visionary Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/ZeinakhodrAljaz Russia : UN draft resolution "not acceptable", it would lead 2 sanctions against Syria &could be interpreted as allowing use of force2 hours ago Russia said UN will not hold a vote on a resolution on violence in Syria in next days, as world powers seek to find agreement on a text 2 hours ago reports of govt crackdown in mountains northwest of Damascus , clashes in wadi barada not far from zabadani2 hours ago Syria activists upload pictures showing destruction they say result of govt attack in Deir Qanoun in Wadi Barada northwest of Damascus 2 hours ago https://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque LCC: 63 killed in Syria today, most of whom fell in Reef Dimashq15 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Mar15Syria LCC: Today's death toll in Syria has now reached 63 so far. Of those 63 martyrs, 2 of the martyrs found were women & 2 others were children6 minutes ago http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=359514 At least 59 people, the majority of them civilians, were killed in fighting across Syria on Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.The Britain-based monitoring group said at least eight civilians were killed in shelling by regime forces in the restive central city of Homs while 24 were killed in fighting in the Damascus region, among them a three-year-old child and a 25-year-old woman. Five civilians also died in the southern province of Daraa and one was killed by sniper fire in Edleb, located in the northwest of the country. The Observatory said the casualties also include six rebel troops killed near the capital Damascus and 15 soldiers killed in fighting with rebel forces in the Bustan al-Diwan sector of Homs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57370102/syrian-troops-open-new-front-against-rebels/ Regime forces raided homes in several suburbs, arresting activists and dissidents and killing at least two young men. A 3-year-old girl was shot dead in the suburb of Arbeen as troops stormed neighborhoods, the Observatory said.Large demonstrations were held in nearby areas in support of the besieged suburbs, activists said. In Midan, one of the few neighborhoods inside Damascus that has seen protests, amateur video posted online by activists showed young men marching, raising signs saying, "Patience, Ghouta, we will meet in Heaven," referring to one of the suburbs. (I cut some stuff out because it 's also in a different article in the next post.) The London-based rights group Amnesty International sharply criticized Russia for what it called its "unconscionable" obstruction of U.N. efforts to help end the bloodshed in Syria."Russia bears a heavy responsibility for allowing the brutal crackdown on legitimate dissent in Syria to continue unchecked," Jose Luis Diaz, Amnesty International's U.N. representative, said Wednesday. https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets FSA in Zabadani near Damascus are expecting an assault within 2 hours. They've vowed to fight till victory or death.1 hour ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/world/middleeast/diplomats-at-un-haggle-with-russia-toward-a-compromise-on-syria.html?_r=1 The Arab League plan calls on Mr. Assad to delegate his responsibilities to his vice president, so the debate in the Council swirled around whether using the word “delegate” actually represents a demand that Mr. Assad step down, according to a diplomat present, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the subject. The ambassadors also debated how strongly the resolution should endorse the Arab League plan — with the choices being “fully support” or “take note” or “welcome,” said Néstor Osorio, the Colombian ambassador. Western ambassadors seeking to bolster the Arab League wanted the first choice. But there was some suggestion that Mr. Churkin was trying to “cherry pick” language from the league’s plan, as one diplomat put it, rather than accept it as the blueprint. Mr. Churkin declined to go into detail about the negotiations, saying only that it had been a “good session.” Diplomats said that the efforts toward compromise meant it was still possible to hold a vote by Friday, but the debate could easily stretch into next week, given the issues involved and the need for ambassadors to consult with their capitals. What a ****ing waste of time. Russia will never support it unless it's so watered down that it won't change a damn thing. Compromising with Russia will solve nothing. Either find a way to get them to agree with what's already out there or let them veto it and then go a different route. https://twitter.com/#!/WilliamsJon UN corr @BBCBarbaraPlett reports revised SC Syria draft drops reference to Arab call for Assad to devolve power. Edging towards Russia?16 minutes ago ---------- Post added February-2nd-2012 at 03:04 AM ---------- http://www.kitv.com/news/30346117/detail.html The Security Council talks came as at least 70 people were killed across Syria on Wednesday, opposition activists said. The number killed in Wadi Barada, in the Damascus suburbs, climbed to 36, according to the Local Coordination Committees of Syria, an opposition group that organizes and documents demonstrations. The other deaths occurred elsewhere in the region around Damascus and in Homs, where 15 people were killed, Daraa, Idlib and Qamishli, the Local Coordination Committees said. The latest casualties include six army defectors who were killed during clashes with government forces in the Damascus suburbs, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, another opposition activist group. Abu Omar, a resident of Wadi Barada, said that Tuesday night was the first time government forces had targeted the town, despite protests going on there since early last year. He said that about 700 soldiers had come to the town and begun shooting, leading to two civilian deaths. Clashes then broke out between the rebel Free Syrian Army and government forces, he said. After that, "the military started shelling randomly on the villages and houses. They got snipers shooting at people, and the military troops are located on the hills around the area." At least 7,100 people -- including 461 children -- have died since the start of the Syrian anti-government uprising in March, the Local Coordination Committees said Tuesday. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/michaelweiss/100134187/hezbollah-launched-rockets-into-syria-says-free-syrian-army/ Hezbollah's secret war on Syrian rebels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-drop-syria-sanctions-demand-seek-deal-with-russia-at-un/2012/02/02/gIQAxuqlkQ_story.html?hpid=z3 UNITED NATIONS — The United States and its European and Arab partners have agreed to drop a demand to impose U.N. sanctions and a voluntary arms embargo on Damascus, in exchange for a commitment from Russia to allow adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution that paves the way for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s departure from power.The latest offer — outlined in a new version of a draft resolution under negotiations in the 15-nation council — represents something of a retreat by the United States and its European and Arab allies, stripping the most painful measures, and permitting Syria to continue buying weapons from Russia, its closest ally, to bolster its position. In an effort to assuage Russian concerns that the draft might serve as part of a pretext for future military action, the sponsors of the text have offered to include language expressly stating that the resolution does not “compel states to resort to the use of force or the threat of force.” The latest draft replaces that language with a provision, which is still not agreed upon by all parties, that expresses the council’s intention “to resolve the political crisis in Syria peacefully without foreign military intervention.” The latest draft “condemns the continued widespread and gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities” and demands that Syria immediately cease attacks against protesters. It also condemns violent attacks against government targets by armed opposition forces. But the text struck out a provision calling on states to “take necessary steps” to prevent the flow of weapons into Syria. It also eliminated another provision that called on states to reinforce existing Arab League financial and travel sanctions, and to impose similar measures against Syria. If Syria fails to comply with the U.N.’s demands, according to the draft, the Security Council, in consultation with the Arab League, will consider “further measures,” including possible sanctions, to ensure Syria does comply. So did they leave in the part about Assad delegating power to his vp and the formation of a unity government with the opposition? Because I heard on the news earlier that they were discussing taking those parts out to appease Russia as well. https://twitter.com/#!/Joyce_Karam New UNSCR draft on Syria will not mention arms transfer nor Assad delegating authority, BUT will support AL plan. Russia will likely accept.8 minutes ago So what exactly does it do to support the Arab League plan? Other than saying, "it's a nice plan". EDIT: 5:00 pm est https://twitter.com/#!/BarinM Pakistan just said the Security Council is still "2 words away" from consensus on the Syria draft reso. Said same thing going into chambers4 minutes ago But other members disagree on the level of agreement...so I won't hold my breath...for now 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/columlynch I hear UNSC session may be nearing the end for day, no agreement, but willingness to carry on...3 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 6 hours 53 min ago Indian Ambassador leaves UN Security Council meeting on Syria. Reporters asked "How did the talks go?" His reply: "Not so well." 5 hours 32 min ago UN Security Council meeting on Syria is over. Ambassadors seem frustrated, almost angry. Final version of resolution released tonight. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/03/us-syria-idUSTRE80S08620120203 Morocco circulated the slightly amended draft to the 15-nation council after Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told a closed-door session of the 15-nation body Moscow would veto the draft if it were put to a vote on Friday with a phrase saying the council "fully supports" an Arab League plan calling for Syria's president to step aside, Western diplomats said.That phrase remains in the text. But several diplomats said Churkin's threat of a veto had more to do with the timing than the substance of the resolution and thought it might be possible to persuade the Russians to abstain or vote for the resolution. Colombian envoy Nestor Osorio said the council would continue discussions on Friday on the draft, sponsored by Morocco, France, Britain, the United States, Germany, Portugal, Colombia, Togo, Libya, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Turkey.Submitting what some diplomats say is a final draft resolution does not necessarily mean a vote is imminent and further revisions could follow. France said it foresaw a vote on Friday, Saturday or Monday at the latest. The latest resolution text includes changes made by Arab and European negotiators to meet some of Russia's concerns. It calls for a "Syrian-led political transition," does not criticize arms sales to Syria and no longer spells out details of what the Arab plan entails, such as Assad giving up power, although it still "fully supports" the plan.Western envoys said they and the Arabs were trying to assure the Russians the resolution is not aimed at "regime change" in Syria. If Churkin is not satisfied after Friday's U.N. talks, they said, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton might take up the issue in a meeting over the weekend at a security conference in Germany. http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 7 hours 26 min agoJane Ferguson, a reporter who recently spent a few days in Homs, talks to Al Jazeera in Doha about the situation in the opposition stronghold Bab Amr. She says the area has experienced "incredibly heavy shelling" in the last 10 days and is surrounded by government troops. Snipers are firing on both anti-government fighters and civilians, she says. Q6NvpY5oaeU Here's the latest draft of the resolution: http://denisfitz.tumblr.com/post/16961001476/latest-version-of-unsc-resolution-on-syria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/201223145311955213.html Thousands of protesters across Syria have defied a government crackdown to commemorate the 1982 massacre in the city of Hama that killed tens of thousands.Activists reported the deaths of at least 28 people across the country on Friday, including three children. In Hama's central neighbourhood of Junub al-Malaab, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least three people, the Local Co-ordination Committees activist network reported. Protesters emerged from Friday prayers in the port city of Latakia despite a menacing presence of forces who fired gunshots to disperse the crowds, activists reported. A similar demonstration was held in Yabrod, in Damascus province. Residents of the central city of Homs told Al