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

[visionary]

SYRIA

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

AlArabiya / eyewitness: People are resisting against entry of Assad's army to army Rastan because of what they saw in Daraa and Hama. 3 hours ago

Reports of loud explosions rocking central Homs. Sound coming from direction of Bab Sbaa. Residents responding w/ takbeer. 3 hours ago

AlArabiya / activists: Deaths and injuries and more than 200 houses have been demolished in Rastan during artillery assault. 3 hours ago

AlArabiya / eyewitness: Soldiers from units in villages near Rastan defected and came to the rescue of the city. 3 hours ago

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

Reports that Khaled bin Walid brigade carried out several operations in Homs in response to assault on Rastan. 2 hours ago

Khaled bin Walid brigade reportedly destroyed two tanks near Bab Sbaa and some other vehicles. They also assaulted some checkpoints. 2 hours ago

I hope the Khaled bin Walid brigade knows what it is doing. We don't want Homs to be bombed tomorrow! 2 hours ago

Channels under the control of Syrian regime are bragging about the attack on US ambassador Ford earlier today. 2 hours ago

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

Defected brigade says it has killed 80 members of Assad’s forces http://goo.gl/O1ClF 2 hours ago

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

IMPORTANT: Agreement has been made between several opposition figures to join SyriaNC, includes Ghalioun, Kurd and MB in Turkey Syria 2 hours ago

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

Turkey to press ahead with sanctions against Syria http://goo.gl/L89rg 2 hours ago

Edited September 30, 2011 by visionary

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Thank you Visionary.

---------- Post added September-29th-2011 at 09:58 PM ----------

The British ambassador to Syria has started a blog concerning the events there. Very interesting first post and definitely something to keep an eye on:

http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/roller/collis/entry/the_truth_is_what_big

(Sorry if already posted.)

Edited September 30, 2011 by G.A.C.O.L.B.

[visionary]

The British ambassador to Syria has started a blog concerning the events there. Very interesting first post and definitely something to keep an eye on:

http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/roller/collis/entry/the_truth_is_what_big

(Sorry if already posted.)

Thanks, I hadn't seen that.

I'll take a look at it after I update some things.

(edit: thanks, that was a really good read.)

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/09/20119301582655527.html?utm_content=automateplus&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=SocialFlow&utm_term=tweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, has said he will not step down if his former allies-turned-rivals are allowed to run in elections.

In an exclusive interview on Thursday, the embattled leader told Time magazine and The Washington Post that a power transfer deal crafted by his Gulf neighbours calls for "all the elements" causing tension in Yemen to be removed and warned of a civil war if that did not occur.

Saleh was referring to dissident General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, who has joined ranks with a populist uprising that began early this year, and the powerful al-Ahmar tribe, not related to the general.

"If we transfer power and they are there, this will mean that we have given in to a coup," Saleh said in his first interview since returning home on Friday from a stay in Saudi Arabia to recover from injuries sustained during a June attack on his palace.

"If we transfer power, and they are in their positions, and they are still decision makers, this will be very dangerous. This will lead to civil war."

Saleh, who is under international pressure to relinquish power and allow new elections, sparked a fresh wave of violence with his return as scores have been killed.

The 69-year-old president has repeatedly refused to sign a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) under which he would hand over to Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi in return for immunity from prosecution.

In the interview, Saleh insisted he remained committed to the GCC initiative, denying claims he was seeking delays to hold on to power and putting the blame on the opposition's inflexibility.

"This is a misunderstanding. We are willing within the next hours and next days to sign it, if the JMP [Joint Meetings Party] comes closer" to reaching an agreement, Saleh said about the Joint Meetings Party opposition coalition.

I don't think the people are too fond of Mohson either.

Although he has tried to protect protesters from the security forces at times and hasn't salughtered random people like Saleh and his son have.

http://staff.blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria-sep-30-2011-0419

Fri, 30 Sep 2011, 04:19 GMT+3 - Syria

Syrian authorities have said that seven soldiers and police were killed in an operation against armed groups in the central town of Rastan, where armed resistance has emerged after months of mostly peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad.

SANA state news agency reported the deaths on Friday in the first official comment on a three-day government offensive to recapture the area from army defectors.

"The units responsible have inflicted big losses on thearmed terrorist groups," the agency said, quoting a military spokesman.

"The confrontation resulted in the killing of seven personnel, among them two officers, and the injuring of 32, including seven officers, from the army and security police."

