of protesters on the streets, according to eyewitnesses taking part.

“People are chanting that they want to topple the regime and release of prisoners of conscience,” a witness, speaking to a trusted local activist, said. His brother had been killed by security forces three weeks ago during a protest.

“We will never forget the blood of the martyrs,” he said “The regime used fear and then more fear. Now we want freedom from fear.”

Activists say at least 80 protesters have been killed in Daraa since the protests began five weeks. There are no reports yet of security forces intervening in today's protests.

3:41pm An estimated 10,000 people took to the streets of Hama today, according to trusted local sources, only the second and by far the largest protest to take place in the city.

An eyewitness said protesters were calling for the fall of the regime and "God, Syria, freedom, only". "This is not 1982 anymore," said the witness, referring to the crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in 1982. "We want dignity and freedom."

3:45pm Video said to be from the Kiswe district in Damascus:

Rm-x-YGQoss

3:53pm More reports of casualties: One killed in Baniyas, seven killed in Azraa, 30km from Daraa, two killed in Damascus suburb of Douma, clashes still going on.

Edited April 22, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

We are getting some very disturbing reports of numbers dead. Waiting before we confirm for sure. But this could be a very high toll. 1 hour ago

We have received reports that up to 14 people have been killed in #Homs today in protests. 1 hour ago

Ok. Min. confirmation. AJE Douma: at least 4 dead. Izraa: at least 11 dead. Mohmadiyah: at least 5 dead. Homs: at least 2 dead. Syria 15 minutes ago

Across Syria there are AT LEAST two to three dozen people dead in demonstrations. 15 minutes ago

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1536897440982

Video reportedly from today in Hama of the Syrian flag drenched in blood.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-22

4:46pm Latakia resident Mustafa tells Al Jazeera that the security forces have divided the city into three parts, to prevent people from meeting. They've built road blocks to separate the city and arrested people as they came out of Al Rahman mosque in the centre.

From what he knew, there'd been no use of live ammunition in the centre, but there were reports of live bullets being used in Kenanes street in the northeast of the city.

5:02pm Different reports on casualties continue to emerge and we cannot independently verify them.

A local activist citing an eyewitness says five people have been killed by security forces in a large demonstration in Zamalka, a town in the countryside surrounding Damascus.

Activists have also reported six protesters killed in Hajar al-Aswad, a poor neighbourhood in central Damascus, four in Qaboun, a suburb to the north of Damascus, and one in neighbouring Harasta.

The death toll in Douma has risen to three, according to an activist speaking to witnesses.

5:13pm A doctor at Izraa hosptial says there are 10 bodies at the hospital and he believes more are kept at people's homes. It's a small hospital and cannot cope with the high number of injured, he says.

One body of a man from Izraa is also at Daraa hospital, we're told.

---------- Post added April-22nd-2011 at 11:18 AM ----------

http://twitter.com/#!/MalathAumran

we manged to confirm about 45 martyr so far 14 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/acarvin

Dear God. Horrible, horrible video. RT @rabunasser: Child killed, another child screaming, "My brother! My brother!" http://bit.ly/g8MY7X

9 minutes ago

I need to take a break. That video was too much for me. Horrible doesn't even begin to capture the horror of a kid seeing his dead brother. 11 minutes ago

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-22

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi

Latest death count reported on Twitter is 70+, expected to rise... 32 minutes ago

Updating the death count reported so far: 80+

2 minutes ago

Suhair Atassi reports a 4 year old girl shot in the head by sniper in Barzeh today. 42 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Al-Midan protest in a mosque, chanting for unity on Apr 22nd

40 minutes ago

Great protest in down town Damascus (Al-Midan) on Apr 22nd http://youtu.be/p4mA8YXPg1A

1/2 41 minutes ago

Great protest in down town Damascus (Al-Midan) on Apr 22nd

2/2 41 minutes ago

More from Al-Midan protest, "People want to topple the regime" on Apr 22nd

1/2 Damascus 42 minutes ago

More from Al-Midan protest, "People want to topple the regime" on Apr 22nd

2/2 #Damascus #Syria

43 minutes ago

Ripping down Assad's picture & protesters chanting for unity & freedom on Apr 22nd http://youtu.be/ppeDh9vanmM 1/3 Damascus 54 minutes ago

Ripping down Assad's picture & protesters chanting for unity & freedom on Apr 22nd