Jazeera they were under daily attack. Locals said they face starvation due to dwindling supplies and near-constant attacks by snipers and mortar fire from forces loyal to the president. "Actually we're living in starvation. We're really hungry; no bread, no food, no drink, no electricity, no water, not anything," one resident of Homs told Al Jazeera. "There is nothing. Everything is fighting and bombs. And war. Even if we want to go to the next street we can't," he said. http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 6 hours 5 min agoRussia's deputy foreign minister said on Friday that Moscow could not support the latest UN Security Council draft resolution on Syria in its current form, the Interfax news agency reported. "Some of our concerns and the concerns of those who think the same as us have been taken into consideration but all the same this is not enough for us to be able to support it in this form," Gennady Gatilov said. "We still have a whole number of concerns over the content of this text and we will be ready to continue consultations on the draft resolution," Gatilov said. 8 hours 27 min agoBelow are videos activists posted of protests that took place today. The first video is from Homs’ al-Rifai neighbourhood. Protesters are heard chanting: “Curse your soul Russia”. The second video is from the Damascus Suburbs of Douma. People raised banners apologising for their silence during the Hama Massacre of 1982. The third video is from Deir Ezzor. Protesters are heard chanting: “Death but not humiliation”. zdrPOFxC85A 7 hours 48 min agoActivists posted a video of a large anti-government protest in Homs neighbourhood of Waar. People are heard chanting in support for Hama city. o0HK0TAioHM https://twitter.com/#!/AmalHanano Wounded protesters trapped inside Aleppo hospital by Assad thugs. Sit-in outside hospital in protest tonight. 31 minutes ago Only in Syria: families try to sneak their wounded loved ones out of hospitals. Because you enter wounded and you exit dead. 26 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque Aleppo protesters at AlHayat Hospital to prevent kidnapping of injured | 9 minutes ago http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria Urgent : All Doctors & nurses in Khalidia suburb in Homs head to Eman Mosque3 minutes ago Breaking: 50 injured in Khalidia suburb so far following heavy attack by mortar and missiles by Bashar forces 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets BREAKING: VERY URGENT: VERY VERY heavy shelling right now all over Homs. Please RT to spread the word as much as possible!27 seconds ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 It sounds like something major happened in Homs. I'm seeing reports of over 200 dead in a number of hours. More info in a bit. http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 57 min 29 sec agoAl Jazeera's Mysa Khalaf, reporting from Beirut, said sources in Syria told her bombardment of Khaldiyeh started after the opposition Free Syrian Army attacked Syrian army checkpoints and killed about 10 soldiers. "Since then, it seems that Khaldiyeh has been under constant bombardment," she said."Several buildings have been destroyed. "I've been told that the main public hospital is completely overwhelmed and people have set up makeshift clinics in mosques. They are running low on supplies of blood." She said she could hear explosions in the background as she spoke to activists in other areas of Homs over the phone. 21 min 29 sec agoAl Jazeera's Rula Amin hearing reports of attacks by Syrian security forces in Hama Activists report more than 200 people killed in Homs in a morter shelling attack on the khalidiyye neighborhood Syria Apparently there are huge protests at Syrian embassies around the world (including in DC) right now and at least a couple of them were breached by protesters. (London and Cairo I think) and apparently this happened: https://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque Syrian activists in Kuwait raise the independence flag on their embassy http://yfrog.com/esubjmej 9 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Ummustafa78 Syrian embassy London 2 guys hang the indep. flag: 3 minutes ago ---------- Post added February-3rd-2012 at 11:00 PM ---------- http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/03/video-activist-more-than-200-syrians-killed-in-one-day/?hpt=ac_mid 08:32 PM ET Video: Activist: More than 200 Syrians killed in one day Anderson Cooper talks to a Syrian activist who says the government is shelling Homs and more than 200 have been killed in a few hours. ---------- Post added February-3rd-2012 at 11:17 PM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/hindhassan Dear God. Watching some of the most horrific videos from Homs, Syria. 1man curses Bashar after showing camera body with face blasted off1 hour ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 The latest number of dead from Homs is now reportedly 337 for today. Here's some more details: http://www.facebook.com/BritishSyrianRevolution/posts/314479491937365 British Syrians & Friends in Solidarity with the Syrian Revolution The number of martyrs in Khaldiyeh is as follow: 287 martyrs with identities confirmed 50 martyrs still not rescued due to the ongoing attacks Among the martyrs are 42 women & 57 children 60 bodies were kidnapped from al-Amal Hospital & no ambulance is being allowed to help the injured or take them to hospital This is just in Homs, it does not apparently include people killing in other parts of Syria today. Also the number of dead in Homs is expected to rise due to a lack of medical resources, access to the wounded, undiscovered/buried bodies, and damaged/destroyed medical facilities in the city. ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 12:08 AM ---------- I've now seen reports of Syrian embassies in Germany, Ottawa Canada, and Sweden all either being stormed or defaced by protesters over today's massacre in Homs. https://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi Kuwaiti tweep @KuwWithSyria reports Syria ambassador firing on protesters who stormed the regime embassy.1 minute ago Kuwait tweeps reporting some protesters hit by live gunfire from within the regime's embassy 2 minutes ago Tweeps report 12 Syrians and two Kuwaitis arrested after storming Syria regime embassy in Kuwait. 