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

SRGC: Today's death toll rises to 27. Most of whom fell in Hama and its surroundings and Homs. 15 minutes ago

Protest in Bab Hood in Homs today, sign reads: Iran, Russia, China, enough trading with our blood |

3 hours ago

Htm6661Gp5c

0tJQJqSsh0w

3kT23OeNlbE

Protests from Homs.

(Homs and Hama generally have the biggest protests in Syria, sometimes tens or hundreds of thousands per protest)

HARASTA

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

Intensive shooting near the main highwat in Harasta. 3 hours ago

Harasta LC: 11 injuries have been confirmed as a result of the gunfire and explosions. 3 hours ago

Harasta LC: Confirmed reports of seven new defected soldiers. 3 hours ago

Harasta: Security forces arrived in SUVs, pick up trucks, and public transport buses.

They were slowed down by obstacles.

The security forces managed to break through the trash can barriers that the residents had set up.

Security forces proceeded to the center of the town and opened fire in several streets.

Explosions were heard as well. The security forces and army proceeded to chase the protesters.

Several officers refused to shoot and defected. 2 hours ago

Edited September 30, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

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

Excellent WashPost editorial on the Obama admin's arms sale to Bahrain as it represses its people http://wapo.st/qqhJZi 1 hour ago

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

AJA / activists: Dozens of tanks invade Rastan and clashes ensue between army units and defectors. 56 minutes ago

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

250 tanks and armoured vehicles enter Syria's flashpoint Rastan, according to activists. (AFP) 46 minutes ago

Edited September 30, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/09/20119301527522457.html?utm_content=automateplus&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=SocialFlow&utm_term=tweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

Syrian security forces have clashed with protesters as thousands have rallied across the country calling for President Bashar al-Assad to step down, activists say.

There were reports that the security forces opened fire on protesters at several of the demonstrations on Friday, and that there were also clashes between troops who have joined the protesters and those loyal to Assad.

"Opposition activists are telling us that 11 people were killed in protests after Friday prayers today. Six of those people they say were killed in Hama," Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reported from Amman, in neighbouring Jordan.

Protests were reported in parts of Damascus, the capital, as well as in the southern province of Deraa, the northwestern province of Idlib, in Hama, Homs and several other cities.

An opposition activist, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, described the scene at one protest in Damascus: "The area where I stay now, a protest went around and it was soon attacked by security forces, and the attack included batons, hitting with batons, some gas bombs and later live ammunition that was shot all around.

"At least one person was injured. Later, after that, we could see a number of soldiers - we could see a clash between the soldiers and the security forces. And my friends confirmed that eight soldiers at least defected and shot back on the security forces."

[visionary]

UPDATE:

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/09/20119301527522457.html

Dozens killed in Syria protests

Activists say at least 30 people were killed after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters

---------- Post added September-30th-2011 at 08:36 PM ----------

Interesting:

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

It seems we're asking for protection from the ones who need to protect their Ambassadors first NATO4SYRIA http://twitpic.com/6t2vq4 via @twitpic 26 minutes ago

I guess they want help from the US....

Or maybe they're just tired of waiting for another Arab country to help.

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

What does it feel like to call desperately for help and no one answers? Syrians inside can tell you all about it. NATO4SYRIA NoFlyZone 8 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/MagdyBasha123

Assassinating Assad would b nice but destroying his regime along w militia is the goal. NoFlyZone 4 Syria so Syrian Free Army can do job 13 minutes ago

Edited October 1, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

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

Bloomberg: Turkey may freeze $500 million in assets belonging to President Bashar al-Assad http://buswk.co/osvZ8P 2 hours ago

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/world/middleeast/homs-syria-spirals-down-toward-civil-war.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Key Syrian City Takes On the Tone of a Civil War

HOMS, Syria — The semblance of a civil war has erupted in Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, where armed protesters now call themselves revolutionaries, gun battles erupt as often as every few hours, security forces and opponents carry out assassinations, and rifles costing as much as $2,000 apiece flood the city from abroad, residents say.

Since the start of the uprising in March, Homs has stood as one of Syria’s most contested cities, its youth among the best organized and most tenacious. But across the political spectrum, residents speak of a decisive shift in past weeks, as a largely peaceful uprising gives way to a grinding struggle that has made Homs violent, fearful and determined.