2/3 #Damascus #Syria 54 minutes ago

Ripping down Assad's picture & protesters chanting for unity & freedom on Apr 22nd

3/3 55 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque

"Martyr's son" from Izraa, Syria on AJA: Reading out names of 20 dead there, including a 7 year old. 48 minutes ago

"Martyr's son" from Izraa, Syria on AJA: The army directed our march into a security forces ambush. 49 minutes ago

Witness from Moadamiya suburb of Damascus says they have been under siege since last night. Sudden burst of gunfire heard. Syria 41 minutes ago

Witness from Moadamiya, Damascus: They have brought tanks in. Cites the armies' fourth division (under Maher Assad) 41 minutes ago

Edited April 22, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA

http://twitter.com/#!/RulaAmin

Syrian TV says one policeman was killed in Homs two others injured 3 hours ago

Syrian state TV reports today's events were twisted by the intl and arab media 25 minutes ago

White House makes first comments urges Syrian govt to "cease and desist " violence against citizens 23 minutes ago

Amnesty intl says 75 people killed this Friday in Syria 3 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK

Al Zablatany- #Damascus- Govt forces in civilian clothes and gunfire

44 minutes ago

Mass protests in Al Zabadany today

46 minutes ago

WOW!

EW-N5mxCbJ4

Syrian security forces shot at children

45 minutes ago

Al Zablatany- Damascus- Syria- Snipers on the roofs of buildings

45 minutes ago

Moadamiya- Damascus- Syria Dr. Ali Ali on AlJazeera: Security forces beat and kidnapped the bodies of those injured in the hospital 44 minutes ago

One of the children in #Daraa addresses Asma' Al Assad

#Syria 43 minutes ago

6tOuMG6kMGs

Whoa, watch this one. Scary.

Heavy gunfire on protesters in Harasta

44 minutes ago

Taking down the statue of Hafez Al Assad in Sayida Zaynab

23 minutes ago

Moadamiya- Civilian hospital set up in mosque

20 minutes ago

Security forces firing in Homs

I took the link out of this one...way too disturbing to look at.

At least one boy had his head torn apart.

Explosive bullets used against protesters, Martyrs including children in Izra'a 17 minutes ago

Al Hawla Homs, reinforcements for security forces arrive, 6 martyrs and around 30 injured up this moment 4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

8:40pm A doctor from Madamia, a Damascus suburb, tells a journalist working with Al Jazeera:

There are four people killed and about 50 wounded and we cannot take them to the public or private hospitals. At Daraya hospital security were shooting and arresting people. So I have been treating people inside homes. It is very hard to treat the wounds because many have been shot in the head.

"I can tell you now, the situation in Madamia will never be calm. Today is an historical day for the country. There is now a new strategy to kill all the protesters, not even arrest them."

9:05pmv At the Al Rahman mosque in Hajjar al-Aswad, a poor neighbourhood on the southern edge of Damascus, Imam Abu Bilal led evening prayers to mourn six local men killed by security forces. One of them was his own son. Weeping over the Quran, the Imam pledged to rally large numbers to the streets tomorrow.

Hajjar al-Aswad is near Yarmouk, which is home to many Palestinian refugees and people from the Golan heights.

It started with 200 to 300 young men originally from the Golan demonstrating in front of the police station. Some of the teenagers started throwing stones and security started shooting back at their heads," said Omar, a shopkeeper from the neighbourhood.

"One of those killed was from a Bedouin tribe from the Golan and then the people became angry and the protest grew to 4,000, witnesses said. The mosque told us the names of six people killed and then within half an hour all the residents of Hajjar al-Aswad were on the street.

All the young men, all the women, all the teenagers. We are a tribal society here. Now there are tens of thousands waiting to take the bodies of those killed from the hospital, but the security refused to hand them to their families."

9:07pm A witness from Izraa told Al Jazeera about what happened there earlier:" After Friday prayer around 2,500 protesters went towards the square, its called 'al Mahata square', when we got there the army and the security forces opened fire at us and about 20 people died and we many injured.

"The injured are being treated in the mosques and people are donating blood there.

"People came from neighbouring towns, Nawa and Harir and they were gunned down too by the army and security forces.

"Massacres happened today in Izraa and it was done by the army, I am in shock, so many dead so many martyrs."

Edited April 22, 2011 by visionary

[twa]

So how many civilians must die in Syria before we help liberate them?

