Egyptian troops and protesters clash in Cairo as thousands rally

Al Jazeera - Over 20 people were injured in confrontations between the Egyptian security forces and protesters attempting to reach the headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Cairo. Al Jazeera correspondent reported that 20 armored trucks amassed in al- Abbasiyah Square after pushing the protesters away from the surroundings of the Defense Ministry. Tahrir Square hosted a demonstration against the Military Council, and so did al-Abbasiyah Square that received even more protesters.

Syrian troops storm Aleppo University killing four and arresting hundreds

BBC Arabic - Syrian opposition activists say a number of students at Aleppo University were killed by the gunfire of Syrian security forces when they stormed the campus.The university's president announced classes will be suspended until May 13th. Following these incidents, demonstrations broke out in and around as the faculties of Aleppo University in solidarity with the targeted students. Other demonstrations erupted in various areas as well.  
             
Israeli court postpones Palestinian hunger strikers' appeals

Palestine TV - After Bilal Diab and Thaeir Halahla entered their 68th day of their open-ended hunger strike, a hearing was held today in the so-called Israeli Supreme Court, where their trial was postponed indefinitely to review the demand of their release. During the trial session, Bilal and Tha'ir's defense attorney presented the judge with his argument which condemns the so-called administrative detention, which allows the detention of the prisoners without any charges.

Blasts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Taliban claims responsibility

Dubai - US President Barack Obama visited Afghanistan for six hours and met with his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai. The two leaders signed a strategic partnership pact for cooperation between Washington and Kabul. Following Obama's visit, Kabul was rocked by a series of explosions that claimed the lives of 6 people. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, and warned they will launch an offensive against NATO on Thursday.

Al Alam - At least 20 people were killed, and 45 others were wounded when a suicide bomber blew himself at a market in Bajur, leading to the killing and injury of dozens of people. He targeted a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan. Among the dead were a number of policemen and civilians.

Image: A member of security forces jumps before throwing a stone back at protesters near Egypt's Defence Ministry May 4, 2012. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

(Al Jazeera English: 1146 PST, April 22, 2011) "Great Friday" has been the deadliest day of protests in Syria, with police responding to the tens of thousands of protesters with live bullets and tear gas. Dozens have been killed. Here is some of the video footage of the demonstrations - and violence - across the country. Al Jazeera's Stephanie Dekker reports.

(Al Jazeera English: 1127 PST, April 22, 2011) Rula Amin reports from Damascus.

(Al Jazeera English: 0633 PST, April 22, 2011) Rula Amin reports from Damascus, as anti-government protests rock the country.

Raw Video: Massive Protests in Syria

(Associated Press: 0745 PST, April 22, 2011) Witnesses say at least 15 Syrian protesters have been killed during clashes with security forces who fired live bullets and tear gas at tens of thousands of people shouting for freedom and democracy.

(Euronews: 2334 PST, April 22, 2011) Good Friday has been rebaptised "Great Friday" by Syrian activists who, via social internet networks, are calling for a united front of protests by Muslims and Christians against the regime today.

Since March the government has been rocked by protests in many cities, all of which have been violently put down with blood spilled. Although President Assad yesterday abolished the 48-year old state of emergency in a bid to placate his opponents, critics say a raft of repressive laws still exist.