Analysts caution that the strife in Homs is still specific to the city itself, and many in the opposition reject violence because they fear it will serve as a pretext for the government’s brutal crackdown.

But in the targeted killings, the rival security checkpoints and the hardening of sectarian sentiments, the city offers a dark vision that could foretell the future of Syria’s uprising as both the government and the opposition ready themselves for a protracted struggle over the endurance of a four-decade dictatorship.

“We are done with the protesting phase,” said a 21-year-old engineering student here who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “We’ve now entered a more important phase.”

One of those killed was Dr. Hassan Eid, the chief of thoracic surgery at the National Hospital here and an Alawite from Al Zuhra, one of a handful of neighborhoods where his sect makes up a majority and where buildings and streets are still plastered with the portraits of Mr. Assad. He was shot to death in front of his house as he headed off to work, residents said.

Al Ouruba, a government-aligned newspaper, called him a “symbol of dedication” and said he treated victims of the violence “without discriminating between any of them.” But in Sunni Muslim locales, residents called him a government informer who helped security forces detain the wounded who were treated at his facility.

By nightfall, a hint of triumphalism echoed in parts of the city, as some people celebrated his death.

“He was responsible for the death of many young men,” said a 65-year-old resident of Homs, who gave his name as Rajab. “He was killed because he deserved it.”

[visionary]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15137784

Syria unrest: Troops 'control rebel town of Rastan'

Syrian forces have regained control of the central town of Rastan after days of fighting with defectors who had joined protesters, state media say.

Earlier, human rights activists said troops had taken much of the town after the defectors had pulled out of the town in restive Homs province.

Dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles had entered, reports say.

Meanwhile, opposition members have met in Turkey to forge a united front against President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian National Council, a group created this year, have begun a two-day meeting to elect a leadership.

A fresh wave of protests erupted after prayers on Friday in cities across Syria, leaving at least 18 people - protesters and troops - dead, activists said.

"Calm and security have returned to Rastan after security police backed by army units entered the town and confronted the terrorist groups who have terrified its inhabitants," the official news agency Sana said, quoted by Reuters.

Rami Abdel-Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that after five days of fighting, Rastan, 180km (120 miles) north of Damascus, was now mostly under control of government forces.

Foreign journalists are restricted from operating freely in Syria and the reports cannot be independent verified.

Reports also suggest that land and mobile phone lines in Rastan - a town of 40,000 - have been cut.

Mr Abdel-Rahman said a resident who fled Rastan early on Saturday reported heavy gunfire through the night.

Edited October 2, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://twitter.com/#!/ARABICA11

So far the SNC are discussing two major issue, BufferZone and ways to find international protection for civilians SNC via @mohsarmini 9 hours ago

LLCSy calling for international protection #NOFLYZONE to protect civilians " we are bombarded by missiles " 4 hours ago

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/02/us-syria-opposition-idUSTRE7911FL20111002

Assad opponents unite, ask world for help

(Reuters) - Syria's main opposition groups joined together Sunday to call on the international community to take action to protect Syrian people facing a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

A statement issued in Istanbul on behalf of the newly formed National Council rejected foreign intervention that "compromises Syria's sovereignty" but said the outside world had a humanitarian obligation to protect the Syrian people.

"The Council demands international governments and organizations meet their responsibility to support the Syrian people, protect them and stop the crimes and gross human rights violations being committed by the illegitimate current regime," the statement said.

The declaration and support for the National Council was a significant show of unity from the Syrian opposition after six months of mostly non-violent protests against President Bashar al-Assad have begun to be overtaken by more violent resistance.

Armed insurgents, mostly in the central Homs region and in the northwestern province of Idlib near Turkey, have been so far outgunned.

The official Syrian news agency said Saturday government forces had regained control of the central town of Rastan, after the most prolonged fighting yet between the army and insurgents who are led, according to residents, by army defectors.

But underlining the more violent turn, Syrian authorities said that the son of Syria's Mufti, who is appointed by Assad, was assassinated Sunday. It was the first attack against the state-backed Sunni clergy who have been a base of support for Assad's ruling Alawite elite for decades.

In Istanbul, the National Council said that the uprising must remain peaceful but that military assaults on numerous towns and villages, torture and mass arrests were driving Syria "to the edge of civil war and inviting foreign interference."

It also said the Muslim Brotherhood, the Damascus Declaration - the main grouping of established opposition figures - and grassroots activists all had joined the National Council.

