French cartoons insulting Islam condemned as 'fuel on the fire'

As Muslims across the globe continue to protest the US-made film that insulted Islam's Prophet Muhammad, a French weekly called Charlie Hebdo published a series of cartoons of the prophet, sparking a new wave of rage in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Press TV reported that the cartoons were denounced by both Egypt's al-Azhar Mosque and the Vatican as "fuel on the fire," and Al Jazeera reported that a number of French embassies and schools would close today for fear of violence.

According to BBC Arabic, anti-blasphemy demonstrations have spread to South and Southeast Asia, specifically the capitals of Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, while Pakistan experienced deadly Friday protests after security forces opened fire on demonstrators.

This Week in Syria: 'Friends of Syria' meeting, 'massacre' in ar-Raqqah, and fears of chemical attack

New TV reported a massacre by the Syrian regime in ar-Raqqah on Thursday, while Holland hosted a meeting of representatives of the group known as "Friends of the Syrian People," which includes 60 countries and the Arab League. Meanwhile, IBA reported on Tuesday that the Syrian army flew in members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to witness firing tests for chemical weapons at the country's largest chemical weapons research center. Newly-defected Major General Adnan Sillu, who was the head of the Syrian weapons program, also said that the Assad regime had plans to conduct a chemical weapons assault on the rebels, as well as transfer missiles with chemical warheads to Hezbollah.

Large-scale IDF exercises in Golan Heights, as Israeli air strike kills two Hamas officers in Gaza

IBA reported surprise large-scale military exercises involving top IDF brass amid the Jewish High Holy Days. The exercises simulated a deteriorating security situation in the Golan Heights. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli air strike resulted in the deaths of two Hamas security officers near the town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, saying that the officers were on an official mission near the tunnels by the Egyptian-Palestinian border. IBA, on the other hand, reported that the deaths were of Hamas operatives who were tasked with securing smuggling tunnels for explosives, and were planning a terror attack against Israel.

Image: A girl is photographed as she attends an anti-U.S. demonstration with religious students in the compound of the Red Mosque in Islamabad September 22, 2012: REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood

Libyan court revokes law banning Gaddafi glorification

Al Jazeera - Libya's Supreme Court ruled that a law, passed by the National Transitional Council, was unconstitutional. The law criminalizes the glorification of Gaddafi and his ideas, and punishes with a prison sentence anyone who harms the February 17 Revolution. The court's ruling ended the debate between the law's opponents and proponents. Some viewed the law as a restoration of the former regime's tools of governance, while others considered it a rupture with the Gaddafi era.

Egypt's high court dissolves parliament two days before presidential elections

New TV - Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court dissolved parliament, and confirmed the presidential run-off elections will be held on time. the struggle between Egypt's judges and the dissolved parliament seems ongoing, after parliament insulted and defamed the Egyptian judiciary and Judge Ahmed Rifaat, who presided over Mubarak’s case. This led the chairman of the union of judges to respond in kind, as the battle continues between the legislative and judicial powers. The ruling also found the disenfranchisement law invalid, keeping Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential race.

A look at Gaza after five years of Hamas rule and Israeli siege

BBC Arabic - Tuesday marked the 5th anniversary of Hamas’ control of the Gaza Strip following an internal battle with its opponent Fatah, that lasted many months and shaped the beginning of the Palestinian political division. Attempts to remedy this division continue today. It also paved the way for an economic blockade by Israel on Gaza's crossings, the price of which is being paid by Gaza’s residents.

As rhetoric intensifies, the Syrian conflict nears global proxy

Al-Alam - In light of the on-the-ground developments of the Syrian crisis, and as clashes continue between armed groups and government forces while a political solution is still lacking, the positions of European and world capitals have differed on the situation in Syria. In contrast to the UN position expressing concern over the eruption of a civil war in Syria, France's position explicitly urged an escalation of the situation in order to topple the regime. It also threatened to impose harsh sanctions on Syria.

Tunisia arrests dozens of Salafi Islamists rioting over art show

BBC Arabic - Clashes in some areas of the densely populated capital continued until the early morning hours. According to the Interior Ministry, the clashes erupted overnight between security forces and groups affiliated with Salafi forces, and vandals in several neighborhoods of the capital Tunis. Vandalism, burning and looting affected security and judicial institutions, and syndicates. Protesters say the reason is the display of portraits they considered offensive to Islam.

Image: Judge Kamal Bashir Daham, head of Libya's Supreme Court, and members of the court panel meet to approve the constitutional invalidation of a law that will criminalise the glorification of ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi or any of his supporters in Tripoli June 14, 2012. REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny

Bahrain: Supporters of Bahrain's February 14 Revolution called for a mass demonstration in the village of Krana to demand that the regime meet the people's demands. The Bahraini government has become even more isolated as more political groups are boycotting the upcoming parliamentary elections. Al-Wefaq Islamic Society, the National Democratic Action, al-Menbar, and the Democratic National Rally are among the political group who have announced their boycott of the elections. 

