In the aftermath of the Libyan revolution against Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, many black Sub-Saharan African migrants and dark skinned Libyans continue to be the target of attacks by armed "revolutionaries". While race has long been a dividing line in the predominantly Arab country, "the atrocities attributed to black mercenaries during the uprising against Gaddafi, as well as the allegiance some regions populated by dark-skinned Libyans showed him in the war, have given the race question a new and deadly currency," according Joseph Logan of IOL News.

Human Rights Watch reported that the town of Tawergha, a predominantly black town south of Misurata which used to be home to over 30,000 residents, remains deserted in the weeks following the revolution. Militias from Misurata are "terrorizing the displaced residents…accusing them of having committed atrocities with Gaddafi forces." Katrina Nikolas of the Digital Journal writes, "[The death of Gaddafi] has not satisfied the desire for vengeance amongst still-armed NTC militias."

One Liberian migrant who is one of 600 Africans camping out at a fishing port in Tripoli said, "If children see us they hold their noses, and revolutionaries sometimes shoot by us. Blacks are Gaddafi, they say. We need to leave." Another migrant said they faced constant assaults including robbery, physical attacks, and rape. 

Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Council have called on the African Union and the NTC to protect the rights of migrants and refugees. Middle East and North Africa Director at HRW Sarah Leah Whitson said, "It's a dangerous time to be dark-skinned in Tripoli. The NTC should stop arresting African migrants and black Libyans unless it has concrete evidence of criminal activity. It should also take immediate steps to protect them from violence and abuse."

Last month, the National Transitional Council denied the allegations, saying "We do not make any distinction among people on grounds of color. And we do not discriminate against our brothers from African countries." He added that any captured mercenaries will receive fair trials and that the NTC will "fully investigate any human rights violations committed by its fighters," but that remains to be seen.

In a report entitled "Saudi Arabia's Political Prisoners: Towards a Third Decade of Silence," the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) describes political imprisonment in Saudi Arabia as  "an epidemic [which] has not spared any sector of Saudi society." According to the IHRC, there are an estimated 30,000 political prisoners in Saudi Arabia out of approximately 18 million Saudi nationals. The report calls attention to the plight of these political prisoners over the last three decades with hopes that the Saudi government and international community will finally take notice. 

Protests in Saudi Arabia have been ongoing for several months calling for political reform and the release of political prisoners. On Monday, these protests turned violent for the first time when Saudi security forces opened fired at demonstrators. Al-Alam reported that 24 people were injured in the clashes in Saudi's oil-rich Eastern Province. The clashes took place in Qatif and al-Awamiyah, home to a largely Shia population. In an official statement, the Interior Ministry blamed a "foreign country" for the unrest, undoubtedly a veiled reference to Iran, adding that "those involved in sabotage will be dealt with an iron hand." 

In an al-Jazeera opinion piece entitled "Saudi political prisoners long for justice," Hala al-Dosari detailed the case of one mother who appealed to the head of the Interior Ministry for the release of her son, Fahad al-Saeed, arrested nine years ago without trial or charges. The "articulate language and heart-breaking details " of the plea garnered a shocking, first-time response from the government, but one that denied the arrest and detainment of al-Saeed. 

The Independent newspaper reported that protests in the oil-rich kingdom are gaining momentum and are expected spread to more cities. A Facebook page entitled "Revolution of the Eastern Region" is among several opposition websites gaining popularity. What will the spread of protests mean for a country that has long punished political dissidents? 

BBC Arabic reported that a Bahraini military court sentenced one protestor to death for killing a policeman during an anti-regime protest in March. The court also issued harsh prison sentences to 20 medical professionals working at al-Salmaniya Hospital in Manama during the protest movement. Thirteen medics were sentenced to 15 years in prison. According to the Bahrain News Agency, the medics are being charged with "forcefully occupying Salmaniya Medical Centre…possessing unlicensed arms and knives, incitement to overthrow the regime, seizing medical equipment, detaining policemen, and spreading false news." Several written testimonies of the sentenced doctors indicate that they were physically and psychologically abused, tortured, beaten, sexually harassed, and humiliated while in custody.  