While few expect a Libya-style intervention in Syria, the declaration was nonetheless a way for the opposition to shake off its image of in-fighting and lack of cohesive leadership.

I'm not sure I understand what they want.

They want the international community to protect them, but not to intervene?

And I don't see a trigger other than fighting back or intervention that will stop the regime.

Edited October 3, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

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

AFP: Gulf civil societies on Monday called on Arab Gulf States to recognise the new Syrian opposition http://bit.ly/pDN6Ep (paid content) 1 hour ago

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/10/2011103132856555803.html?utm_content=automateplus&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=SocialFlow&utm_term=tweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

Thousands held in Syria security swoop

More than 3,000 reportedly detained in Rastan as MP says opposition move to topple President Assad will not succeed.

Syrian troops going house to house have detained more than 3,000 people in the past three days in a rebellious town that government forces recently retook in some of the worst fighting since the country's uprising began six months ago, an activist has said.

He said the detainees were being held at a cement factory, as well as some schools and the Sports Club, a massive four-storey compound, in Rastan.

"Ten of my relatives have been detained," said the activist, who asked that he be identified by his first name, Hassan. He said was he speaking from hiding.

"The situation in the town is miserable," he said, adding that the town of some 70,000 people was heavily bombed for five days starting Tuesday when the army launched an offensive.

Syria's state-media said troops took control of Rastan after hunting down "armed terrorists" holed up inside.

[visionary]

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

LCC:s say 11 killed today in Syria, among them two children. 8 killed in Homs and 3 in Idlib. 12 minutes ago

LCC:s say man in Homs tortured to death in prison. "His dead body was delivered to his family today with signs of brutal torture" 12 minutes ago

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

Turkish PM Erdogan: Assad is doing the same what his father had done. 5 hours ago

Turkish military says it will conduct exercises near Syrian border on Oct. 5-13. It will be in Hatay where 7,500 Syrian refugees live. 3 hours ago

Erdogan: We can't remain indifferent to the killing of civilian, innocent, defenseless people in Syria.

3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: We will unveil our plan with respect to Syria during my visit to border town of Hatay in upcoming days. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: I had talked much to Mr. Assad about a transition process to democracy. We had many meetings on this. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: I had very very good friendship with Assad but we have to maintain our friendship based on principles. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: For Turkey, important thing is Syrian people, Syria itself. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: Syrian regime turned a blind eye to freedoms there. There was nearly 40 years of martial law. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdoga: A [syrian] president, who says let's lift the martial law, is bombing Latakia from the sea. 3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: You can see that killings his [Assad's] father committed in Homs and Hama have started to surface today again.3 hours ago

Turkish PM Erdogan: I hope the resolution on Syria will be adopted in the UN Security Council today. 3 hours ago

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

Assad told Davutoglu that he will shower Israel with rockets after Davutoglu allegedly conveyed US message that it will strike on Syria. 1 hour ago

Assad reportedly told Turkish FM Davutoglu that he would call on Hezbollah to launch a rocket attack on Israel if Syria is attacked. 1 hour ago

Assad reportedly tells Davutoglu that the US and European interests will be targeted simultaneously if Syria becomes a military target. 1 hour ago

Assad tells Davutoglu it will launch such an intensive rocket attack on Israel that the Israeli spy agencies could never imagine. 1 hour ago

Edited October 4, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/10/2011104182112285500.html

Western nations press for Syria resolution

European nations and United States on collision course with Russia over proposed UN vote condemning Syrian crackdown.

Western nations are pressing for the adoption of a UN resolution condemning Syria's crackdown on anti-government protests despite the threat of a Russian veto.

European nations backed by the US were expected to seek a vote on Tuesday on a resolution imposing "targeted measures" against the government of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad for a crackdown that has killed 2,700 people, according to UN estimates.

But Russia hit out at the proposed resolution against its longtime ally, describing it as "unacceptable".

Britain, France, Germany and Portugal had dropped the word "sanctions" from their draft text in a bid to win over members of the UN Security Council, but it was not enough to avoid opposition from veto-wielding Russia.

"The text that Western nations are planning to put up for a vote is clearly unacceptable," Gennady Gatilov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, told the Interfax news agency.

The current proposal would impose sanctions if Assad failed to comply within 30 days with instructions to end violence and impose reforms.

"It is unacceptable because it keeps the prospect of imposing sanctions on Syria," Gatilov said, although his language carefully avoided the mention of Russia using its right to veto the resolution.