Syria: For the first time, US President Barack Obama has called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, condemning the violent acts against citizens by the Syrian forces. Britain, France, and Germany have also called on Assad to step down. The international community believes that Assad has lost all legitimacy and can no longer rule the country. The Obama administration also imposed fresh sanctions on Syria's government, including freezing Syrian assets in the US and banning all Syrian fuel products.

Libya: Sources close to the Libyan revolutionaries have said they are advancing from Misurata toward the eastern city of Sirte, the birthplace of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The revolutionaries are continuing their advance toward Tripoli, where they hope to soon put an end to Gaddafi's regime after six months of intense fighting. The city of Brega is still witnessing seesaw battles between Gaddafi forces and the revolutionaries, who have achieved gains in parts of the city, especially the area of al-Arqub.

Bahrain: Bahrain's Al Wefaq National Islamic Society pulled out of the national dialogue session after controversial remarks were made by Representative Jasim al-Saeedi. During discussions of naturalization issues, al-Saeedi described the Shiite Muslim sect as "naturalized rejecters," causing resentment among many dialogue participants. The opposition group is considering completely withdrawing from the dialogue because, according to the head al-Wefaq's delegation Khalil al-Marzouq, it is not being taking seriously by all parties.

Syria: As most foreign journalists have been banned from entering the country, citizens are using new technology and media to document the Syrian revolution. Cell phone pictures and videos have been uploaded online to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and reveal the turmoil in Syria and the oppressive measure used by the Syrian security forces. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has condemned the attacks by President Bashar al-Assad's loyalists on the US and French embassies in Damascus. In the council's statement, issued unanimously by all 15 members, the German ambassador to the UN, Peter Wittig, urged the Syrian authorities to protect diplomatic facilities and diplomats.

Egypt: The interior minister announced a series of promotions, transfers, and terminations of members of the ministry. It includes nearly 4,000 officers, including 18 major-generals and 19 brigadier-generals who will be dismissed over accusations related to the killing of protestors. Meanwhile, protests continue in Cairo's Tahrir Square for the sixth consecutive day, demanding the ruling military council accelerate the reform process.

Libya: Human Rights Watch has accused the Libyan revolutionaries advancing toward Tripoli of burning and looting homes and abusing civilians. The organization said it witnessed some of these acts, interviewed witnesses, and spoke with one of the revolutionaries' leaders about the violations. According to the rights group, the latest violation occurred last week when the revolutionaries were in the Nafusa Mountains. The rebel fighters damaged property, burned several homes, looted hospitals, homes, and shops, and beat individuals alleged to be Gaddafi supporters.

Syria: The Syrian Foreign Ministry has condemned US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments stating President Bashar al-Assad lost his legitimacy after a group of pro-Assad loyalists attacked the American and French embassies in Damascus. The ministry stated that Clinton's remarks are provocative and constitute an interference in Syrian affairs. Damascus demanded that Washington and its envoys abide by the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs and refrain from any acts that might provoke the Syrian people.

Libya: After three months of costly military operations, several NATO member countries are seeking an exit to the crisis. Norway announced that it will recall its six F-16 fighter jets on August 1 and Italy said that it will withdraw its carrier Garibaldi. The UN special envoy to Libya called on Gaddafi’s regime and the Transitional Council to begin direct negotiations to settle the conflict. 

Egypt: Thousands of Egyptians staged a rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square despite a warning by military rulers. The anti-government activists called for a million-man march in Egyptian cities, including Alexandria and Suez. Protestors camped out in the square, demanding the immediate trial of Mubarak and the officers accused of killing protestors during the January 25 revolution. In a statement, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces stressed that it will not give up its role in running Egypt's affairs.

Syria: Over 4,000 gathered in front of the US and French embassies in Damascus to condemn both countries' interference in Syrian affairs. The protestors threw tomatoes and eggs at the buildings, broke windows, wrote angry messages on the walls of both embassies, and held banners condemning the French and Americans ambassadors' violation of diplomatic norms. Security at the French embassy fired at the demonstrators, leading to the injury of two people. 

Libya: French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that while efforts to reach a political solution are being exerted, it is necessary to maintain military pressure on the Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi. Juppe proposed a solution involving four phases: immediate ceasefire by Gaddafi's forces, Gaddafi relinquishing power, beginning a dialogue hosted by the Transitional National Council, and drawing a roadmap for establishing a democratic system with free elections.