3 minutes ago Dramatic video: The moment when the Syria embassy in Kuwait was breached by protesters: http://yfrog.com/0xiatz 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi Here it is: Vid captures the moment when Syria regime embassy in Kuwait opened fire on protesters: http://bit.ly/wCZnAs4 minutes ago 3FJ6XxVa8yM http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/03/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 U.N. Security Council was scheduled to meet and likely vote on a draft resolution intended to pressure the government there to end its months-long crackdown on demonstrators, diplomats saidThe meeting was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. ET Saturday. It was not clear which way Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, would vote. Al Arabiya is now reporting that 416 people were killed across Syria on Friday. http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/02/04/192423.html (they aren't known for being a particularly accurate media source, so keep that in mind) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/Syria 28 min 56 sec agoThe opposition Syrian National Council has decried the violence in Homs early this morning as "one of the most horrific massacres since the beginning of the uprising in Syria" last March. "Assad forces randomly bombed residential areas in Homs, including Khaldiyeh and Qusur, which resulted in at least 260 civilians killed and hundreds of wounded, including men, women, and children," it said in a statement. "The Syrian National Council calls on everyone around the world to speak up and do something to stop the bloodshed of innocent Syrians "The SNC demands that Russia change its position regarding the Syrian regime's massacres. "The SNC also demands that Russia clearly condemn the regime and hold it responsible for the massacres, to stop the killing in Syria, and allow Syrians to democratically elect a regime that ensures freedom and dignity for all Syrians," it concluded. 9 min agoRussia has said that the UN Security Council resolution on Syria "does not suit us at all", and has warned of a "scandal" if the draft resolution is put to a vote today, AFP reports. 8 min 13 sec agoThe Local Co-ordination Committees, a loose umbrella organisation of anti-Assad rights activists, report that security forces are firing on anti-Assad protesters in Daraya. Here's a live video stream from Daraya provided by the LCCs. Dozens of people are visible gathered in the streets, and there is smoke present in the distance. The protesters are chanting slogans of solidarity and against the president. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/darayya-revo Wow.... 33 min 37 sec agoAround 50 mostly Syrian protesters have broken into their country's embassy in Athens htis morning, smashing windows and painting anti-government slogans on the walls, a police source has told the AFP news agency. Twelve Syrians and an Iraqi were arrested after the attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/Reuters Live updates from UN Security Council meeting vote for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down from power http://bit.ly/wHwJPb21 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/RulaAmin General strike in many areas in Syria to mourn and protest those killed in Homs6 hours ago https://twitter.com/#!/__Hisham Al Jazeera: Tunisia expels Syrian ambassador; protesters storm Syrian embassy in Tripoli, Libya15 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed "Saudi King cancels musical part in this year's Janadriya festival in solidarity with people of Syria, Egypt and Tunisia http://www.spa.gov.sa/details.php?id=966999&lite=25 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/AJELive Head of Arab Parliament called for Arab countries to expel Syria's ambassadors and sever diplomatic relations http://aje.me/wdrEQq1 hour ago https://twitter.com/#!/Gheblawi Via @misrati_free Libyan and Syrian protesters at Assad embassy in Tripoli Libya took down regim flag and hoisted up free Syria flag10 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/benmoran France's Ambo walks into UNSC, says no more changes to Syria res will be accepted. Wants vote.5 minutes ago UK UN Ambo walks in and tells us Russia will ask for a delay, but there will be a vote today 3 minutes ago us Ambo walks into UNSC. Says she's seen Russian amendments to Syria res and "they are unacceptable" 3 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Reuters FLASH: President Barack Obama calls for Syria's President Assad to step down immediately http://bit.ly/wHwJPb1 minute ago https://twitter.com/#!/erin_pelton Obama: 30 years after his father massacred tens of thousands in Hama, Bashar demonstrated similar disdain for human life & dignity.11 minutes ago Hundreds of protesters are trying to get into the Syrian embassy in London right now. https://twitter.com/#!/MagdyBasha123 According to LCC, Aljazeera is reporting that 50 tanks from ASSad militia R heading toward Zabadani and Madaya close to Damascus 32 seconds ago https://twitter.com/#!/KareemLailah Dear @AmbassadorRice, 50 tanks are now approaching Zabadani, near Damascus. Please tell UNSC to forget about discussions.1 minute ago ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 10:51 AM ---------- While we are still in shock over the Homs massacre yesterday, Assad is committing yet another in Daraya. 21 killed so far.4 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya Syrian National Council representative for Libya is now officially announcing their taking over with NTC blessings of Syrian embassy16 minutes ago Syrian National Council representative in Libya now opening the Syrian embassy's front doors, 1st embassy that SNC takes over in the world. 16 minutes ago The Syrian embassy in Libya is the first embassy in the world that is now in the hands of the Syrian National Council. ALLAHU AKBAR 14 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Thanku4theAnger They just announced Syria FFs have taken over Syria embassy in Libya. Everyone here at London protest cheered11 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 13 min 18 sec ago Residents gather in the Khalidiya neighbourhood in Homs before a burial ceremony for what activists say are victims of shelling by the Syrian army. https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed Today's death toll in Syria keeps mounting: 85 people killed, 39 of them in Khalediyeh. Source: LCC20 minutes ago Feed shows Syria envoy Jaafari chatting with the Indian dip http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/ 6 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/BreakingNews Live video from UN Security Council meeting on Syria http://bit.ly/A3u0qm2 minutes ago The Syrian ambassador to the UN is talking with the Indian, Chinese, and South African ambassadors and will be speaking soon. https://twitter.com/#!