The US state department urged Moscow on Tuesday to consider carefully its stand on the measure.

Asked if she expected Russia to support sanctions, US state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters: "I think the Russians will make their own national decision, but we are hoping for strong support for this resolution ... from all members of the Security Council."

Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey, reporting from the UN, said, "It's really quite a weak resolution, with no real threat of sanctions; but [it includes] the possibility of targeted measures down the road if Syria doesn't comply."

Our correspondent also said Russia could abstain rather than veto the resolution.

[visionary]

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

Draft UN SC Syria resolution wording diluted from sanctions if violence continues to SC will "consider its options." Law school, perhaps? 57 minutes ago

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

Security Council members India, Brazil, China, Lebanon, Russia & South Africa are against the UN resolution condemning Syria - Al Arabiya 13 minutes ago

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

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman dismisses the claim that Assad told Davutoglu that Syria will strike Israel in case of a NATO attack. 22 minutes ago

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

If they soften the language further, the SC will end up apologizing and thanking the Syrian regime for all the its hard work. 1 hour ago

http://twitter.com/#!/Salman_Shaikh1

UN SC res: my sense bottom line battle is over "unhindered & sustained access" of "human rights monitors". US& Euros want them;Russia not. 29 minutes ago

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

Russia, China veto European-drafted UN resolution condemning Syria over crackdown on protesters - @Reuters 11 minutes ago

Russia and China are not too popular on twitter right now.....

---------- Post added October-4th-2011 at 07:20 PM ----------

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

The implication of the Chinese and Russian veto is probably a slide toward civil war in Syria. Time to think outside the box.31 minutes ago

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

WTF Russia ?

28 minutes ago

****Veto !

28 minutes ago

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

on behalf of all Syrians, **** Russia and **** China - you ****s will get your day soon, you will be kicked out of a free Syria 26 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/freesyria74

I avoid using foul language but can't control myself this moment. **** you Russia and China for standing up with dictator of Syria 24 minutes ago

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

Russia and China add stains to their already tarnished history, vetoing resolution condemning violence against protesters by Syria regime 20 minutes ago

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

Is #****Russia&China trending yet? 12 minutes ago

Good night and **** Russia and China.5 minutes ago

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

@BSyria You bet it'll be 'trending' in protests inside Syria, expect to see a ****load of Russia/China flag-burning. 13 minutes ago

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

AmbassadorRice doesn't mince her words:`U.S. is outraged that this council has utterly failed to address an urgent moral challenge.' 13 minutes ago

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

@AmbassadorRice: This is not about Libya. That is a cheap ruse by those who want to keep selling arms to Syria." 14 minutes ago

@AmbassadorRice: "Courageous people of Syria can now see clearly who on this SC supports their rights and aspirations who does not." 18 minutes ago

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

Susan Rice just left the UN hall as Bashar envoy reads his statement 3 minutes ago

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

Assad's dog is now talking at the UN Security Council.

20 minutes ago

UK envoy to UNSC has walked out on Syria envoy to UN talk

2 minutes

Edited October 4, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

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

Death toll in Syria now stands at more than 2,900 since protests began in March - U.N. rights office 3 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/freedom4libya

AJA: 12 protesters killed in Syria today and 18 yesterday. 4 hours ago

AJA is showing Syrian protesters burning the Russian, Chinese and Iranian flags. 4 hours ago

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

reuters | Arabs embrace Steve Jobs and the Syrian connection http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/06/jobs-syria-idUSL5E7L62AJ20111006 23 minutes ago

If you want to see another Steave Jobs stop the killing of Syrian children" 21 minutes ago

Edited October 6, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

Some pretty significant news out of Syria today.

One of the members of the new SNC as killed by the government and his son was wounded and is now in critical condition.

(along with dozens more every day this week so far)

Syrians and especially Kurds are not taking this quietly.

Also the current Russian president seems to be harshening his tone towards Syria.

(after days of anti-Russia and China protests across Syria)

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/10/2011107172252384438.html?utm_content=automateplus&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=SocialFlow&utm_term=tweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

Several killed at Friday protests in Syria

Activists say 20 people shot dead by security forces while a Kurdish opposition figure has been assassinated.

At least 21 Syrians, including a prominent Kurdish rights activist, have been killed amid protests by thousands against Bashar al-Assad's government and in support of a newly formed opposition front, activists say.