On June 14, after Bahrain started the trial of 48 medics, journalist Robert Fisk dispatched an eyewitness account from the hospital to The Independent. He wrote that he saw doctors desperately trying to save the lives of injured protestors shot by Bahraini forces, describing the charges as "a pack of lies."

One of the sentenced doctors, Dr. Fatma Haji, told the BBC that the medics' only crime "was that we helped innocent, helpless people who were just protesting and got injured." In a video to her three-year-old son, she maintained her innocence and expressed hope that when he is old enough to understand, he will be proud of her.

Amnesty International condemned the Bahraini regime for its harsh sentences against the health practitioners. Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme described the charges against the medics as "ludicrous." The Dublin-based human rights organization Front Line also condemned the sentencing after a "deeply flawed and unfair trial." It declared that medical care has been "criminalized" in Bahrain.

In July, Human Rights Watch issued a 54-page report documenting the government's abuses against citizens since February, and called on the Bahraini regime to immediately end its systematic policy of arresting and abusing medical personnel and patients.

(Photo: Doctors form a human chain at Salmaniya Hospital fearing an attack by riot police in Manama, on March 15/ Reuters)

On the six month anniversary of Syria’s uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, members of the Syrian opposition met in Istanbul today to form a united Syrian National Council. The council is made up of 140 members, including dissidents who have been exiled and opponents living in Syria. Future TV reported today that the council’s objectives include maintaining the peaceful nature of the revolution, toppling Assad’s government within six months, and forming an interim government to establish a pluralistic, democratic state. 

Earlier this week, the UN Human Rights Council appointed three experts to investigate the human rights abuses against civilians in Syria, including children. According to the UN, at least 2,600 people have died in the past six months of unrest that has swept Syria. 

The opposition is mobilizing its supporters to participate in tomorrow’s protests on what is being called the “Friday of perseverance until the downfall of the regime.” Last Friday, Syrians participated in the “Friday of International Protections” with the hopes that the international community would step in to protect civilians. Russia, China, India, and Brazil continue to oppose the UN-imposed sanctions and foreign intervention in Syria. While the Obama administration and European leaders issued statements calling for President Bashar al-Assad to step down on August 18, it is unlikely that protestors will get outside help they want, at least for now, according to the Economist.

Bahrain: Saudi-backed Bahraini troops attacked anti-government protestors in the island city of Sitra, killing a 14-year-old boy. Witnesses say the victim was hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired from close range. Reports say the city's hospital refused to admit the critically injured teenager and that he died shortly afterwards. It is believed that hospital authorities refused to treat the wounded teenager for fear of being arrested by security forces.

Libya: Clashes broke out between Muammar Gaddafi's battalions and Transitional National Council forces in the Um al-Qanadil region and its surrounding areas, close to Sirte. Chairman of the Council Mustafa Abdul Jalil gave Gaddafi's loyalists in Sirte until this coming Saturday to surrender before using military force. The revolutionaries are approaching Sirte from both the east and west but are refraining from launching attacks in the hopes of a negotiated surrender of the city. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Gaddafi himself still remain unknown.

Syria: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 473 people were killed in Syria during the month of Ramadan, including 360 civilians and 113 soldiers and members of the Internal Security Forces. Twenty-five minors and 14 women are among those killed, but the death toll does not include victims killed during the military operations in the city of Hama. Amnesty International confirmed that 88 Syrians, including ten children, died in detention centers and police stations between April and August.

Libya: Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule in Libya has come to an end as revolutionaries are now in control of most of the capital Tripoli and have arrested two of Gaddafi's sons. Gaddafi himself, however, has yet to be found. The head of the National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, vowed to hold fair trials for Gaddafi and members of his regime. What was once Green Square is now called Martyrs' Square as revolutionaries from Misurata, az-Zawiyah, and Jabal al-Gharbi met with Tripoli revolutionaries for "Operation Mermaid Dawn" to liberate the capital.