/flaviajackson UNSC on Syria: from senior official inside meeting word is that we are facing an October repeat. ie Russia and China will both veto1 minute ago Funeral/Protest in Khalidiya, Homs swygFRDh5ZU https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets BREAKING: The Syria'n regime army is shelling Zabadani area of Damascus right now according to Aljazeera.1 minute ago BREAKING: Rastan is under shelling right now. No reports of casulties so far. 2 minutes ago Looks like UNSC is about to start right now. Russia'n ambassador to UN just arrived and took his seat. 19 seconds ago ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 11:54 AM ---------- They have live coverage on CNN International now, some sort of vote going on. Russia and China have vetoed the resolution. There is going to be some angry speeches by US and other ambassadors coming up. India and South Africa voted yes. the vote was 13-2...everyone but Russia and China voted yes. ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 12:14 PM ---------- French and German ambassadors are furious, slamming Russia, China, and Syria. https://twitter.com/#!/assuss Algeria also announced today that they would be expelling their Syrian ambassadors in the wake of HomsAttack.11 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 The US ambassador is speaking now. https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed Rice: for months, this council has been hostage by a couple of members.2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/HalaGorani US UN Amb Susan Rice: "The United States is disgusted."4 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/fieldproducer US ambassador Rice on Russia and China - 'any further blood shed that flows will be on their hands'1 minute ago https://twitter.com/#!/mpoppel France: "History will have no mercy for those who blocked the UNSC from bringing its support to the Arab League efforts."5 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/HTAlhasan UK Amb: UK is appalled by the vetoing of an otherwise consensus resolution6 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed UK amb: those who blocked UN action today must ask themselves how much more deaths can they tolerate before they do something2 minutes ago Some twitter comments: https://twitter.com/#!/Ummustafa78 Today's UNSC vote is another stab in the hearts of all the Syrian mothers who lost a child yesterday in Homs13 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/bcoworld Russia & China today hve lost all the Arab World. Russian & Chinese Embassies in the Arab World must be closed down if not people will do it3 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/AnonymousSyria I'll be killed and not allow the Russian base in Tartus to stay in Syria, actually I lead people to protest it myself. **** you Russia.2 minutes ago http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 4 min 14 sec agoAmnesty International said the decision by Russia and China to veto a weak draft UN Security Council resolution on Syria is a shockingly callous betrayal of the people of Syria. "This is a completely irresponsible use of the veto by Russia and China," said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary-General. "It is staggering that they have blocked the passage of what was already a very weak draft resolution." "After a night in which the whole world watched the people of Homs suffering, the actions of these members are particularly shocking." ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 01:09 PM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/Tunisia_Live Tunisia Expels Syrian Ambassador, Withdraws Recognition of Assad’s Government http://goo.gl/fb/BNvZQ3 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/edwardedark video from Rastan today, an unexploded tank shell in someone's living room 13 minutes ago a present from Russia to the Syrian people. children of Rastan injured by shelling today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry8KnFyVfig 5 minutes ago I can personally guarantee u there will be no Russia embassy in a free Syria, I will burn it down then take a pee on its smoldering ruins 5 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed LCC: Number of documented deaths today is 93 people, including 3 children and 4 defected soldiers. 61 killed in Homs. 2 minutes ago http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2012/02/05/only-days-before-the-syrian-army-collapses 'Only days' before the Syrian army collapsesGeneral Mustafa al-Sheikh, who fled Syria in November, gave an apocalyptic view of the state of the regime. He said only a third of the army was combat ready, thanks to defections or absenteeism, while remaining troops were demoralised. Most of the army's Sunni officers had fled, been arrested, or sidelined, and its equipment was degraded. "The situation is now very dangerous and threatens to explode across the whole region, like a nuclear reaction," he said. When Sheikh fled Syria, he thought the army could hold out against a vastly outnumbered opposition for a year or more. Now, he says, attacks by the rebels' Free Syrian Army (FSA) were escalating as the rank and file withered away because they did not believe in the cause. The Assads' increasing reliance on loyalists from their own Alawite minority meant Sunni officers were, at best, marginalised and distrusted. "The army will collapse during February," Sheikh said. "The reasons are the shortage of Syrian army personnel, which even before March 15 last year did not exceed 65%. We'll see.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Switchgear Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Here's hoping that prediction about the Syrian army comes true quickly. I wondered why the army was so willing to attack civilians. I'm amazed by the Syrian people, their courage is incredible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACW Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Hey Russia and China, veto this: :finger: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/Syria 8 hours 32 min agoItaly's Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi denounced the UN Security Council veto by China and Russia of a resolution on the Syria crisis, joining a growing chorus of western outrage Saturday. The veto by Beijing and Moscow of a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Syrian government's deadly crackdown on protests was "very bad news", he said. "The numbers of civilian victims of the Syrian regime's suppression speak for themselves," he added. "The Syrian population cannot wait. The international community absolutely must find a way to respond to the very serious current political and humanitarian crisis." The foreign ministry said Italy "re-affirms its commitment to maintain strong pressure on President Bashar al-Assad's regime." 