Friday's surge of violence came as the Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, said President Assad would have to leave power if he failed to implement reforms acceptable to the opposition, and the Syrian government again blamed "terrorists" for the unrest.

Four civilians, including two elderly men, were shot dead in the central city of Homs by security forces and four others in the outskirts of Damascus, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The 53-year-old Kurdish activist and opposition spokesman, Meshaal Tammo, was killed when four masked assailants stormed his house in Qamishli, in northern Syria, and opened fire, also wounding his son and another fellow activist in the Kurdish Future Party, activists said.

Thousands of Kurds took to the streets in Qamishli after Tammo's death, and gathered outside the hospital where his body was taken.

The official SANA news agency reported Tammo's "assassination", but gave a different account of his death. It said he was killed "by gunmen in a black car who fired at his car".

Tammo, a member of the newly formed Syrian National Council (SNC) opposition grouping, had been released recently after three and a half years in prison.

A 10th man was shot dead on Friday by security forces in the flashpoint northern town of Jisr al-Shughur near the Turkish border, the Local Co-ordination Committees activist network reported.

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

AlArabiya: Protesters destroy Hafez Assad statue in Amouda in response to assassination of Meshaal Timmo. 33 minutes ago

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

Protesters walk on the flags of Russia & China (a symbolic insult) in Dael in Daraa province today http://y2u.be/VliSFONPO6Y 2 hours ago

(EDIT: 5:00 PM EST}

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

Iraqi Kurds have promised to protest tomorrow alongside their Syrian brothers. 27 minutes ago

Iraqi Kurds will protest tomorrow and demand the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador to Iraq. 27 minutes ago

Edited October 7, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

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

LatAm delegation from Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Bolivia will be visiting Damascus today to express support for Syria 2 hours ago

AVN - Venezuelan FM Nicolas Maduro announced on Saturday that he will be heading the delegation to Syria 2 hours ago

Madura: "We will stand against all forms of interference the US is trying to impose on Syria in the same way it did in Libya." 2 hours ago

Yay them....*******s.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15227172

Syria security forces 'open fire at Kurd's funeral'

At least 14 people have been killed in Syria after security forces opened fire on mourners as they attended funerals of people who died on Friday.

Six were killed in the north as they attended the funeral of a prominent Syrian Kurdish opposition figure.

Mishaal al-Tammo was shot dead by masked gunmen in a targeted killing.

About 50,000 people attended the funeral in his home town of Qamishli, which turned into a protest against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says that it was probably the biggest demonstration the Kurdish areas of the north have witnessed since the uprising broke out nearly seven months ago.

"All of Qamishli is out today, the funeral is turning into a massive protest," Kurdish activist and lawyer Mustafa Osso told the Associated Press.

Saturday's violence is likely to further inflame anger in Kurdish areas, where the killing of Mr Tammo seems to have had a galvanising effect, our correspondent says.

Edited October 9, 2011 by visionary

[twa]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20111009/D9Q900380.html

CAIRO (AP) - Massive clashes that drew in Christians angry over a recent church attack, Muslims, and Egyptian security forces raged over a large section of downtown Cairo Sunday night, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 150 injured, Health Ministry officials said. It was the worst violence since the 18-day uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak in February.

The ongoing clashes lasted late into the night, bringing out a deployment of more than 1,000 security forces and armored vehicles to defend the state television building along the Nile, where the trouble began. The clashes spread to nearby Tahrir Square and the area around it, drawing in thousands of people. They battled each other with rocks and firebombs, some tearing up pavement for ammunition and others collecting stones in boxes.

...

"The protest was peaceful. We wanted to hold a sit-in, as usual," said Essam Khalili, a protester wearing a white shirt with a cross drawn on it. "Thugs attacked us and a military vehicle jumped over a sidewalk and ran over at least 10 people. I saw them."

Wael Roufail, another protester, corroborated the account.

"I saw the vehicle running over the protesters. Then they opened fired at us," he said.

Khalili said protesters set fire to army vehicles when they saw them hitting the protesters.