Get your neo on

[visionary]

So how many civilians must die in Syria before we help liberate them?

Get your neo on

So far I haven't heard any of them ask for our help.

Nor do the protesters seem to have any real leadership right now.

Not really sure what we could do either.

So far the Syrian people seem intent on this being an unarmed revolution.

We'll have to watch and see what happens though.

On the other hand it would be interesting if someone were to somehow jam the state tv and replace the usual footage with videos of all the demonstrations, killings, and martyrs.

I don't see that happening though, since even Libyan tv has only been jammed for an hour and a half at most. (by some engineers in the country)

All we can do right now is support the protesters and put whatever political and diplomatic pressure we can on the regime (probably not too much). Not to mention that Obama also sees the regime as an important negotiator in establishing a peace process between Palestine and Israel.

That said....

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-23

1:33 am Barack Obama, US president, has lashed out at Bashar al-Assad, Syrian president, chastising him for turning to Iran (which has reportedly sent troops to Syria) for help.

Reuters reports:

...Obama called on the Syrian government on Friday to stop using 'outrageous' violence against demonstrators and accused President Bashar al-Assad of seeking help from Iran.

'This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now,' Obama said in a statement.

'Instead of listening to their own people, President Assad is blaming outsiders while seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria's citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by his Iranian allies.'

3:00am Syrian state TV is intervieing French-speaking tourists who say that "all has gone well" on their trip to the lovely country, that there were no issues with security, etc.

One woman said she especially liked Damascus as it was a "vivant" city, with lovely people. She said the foreign reports of uprisings aren't true.

The French-speaking group seemed to be on a tour and were enjoying a buffet dinner. So they probably didn't see any of this...

3:35am Mass funerals are planned following Friday's violence, when rights groups say upwards of 88 protesters were killed by security forces.

Reuters reports that Saturday's funerals are sure to "attract large crowds" :

'The funerals will turn into vehement protests, like past funerals,' a Syrian human rights campaigner said.

'When you have security services who are thugs it is difficult to think that they will not shoot at the crowds.

Another cycle of funerals and demonstrations is likely to follow,' the rights campaigner said from the Syrian capital.

6:44pm Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, has condemned the "ongoing violence against peaceful demonstrators" in Syria, and renewed a call for an "independent, transparent and effective investigation", his spokesman has said.

Ban has said that the President Assad's government must "respect international human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the freedom of the press".

He said that it was necessary to hold "an inclusive dialogue" and to ensure the "effective implementation of reforms" in order to "address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and ensure social peace and order".

8:10am These pictures, taken on Friday, show anti-government protesters gathering in the town of Baniyas [Reuters]

Lots of videos up on twitter of Assad posters torn down and statues destroyed

http://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria

Protesters in Dareyya, bring down Hafez's statue & step on it, on Apr 22nd

#Syria 1 hour ago

kkRAUZKVMm8

Edited April 23, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

SYRIA

10:08am Al Jazeera's Rula Amin in Damascus reports that funerals are expected for more than a hundred people who activists say were killed in the protests on Friday.

Amin says that funerals have often become focal points for rage against the government and its treatment of protesters.

11:03am Activists say that 103 people were killed by security forces after they begun firing on people protesting against the government. Here's the breakdown of those who were killed by geographic region, according to a statement. We would like to clarify that Al Jazeera cannot independently verify these figures, as access to hospitals and officials is severely restricted in Syria by the government, but that the source of the figures has proved reliable in the past.

Homs: 21

Bab Amr in Homs: 3

Teldo in Homs: 1

Damascus: 3

Kaboon: 4

Madamia in Rif Dimashq: 9

Zamalka in Rif Dimashq: 3

Jobar in Damascus: 2

Darayya in Damascus: 4

Harasta in Rif Dimashq: 5

Duma in Rif Dimashq : 5

Al Hajjar Al Aswad in Rif Dimashq: 4

Ezra in Daraa: 32

Al Herak in Daraa: 1

Hama: 5

Latakiya: 1

Total: 103

11:51am Al Jazeera's Imran Khan has just filed this report, giving you a protester's view of a demonstration in the town of Harasta, which was one of those that was fired upon on Friday.

2uFeqiOg0uw

11:58am Funeral prayers have taken place in the town of Barzah for three of those killed during Friday's protests, activists say.