Bahrain: The February 14 Youth Coalition has called for demonstrations on Sitra Island this Friday, named "Self Determination III." The coalition considered the dialogue called for by the king a failure, describing it as a "farce" because it was conducted amid the continuous crackdown on protests by Saudi-backed Bahraini forces. The people saw the dialogue as a maneuver to buy time as the authorities continue to arrest opposition figures and take arbitrary measures against peaceful protestors.

Tunisia: Six months after the Tunisian revolution toppled President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the country is witnessing a new wave of angry demonstrations. In January, the Tunisian revolution inspired other Arab countries to rise up against their corrupt dictators, but today, Tunisia remains unstable and is demonstrating that removing a corrupt leader won’t solve all the country’s problems. Elections have been postponed to October and the country faces severe unemployment.  

Yemen: As Sanaa anxiously awaits his media appearance, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has called for opening talks with the opposition to implement the Gulf initiative for transferring power in Yemen. Reports from Riyadh confirm that Saleh's health condition is preventing him from appearing before the media. Meanwhile, over 300 members of the Central Security Agency, the police force, and the Republican Guard have defected from Saleh's regime and joined the youth revolution.

Bahrain: In a statement, the Bahraini February 14th Coalition described King Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa's initiative for dialogue as "an attempt to escape responsibility for the campaigns of killing, torture, and crackdowns practiced in the country." The statement added that the dialogue initiative was "born dead" and is an attempt by the authorities to corner the opposition. Many believe the call for dialogue is merely an attempt to relieve international pressure on Manama.

Syria: Anti-government demonstrations continue to be staged throughout Syria in Idlib, Homs, Deir el-Zour, and Hama. Protestors are rejecting calls to hold a dialogue with the regime. In Aleppo, activists have called for a demonstration called the "Aleppo Volcano" before tomorrow's protests on the "Friday of Departure." As Syria's economic capital, Aleppo was strategically chosen by the opposition for today’s demonstration in an attempt to sever the city's ties with the Syrian government.
 
Libya: France has defended its decision to send weapons to the Libyan opposition, saying it did not break the UN arms embargo because the weapons were needed to defend civilians under threat. AU Commission chief Jean Ping said France's decision puts the region at risk. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confirmed that NATO will not arm the Libyan opposition. 

(Euronews: 0759 PT, May 6, 2011) Protests have broken out across Syria as thousands heeded calls for a "day of defiance" against the regime. Reports say that security forces killed five pro-democracy demonstrators and wounded dozens more in the city of Homs.

The protests began as Friday prayers ended. A march in Damascus did not last long before it was broken up. One opposition leader, Riad Seif, was arrested with other demonstrators, according to human rights campaigners. Witnesses said security forces fired at protesters just north of the capital, wounding some.

Protest on Syria's 'Day of Defiance'

(France 24: 0617 PT, May 6, 2011) Thousands of anti-regime demonstrators have taken to the streets across Syria following Friday prayers for a "day of defiance." Security forces are out en masse and have reportedly opened fire in at least one town.

Several days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas a choice between seeking reconciliation with Hamas and achieving peace with Israel. Today, Abbas said the Palestinian Authority will stand by Hamas. He made this statement at the signing ceremony for the national reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo, Egypt. Palestinians expressed cautious optimism over the agreement, hoping it will open a new chapter for Palestinians.

Dubai TV reports that Syria protests have spread to the country’s second largest city, Aleppo. Students from the University of Aleppo took to the streets to demand that authorities lift the siege on Daraa. Nearly 3,000 protestors demonstrated in the coastal city of Baniyas with the same demand. Over 1,000 people have been arrested over the past three days, raising the total number of Syrian detainees to 2,800.

In Bahrain, 23 doctors and 24 nurses will be put on trial for their involvement in the uprising. The Bahraini military court is accusing them of providing medical care to protestors, being involved in the attempts to topple the ruling family, participating in illegal gatherings, and damaging public opinion by spreading false news. Al-Alam reports that this comes days after the military court issued death sentences to four young men accused of killing two police officers during protests.

In Libya, Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have shelled the Misurata port again, this time killing five people. Al-Jazeera reports that the forces are preparing to launch a new attack on the Wazen border crossing with Tunisia. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said that over 80,000 Libyans have been displaced from the western Jabal al-Gharbi district in the past few days. International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said that NATO forces might be used to capture Gaddafi.

France 24 reports tonight from Morocco, where demonstrators are gathering under the slogan “the people want to topple corruption and despotism.” The Morocco protests began on February 20, and have been growing in size everyday, despite King Mohammed VI’s promises to release of political prisoners and enact reforms.

Hundreds of Iraqis poured into Tahrir Square in central Baghdad last week to participate in the “Friday of Resistance.” Protestors are demanding the end of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government, the eradication of corruption, and the release of detainees. In Mosul, demonstrators rallied in Ahrar Square for the 20th consecutive day, despite the government’s attempts to scatter the crowd.