5Zs60DVqdlU A previous video report on Homs http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2012/02/201222234512562567.html ---------- Post added February-4th-2012 at 10:46 PM ---------- I wondered why the army was so willing to attack civilians. It always shocks me too. In some cases it's because they're brainwashed to think that the people they are killing are trying to destroy them and their way of life. In others it's because they're too afraid of being shot themselves for not firing on civilians per orders from commading officers. (like in libya) With some they are just monsters who would probably be in prison or executed in other countries but get a favored place for their single minded brutality. Others do it because they don't want to lose whatever money or benefits they get from their job. One thing to keep in mind is that defectors tend to leave in groups. Probably because the commanding officer refuses to crack down on his men. http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/australia-feb-5-2012-1008 Sun, 5 Feb 2012, 07:08 GMT+3Protestors stormed Syria's Australian embassy and trashed its lower level, police said on Sunday. Police said a "number of men forced entry" to the Syrian embassy in Canberra on Saturday evening and "caused extensive damage to the ground floor" of the building. Three diplomatic staff present at the time barricaded themselves in a back room according to media reports, which said as many as 40 people were involved in overrunning the embassy. Police were alerted to the incident by a phone call from embassy staff but said the group dispersed before officers arrived. "We are obviously concerned about it and three staff members from the embassy were present when the men forced entry. However, no one was injured," said superintendent Mick Calatzis. The attack on the embassy follows similar incidents in Athens, Berlin, Cairo, Kuwait and London. [AFP] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hb52NzrJdj_NNBnbvk05Ov0kGuOw?docId=f0696f6b00c84ad9be64189ebe3fdb44 Yemen's Karman slams Russia, China over Syria vote(AP) – 18 minutes ago MUNICH (AP) — Yemeni activist and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkul Karman says Russia and China bear moral responsibility for killings in Syria and is urging governments to expel Syrian ambassadors. Karman spoke at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security officials, on Sunday — a day after Moscow and Beijing vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at ending Syria's bloodshed. Their vote came amid international outrage over a devastating bombardment of the city of Homs by President Bashar Assad's forces. Karman says "those two countries bear the moral and human responsibility for these massacres." She urged governments to expel Syrian ambassadors and withdraw their own ambassadors from Damascus, saying "that is the minimum you can do to punish this regime." https://twitter.com/#!/SkyNewsBreak AFP: Tunisian prime minister Hamadi Jebali calls on Arab countries to expel Syrian ambassadors2 minutes ago Tunisia and Libya are the only two to do it so far. (Actually I'm not sure what happened to the ambassdor in Libya, though the NTC supposedly gave the embassy over to the opposition.) https://twitter.com/#!/tomfinn2 Thousands of men & women marching through downtown Sana'a shouting, "Syria, Syria!" Posters of Asad with red paint smeared on his hands.1 minute ago (In Yemen) https://twitter.com/#!/pdanahar BBC's Paul Wood and camcrew Fred Scott reporting from inside Homs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-16890107 piece speaks for itself20 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/NuffSilence Let's salute the "newcomer" to the revo, say hello to Al Raqqah, a previously "pro-regime" city: 27 minutes ago 8TM-V8nPfR0 https://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya BREAKING: Huge rally plnnd today at 6pm Libya time in Shajara Square Benghazi, agnst Bashar & his Russian backers 3 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/RulaAmin SRCU says 38 people were killed in Syria today most in Homs1 hour ago https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets WARNING: Syria'n regime forces in Homs are using the syrian independence flag to lure in protesters. Please RT to warn everyone.35 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/AlexanderPageSY CONFIRMED: Assad regime forces have been deployed to the jordanian border25 minutes ago BREAKING: Syria'n regime army forces have spread parallel to the #Jordan'ian border with no movement from the jordanian side 28 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/fieldproducer AFP reporting that France says Europe will strengthen sanctions on Syria1 hour ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 The Syrian government appears to be launching another major attack on Homs right now. https://twitter.com/#!/zaidbenjamin Urgent: Syrian regime will attack Homs in the same way it attacked al-Khalidya district - Syrian National Council We call upon all international parties, organizations and bodies to move fast and prevent a new massacre in Homs - SNC 14 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/MagdyBasha123 URGENT: The Assad regime is preparing for another massacre and massive attack against Homs, specifically BabaAmr. Please spread the word!15 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets Reports that 87 Tanks + 66 Buses full of thugs + 150 Pickups are near Homs. Bombs heard until now in BabaAmro area.5 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Thanku4theAnger 2 Heavy explosions in Bab Amro suburb in Homs NOW9 minutes ago Multiple heavy explosions in Homs followed by heavy gunfire NOW now 32 seconds ago ---------- Post added February-5th-2012 at 08:33 PM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/LeShaque BREAKING Mortar attack on Khaldieh has caused three buildings to collapse and set fire to a fourth.2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Shelling on Baba Amr is intensifying. It is night time with no electricity. This is a nightmare.2 minutes ago Mortar shells falling like rain onto Baba Amr according to an eyewitness there. Ya rab. Ya rab. 