[visionary]

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

New Russia UN resolution to equate between protesters and Syria regime. Demands both sides cease violence. 1 hour ago

One of the "Syrian opposition" delegates in Russia today is a leader of a party that operates under the Baath Party umbrella. 41 minutes ago

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

Senior Iraqi Kurdish officials denounces Al Assad for the murder of Syrian Kurdish Activist Mashaal Tammo 31 minutes ago

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

After meeting, EU slams "in the strongest terms the ongoing brutal repression" in Syria. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/125011.pdf

15 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/MagdyBasha123

Syria's Assad must step aside, EU ministers demand cnn http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/world/europe/luxembourg-eu-foreign-ministers/index.html ACTIONS ARE NEEDED #NoFlyZone #NFZ4Syria #NATO4Syria15 minutes ago

Edited October 11, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/10/syria-russia-un-veto.html

SYRIA: U.N. veto not a 'blank check,' Russian official says

October 10, 2011 | 10:44am

REPORTING FROM BEIRUT — A senior Russian official said Monday that Moscow’s veto last week of a United Nations Security Council resolution targeting Syria was not a “blank check” for the government of President Bashar Assad.

“This is, if one can say so, the last call,” Mikhail Margelov, who chairs the Russian Federation Council International Affairs Committee, told reporters in Moscow, according to Interfax News Agency.

The comments came as representatives of Assad’s government and the so-called "internal opposition" — seen by some regime opponents as being too beholden to the regime — were visiting the Russian capital.

Russia has publicly urged its longtime ally to implement reforms in the face of more than six months of unrest that has left almost 3,000 Syrians dead, according to U.N. figures. But Russia has said that government opponents share some responsibility for the bloodshed. Syria blames armed “terrorists” for the violence.

Some observers have questioned whether Moscow is truly pushing for reforms, or is instead launching a diplomatic offensive in a bid to assert its interests in a post-Arab Spring Middle East and save face following last week’s U.N. veto.

The U.N. Security Council resolution had sought to condemn “grave and systematic human rights violations” in Syria. Russia and China viewed the language as a potential pretext for an air assault on their Damascus ally similar to the NATO-led campaign in Libya. U.S. and European diplomats condemned the veto.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said last week that Syria’s leadership should step down if it cannot implement reforms. But that decision, he said, should be taken by the “Syrian people,” and not leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The NATO bombing campaign was essential in the ouster of Moammar Kadafi after more than 40 years in power in Libya.

“Time for talks is running out,” Margelov said, according to RIA Novosti, the Russian state news agency. “There is now a need to start taking real actions and untie the knot of conflict in Syria.”

---------- Post added October-10th-2011 at 11:40 PM ----------

http://twitter.com/#!/Thanku4theAnger

Ahrar TV reports Libya National Transitional Council has recognized Syria National Transitional Council 8 hours ago

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

Breaking: NTC closes the Syria embassy in Libya via @AlArabiya_Brk

8 hours ago

[visionary]

EGYPT

There's a bit of anger at the army and the Egyptian government over the Copt killings and the media smear campaign they've been running the past day or so (making up reports that Copts were killing tons of soldiers and other stories to try to incite violence against Copts).

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

Just been informed by a friend in Shubra that Muslims are forming groups to protect the churches at night 14 hours ago

http://twitter.com/#!/Reem821

Now 1000, More people joined now a Muslim sheikh raised by the crowd as he holds cross up high! http://ow.ly/i/iUnH 13 hours ago

A sheikh holding a cross as people chant muslim and christian one hand people demand execution of tantawy http://ow.ly/i/iU 13 hours ago

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

Big march coming from Abbaseya church to Coptic hospital. Usually teeming Ramses St. is empty http://yfrog.com/kjo8mxuj 14 hours ago

March is massive. Thousands coming down Ramses St. to Coptic hospital http://yfrog.com/met06tmj 14 hours ago

@amirahoweidy Thousands. Maybe 4-5k. But keeps growing. Maybe more

14 hours ago

Crowd chanting "Muslim, Christian, leave Field Marshall [Tantawi]"

14 hours ago

Islamist holds up cross and leads crowd in chants against military council http://yfrog.com/ntx6dbj 13 hours ago

A couple hundred people gathered in Tahrir. Waiting for the coffin of Mina Daniel to arrive. http://yfrog.com/nyjhdwj 4 hours ago

Correction: Mina Daniel's coffin came and left for burial. People now waiting for march to arrive. 4 hours ago

Chants in Tahrir: We are all Khalid Said, We are all Mina Daniel http://yfrog.com/od4zlqvj 4 hours ago

Edited October 11, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

U.N. rights chief urges 'immediate' international steps to protect Syrians

By the CNN Wire Staff

updated 1:02 PM EST, Fri October 14, 2011

(CNN) -- The top U.N. human rights official deplored the "devastatingly remorseless toll of human lives" in Syria and exhorted the world community on Friday "to take immediate measures" to protect citizens.