At the funeral, people were chanting what has become a familiar slogan across the Middle East: "The people want to topple the regime".

Here's a video that purports to have been taken at one of the funerals, for a protester named Mohamed Kamal Barakat, according to a voice at the beginning of the video. Two coffins are visible, but it is not clear whether the second body is that of a pro-democracy activist.

xaGRZHNUngY

12:34pm More updates continue to come in on the death toll during yesterday's violence. Here's the official figure, from the SANA news agency: 10.

SANA says that the people were killed during clashes between protesters and a third group, and that security forces only used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

1:42pm An eyewitness reports that four Syrians have been killed in Duma in the last half an hour, when security forces opened fire on a crowd of thousands of mourners burying protesters who were killed on Friday.

Gunfire was continuing, the eyewitness said, who was speaking from Duma, the largest of a set of towns that circle Damascus to the northeast.

Eight people were killed and at least 25 injured there on Friday.

Snipers took positions on the roof of a Baath party building in the vicinity of the Hamdan hospital, a privately-run facility. Last night, residents had formed a human shield around the main gate of the hospital to prevent security forces from arresting the injured.

6:01pm Al Jazeera's correspondent says he witnessed people being shot 10km north of Izraa. He says his taxi driver, from Daraa, started to cry.

6:09pm Al Jazeera sources have confirmed that Rizk Abdulrahim Abazeid, the mufti of Daraa, has stepped down in protest over the deaths of protesters.

6:13pm A doctor and two residents have confirmed to Al Jazeera that four residents of Berze, a Damascus neighbourhood on the north-east flank of Qassioun Mountain, have been shot and killed.

A fifth fatality is feared but not yet confirmed, while tens of people were injured.

The dead include a seven-year-old girl Israa Younes who was shot by a bullet while in the kitchen of her parent’s home.

http://twitter.com/#!/BreakingNews

Syria update: At least 12 civilians killed across the country during protesters' funerals - Reuters 30 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/calperryAJ

On the road to Amman - outside Izraa, I witnessed a funeral march. Cut down by gunfire. Directly into crowd. Horrible. #Syria #Murder 1 hour ago

Gunfire was so intense, cars hit nearby. Firing was on overpass that connects #Deraa with Izraa. Road cut totally. Military zone. 1 hour ago

Was forced to turn around and flee to Lebanon. 10k north of Izraa where we saw people shot, my taxi driver (from Deraa) started to cry. 1 hour ago

Military zone seems to be about 20k from Jordanian border. Just 10k from where people were killed, soldiers at chkpt were laughing. 1 hour ago

It was one of the most horrible things I have ever seen. So many people must have been killed. #Izraa #Syria #Murder 1 hour ago

---------- Post added April-23rd-2011 at 12:49 PM ----------

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-23

6:34pm In Harasta, on the road between Duma and Damascus, a crowd estimated by two eye witnesses at around 4,000 have taken to the street chanting: "Horan [the south of Syria] has said it all: Bashar you're leaving, you will go.”

According to two eyewitnesses security agents on the roofs of the police station and the court are firing on the crowd now, with no confirmed causalities yet.

6:43pm Rizaq Abdul-Rahim Abazid, the former mufti of Daraa told Al Jazeera that people are being killed "in front of our eyes, and we can no longer protect them".

"All we are demanding is our rights, and we are calling on the president [bashar al-Assad] to personally intervene in this crisis. We have had enough."

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114231492375311.html

Two Syrian legislators have resigned their posts in parliament as outrage grows over the security force's crackdown on anti-government protests.

Nasser al-Hariri and Khalil al-Rifaei, independent MPs who represent the city of Daraa, where scores of protesters have been killed, both separately told Al Jazeera on Saturday that they were resigning over the killings of demonstrators.

"I feel sorry for those who were killed in Houran today and yesterday by the bullets of security forces, despite the fact that the president has promised no live ammunition by security forces at all," al-Hariri said.

He was referring to the deaths of protesters a day earlier when security forces opened fire on mourners at a funeral procession.

"Being an MP I feel the need to step down, as long as I am unable to protect the voters killed by live ammunition and so I feel better to resign," he said.

Al-Rifaei said: "I convey my condolence to the people of Houran and the Syrian people. The Syrian people and the of Houran voted for me to be a member of parliament and now I can't protect them anymore."

Edited April 23, 2011 by visionary