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/acarvin Imagine if one minute's worth of Super Bowl ads were instead dedicated to a live stream from Homs right now.1 minute ago (I am watching the superbowl on tv in the background while checking twitter. Don't want people to think I'm bashing it by posting that quote. I do think it's a good point though) By the way...keep in mind that Bab Amr and Khalidiya are different areas of Homs city. ---------- Post added February-5th-2012 at 08:54 PM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets Hear the sounds of shelling, massive attack on Homs right now [LIVE] http://bit.ly/w3Q3uK 12 minutes ago OH MY GOD! VERY VERY VERY Heavy shelling on BabaAmr Homs from 4 sides. This is going to be bad, very bad. 41 seconds ago ---------- Post added February-5th-2012 at 09:10 PM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed LCC on Homs: A number of explosions shook Khaldiyeh; other explosions were reported in Karam Al-Shami and along the road to Damascus.12 minutes ago Daraa is also under attack: Gunfire from light and heavy machine guns is still ongoing; explosions have been rocking the town for past hour. 3 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/abuhatem So al-Khalidyah is on the complete other side of Homs than Baba Amro although both are major protest strongholds: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Baba+Amr,+Hims%E2%80%8E,+Homs+Governorate,+Syria&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.052328,61.347656&oq=baba+amr&hnear=Baba+Amr,+Hims%E2%80%8E,+Homs,+Homs+Governorate,+Syria&t=m&z=1410 minutes ag https://twitter.com/#!/zaidbenjamin Urgent: "Calls are being issued to residents to take cover on the lower levels of buildings in Baba Amr and Insha'at districts" - LCC1 minute ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/05/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 A prime flashpoint for the violence, once again, was in Homs, which is north of Damascus.The Local Coordination Committees of Syria, a network of opposition activists, reported that at least 29 of Sunday's 43 estimated deaths were in that eastern Syrian city. Opposition groups have said that more than 300 civilians have died and hundreds have been wounded in Homs since Thursday. An opposition activist in the city, identified only as "Danny," told CNN that government troops bombarded Homs all day with tank fire, mortars and rockets, "which is something new." "They're not targeting one little place. They're not targeting someone they want. They're targeting everyone," he said. He alluded to the U.N. Security Council's failure on Saturday to pass a resolution aimed at stemming the violence in Syria, claiming "the U.N. gave them the green light" to inflict more violence. "If it wasn't for the U.N., they wouldn't have did this," he added. "It gave them the OK to kill more. If the U.N. had done something about this, this regime would be a little bit scared." "Danny" painted a ravaged scene of dead and wounded, numbering among them a girl who lost an eye to gunfire and a boy with his jaw shot away. Many of those hurt were being treated in field hospitals in civilian homes, including some who died from wounds that would not have been fatal with proper care. "We haven't got enough doctors. We haven't got enough medication," he said. This was mostly from before the most recent round of shelling tonight. https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Be aware yes there are war planes over Baba Amr at very low altitude but they are not hitting...yet. 11 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed Heartbreaking: wounded little girl from Homs asks: what did we do to deserve this? 8 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/Thanku4theAnger Bab Amr under heavy shelling with 14 Mortars counted. Source of shelling thought to be Abassiya medical centre checkpoint4 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/SeekerSK Heavy gunfire near Mahatta Hospital via HOMS2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Shelling has calmed down on Baba Amr suddenly. Waiting now.1 minute ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed Three videos: destroyed houses due to shelling in Khalediyeh, Homs 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/JShahryar The worst part is, Assad can/will do this tomorrow, day after, for a whole week, for a month, for a year.. We'll just watch.1 minute ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/JShahryar Can MSM stop pretending Syria is just regular protest violence? It's really become destruction of a whole city's population.26 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Bomb now on Albayada extremely powerful he reported windows broke.37 minutes ago The real warzone is in Albayada now 22 minutes ago Bombs shaking my friends home in Khaldiyeh and other friend in Alwaar reported heavy gunfire. 17 minutes ago Gunfire from all checkpoints in and around Albayada and the bombs are shaking the neighborhood. 20 minutes ago Anti-aircraft missiles being used Albayada now. 14 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed LCC -- Homs: Intense gunfire in Bayada after a huge explosion in the neighborhood15 minutes ago LCC: Regime forces are attempting to raid Beyadha from multiple directions, using artillery fire and missiles. Severe damage is reported. 4 minutes ago Homs: Massive explosion in Khaldiyeh due to an incoming artillery shell from Citadel checkpoint; another explosion near Nahaseen market -LCC 2 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/DamascusTweets BREAKING: There are troops raiding houses right now in Homs.14 minutes ago BREAKING: There are clashes happening right now btwn FSA & Syria'n regime army at Albayada area of Homs! 6 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/MagdyBasha123 This little girl survived the shelling with serious injuries (graphic) but her brother didn't make it 1 minute ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Omar Tilawi reports tanks are making their way from Bab Tadmur side to Khaldiyeh now55 minutes ago i feel so guilty but i really am shattered it has been 3 days. going to pray and try sleep. love you syria. love you homs. sorry 49 minutes ago They're using the student dorms area to shell Baba Amr and Insha'at. It has intensified now again. Prayers. Prayers. 15 minutes ago :'( everyone inside baba amr is out of touch, those around reporting to us, smoke can be seen above, shelling very intense 14 minutes ago White smoke seen from Alwaar rising from Baba Amr, different to usual color. No idea how my family are in there. 10 minutes ago no idea what my family and friends are doing inside the bloody hell hole Baba Amr. Thanks Russia. 