"The onus is on all members of the international community to take protective action in a collective and decisive manner, before the continual ruthless repression and killings drive the country into a full-blown civil war," said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, in a written statement describing a dire human rights situation in Syria.

Her remarks came as protesters took to the streets Friday in various Syrian cities, a nationwide outpouring supporting the "free army," a reference to personnel who have defected from President Bashar al-Assad's military and to the recently formed Syrian Free Army. At least 12 people were reported dead in the latest protests, according to Syrian Observatory, an activist group.

Pillay said the government has "manifestly failed to protect its population" and has "ignored the international community's calls to cooperate with international investigations," she said.

"At stake are the universal rights to life, liberty and security of person which must never be brushed aside in the interests of realpolitik. The international community must speak with one voice and act to protect the Syrian people."

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/politics/iran-syria-hearing/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Lawmakers push hard line on Iran, Syria

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senior Democratic and Republican lawmakers issued a unified call Friday for tougher measures against Iran and Syria, warning that news of an alleged Iranian assassination plot in the United States is indicative of a political movement increasingly unconstrained by international norms and values

[One Shot]

to whom it may concern, here's a mix playlist of hip hop/rap songs produced by different Libyan, Egyptian, Tunisian groups, put together in early 2011 as the Arab Spring was dawning.

ttp://www.mediafire.com/?tyhal2vx6y10ib7

[visionary]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/5-senate-democrats-ask-clinton-to-delay-arms-sales-to-bahrain-cite-human-rights-violations/2011/10/12/gIQArnu0fL_story.html

WASHINGTON — Five Democratic senators are asking Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to delay $53 million in arms sales to violence-wracked Bahrain.

In a letter Wednesday, the lawmakers criticized Bahrain’s human rights violations and resistance to calls for reform. They said completing the sale would weaken U.S. credibility amid democratic transitions in the Middle East.

Signing the letter were Sens. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Dick Durbin of Illinois and Bob Menendez of New Jersey. Wyden and Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts have introduced a resolution blocking the sale.

---------- Post added October-15th-2011 at 02:52 AM ----------

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/Yemen

48 min 8 sec ago -

Reuters reports: Senior al-Qaeda official in Yemen killed in air raid late on Friday.

26 min 8 sec ago -

Our producer in Yemen reports: "Defense ministry in Yemen confirmed that senior figure of Al qaeda in the Arabian peninsula [AQAP] was killed by air raid last night in Azzan district in Shabwa province south east Yemen.

"The name of the killed man is Ibrahim Albanna, Egyptian nationality. He is media officer of AQAP."

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

Al-Qaida's media chief, 6 others killed in airstrike, Yemen's Defense Ministry says - AP 13 minutes ago

Edited October 15, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

Meanwhile in the capital of Yemen:

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

One protester killed and dozens wounded in Sanaa after Yemeni security forces fired against them with live bullets 25 minutes ago

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

AFP saying 6 killed in Sanaa protest 8 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/#!/tomfinn2

Protesters showing me blood on their arms and faces, motorbike just shot by carrying a slumped soldier covered in blood.30 minutes ago

Car just drove past stuffed with bloodied young men, can still hear gun shots, black smoke rising from 60m road. 27 minutes ago

Protest leader tells me death toll has risen to 9. 4 minutes ago

Edited October 15, 2011 by visionary

[visionary]

livestream of protests in Midan (Syria)

http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/syrian-revolution-show

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

Death toll from Sanaa violence rises to 12, after security forces fire on anti-government protesters in Yemeni capital. http://aje.me/lvLnbE 1 hour ago

---------- Post added October-15th-2011 at 11:24 AM ----------

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/15/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Security in Syria opens fire during funeral

Security forces in Syria's capital opened fire on mourners at a funeral for a 9-year-old boy on Saturday, killing one person and wounding five others, an activist group said.

Around 15,000 people were at the funeral for Ibrahim Al-Sheban, shot dead on Friday by security forces, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria said.

At least 12 people were reported slain in nationwide protests on Friday.

More than 3,000 people have been killed in seven months of unrest across Syria, where soldiers and police have staged a relentless crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Edited October 15, 2011 by visionary