6 minutes ago Thanks for the translation! So yes Baba Amr is being hit with rocket launchers now, white smoke is seen rising. Takbeers through 3 minutes ago sending my cousins fb messages of safety measures to go downstairs. They don't even have net. Ya rabi what to do no idea :'( 1 minute ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed BREAKING NEWS: Another livestream from Homs under attack right now, sounds of explosions http://bambuser.com/channel/alrabiealarabe/broadcast/2346004 1 minute ago The other two links didn't seem to lead to live videos...although the second one might have been earlier and ended perhaps. This one is live right now...going on 15 minutes so far. https://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya Bashar is shelling Baba Amr once again, non stop bombardment all night. Russian weapons and veto at work. Well done, you pricks.54 seconds ago ---------- Post added February-6th-2012 at 12:45 AM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Baba Amr: I know some in there :''( The field hospital has been hit, 3 dead reported and many injured. Yaaaa Allllllllah ya rabbbbb 12 seconds ago Damn this livefeed video footage is disturbing with all the smoke and explosions in the background. Even though you can't see anyone dying, you know some family out there is getting blown up. This seems to be a live feed right now from a different part of Homs. http://bambuser.com/channel/smartlive1/broadcast/2346010 Holy ****! Just heard a whole bunch of huge explosions in the background.... ---------- Post added February-6th-2012 at 12:58 AM ---------- https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Oh my God...Hadi Al-Abdullah Homs spokesperson on tv just said 15 homes demolished over people inside, in Baba Amr. Ra7 moot 7 minutes ago Putin what would you do if the 15 homes demolished had your family under them? My family may be under there I don't know. Thankyou 8 minutes ago If my family are under those 15 buildings I will personally go & tear Bashars head off his neck. And to hell with the world. The sick world 5 minutes ago ---------- Post added February-6th-2012 at 01:13 AM ---------- The explosions keep coming, some are really really loud, deafening really. Assad must have a lot of artillery, tanks, and missles. watching the second live feed, there's endless explosions now and smoke under the camera view...who knows from what. I hope the camera guy's building isn't on fire. The first live stream I have posted here is over, hopefully the guy recording it is safe now. This one is still going...http://bambuser.com/channel/smartlive1/broadcast/2346010 Holy....a couple of massive explosions...almost blew my ears out. Must have been closer maybe. Just saw a horrific video from the field hospital in Bab Amr that someone put a link to on twitter. Don't think I want to post it here.... https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Khaldiyeh 1 martyr and 6 injured so far.6 minutes ago Confirmed: 10 martyrs in Baba Amr and numbers rising. 5 minutes ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Switchgear Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I'm watching as well. This is just... I'm sick that we aren't doing anything about this. I understand why but it doesn't help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Albareed checkpoint in Albayada consisted of the worst Assad sniper who has killed hundreds in Homs, FSA got rid of him tonight.6 minutes ago Good news, Albayada has had Assad forces pushed out and FSA has gained control of Albareed checkpoint. 6 minutes ago Dr Mohamad Al-Mohamad in Baba Amr speaks about the shelling of the field hospital [check this person's twitter page if you want to see the video.] 6 minutes ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed Getting reports that the livestream from the field hospital went down because the location was targeted with a rocket!5 minutes ago BREAKING NEWS -- UNCONFIRMED: People inside the field hospital in Bab Amr and the area around it were killed by rocket 4 minutes ago The feed seems to have stopped, ended. All right. I was about to take a break anyway. I need to do something to relax for a bit after all that....if I can. https://twitter.com/#!/tweets4peace Ps martyrs in Baba Amr are now 18. 28 seconds ago https://twitter.com/#!/inglesi BBC's Paul Wood is reporting live from Homs this am. Bombardment continues. Reports of medical clinic hit & army on edge of city.1 minute ago https://twitter.com/#!/ahmed All feeds from Bab Amr, Homs, are down.1 minute ago Edited: 2 am EST: Ok, here's two new ones...one is from Al Jazeara Mubasher http://beta.www.livestation.com/aljazeera-mubasher And here's another similar one to the other two from earlier: http://bambuser.com/channel/baba-omer/broadcast/2346086 Edited: 2:13 am EST Things seem to have quieted down for th...uh oh. Just heard another explosion of some sort. (Going to go do something else for a bit. I'll check back again in a little while if I'm still awake.) (By the way...this is a bit off topic, but apparently it's snowing in Tripoli, Libya right now, lol.) https://twitter.com/#!/AzizBelhaj/status/166417687763881984/photo/1 And after that bit of lighthearted aside...I see this... https://twitter.com/#!/SultanAlQassemi Happening now - Bashar's Baathist terror forces committing a massacre in Homs, Syria. The videos are horrifying. Piles of mutilated bodies.35 seconds ago Ok, I need to take a break, seriously.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/06/us-syria-idUSTRE80S08620120206 Syrian forces bombarded Homs on Monday, killing 50 people in a sustained assault on several districts of the city which has become a centre of armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian National Council opposition group said."The tally that we have received from various activists in Homs since the shelling started at six this morning is 50, mostly civilians," the group's Catherine al-Talli told Reuters. "The regime is acting as if it were immune to international intervention and has a free hand to use violence against the people," she said. The bombardment came a day after the United States promised harsher sanctions against Damascus in response to Russian and Chinese vetoes of a draft U.N. resolution that would have backed an Arab plan urging Assad to step aside. "This is the most violent bombardment in recent days," said one activist in Syria who was in touch with Homs residents. Another activist said forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were using multiple rocket launchers in the attack. Arab satellite television stations broadcast live footage from Homs. Explosions could be heard and smoke was seen rising from some buildings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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