Joyous cheers have spread from Tripoli to Benghazi to Libyan communities throughout the world as the Libyan diaspora gathered to celebrate the revolutionaries' advance into Tripoli. Hundreds of people in London, Cairo, Tunis, and Washington spent the night in the street expressing their joy at the opposition's long awaited victory. 

Syria: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that today's death toll in Syria has risen to five. The Observatory said that two people were killed and four others wounded in gunfire by "elements" loyal to the Syrian regime in the city of Misyaf near Hama. In addition, three more people were killed in a Homs protest as the UN humanitarian delegate visited the city. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that the death toll in the mass protests in Syria has reached 2,200.

Tunisia: Tunisian security forces attacked hundreds of protestors who took to the streets of the capital Tunis to call for a second revolution. Police forces, who had blocked the streets leading to the interior ministry, tried to scatter the protestors by firing tear gas and beating several of them. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the cathedral in Tunis, shouting "new revolution," "the people want the system to fall," and "Free Tunisia, throw out the thieves."

Libya: In an audio message on Libyan state television, Libyan Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi called on his supporters to prepare to fight to recapture the cities controlled by the revolutionaries, and predicted a swift end to the opposition and NATO. The state-run channel broadcast live images from Green Square in Tripoli, where hundreds of regime supporters gathered, holding photos of al-Gaddafi and waving green flags. Gaddafi's speech came after the revolutionaries gained control of the city of az-Zawiyah, in western Libya, only 50 kilometers from Tripoli.

Syria: According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Syrian army continued its shelling of several neighborhoods in Latakia for the third consecutive day. The army also stormed the Palestinian refugee camp al-Ramel and the city of Hula in Homs province. Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA, denies these reports. The state run channel broadcast videos of Hama showing that the city is regaining vitality and that official business has resumed.

Egypt: At the Cairo Criminal Court, Chancellor Ahmed Rifaat has ordered that former President Hosni Mubarak's trial be merged with the proceedings against his former interior minister, Habib el-Adly. He also decided to end live television coverage of the court sessions. Chaos and altercations between lawyers erupted today during the court's second session for the trials of the former president and his two sons, Ala'a and Jamal.

Yemen: Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirb is holding talks with European officials to discuss the developments in Yemen. At the end of his mission in Sanaa, the UN secretary-general's envoy to Yemen, Jamal al-Omar, warned of the country's collapse and the severity of the security situation and living conditions in the country. Al-Omar stated that he will submit a report on the Yemeni crisis to the UN Security Council.

Bahrain: A number of regions witnessed night demonstrations denouncing the regime's crackdown and arrest campaign targeting protestors. Bahrain's opposition, headed by al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, confirmed that it has conclusive evidence of 50 different kinds of "shameful violations" committed by the regime that will be presented to a fact-finding commission.

Syria: The new draft law which allows a multi-party system in Syria has failed to mollify protestors demanding reform in the country. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that night protests were held in Hama, Rif Dimashq, Homs, Deir az-Zour, Idlib and Latakia. The organization reported that three people, including one woman, were killed by the security forces' gunfire in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the government's arrest campaign continues in a number of regions. The US State Department described the Syrian army's manner of dealing with the protestors as "barbaric."

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.

Libya: Libyan revolutionaries have launched an assault on a key gateway to the capital Tripoli as fighting intensifies between the opposition and forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi. In their slow approach toward the capital, the revolutionaries attacked the regime’s positions in the Gualish area, 50 kilometers from Tripoli. Last week the opposition also took over a large ammunition depot belonging Gaddafi’s forces in western Libya.

Syria: Amnesty International has accused Syrian government forces of committing crimes against humanity during a crackdown on a pro-democracy protest in the town of Talkalakh near the Lebanese border. Amnesty International’s report makes allegations of murder, torture, and arbitrary detention.  The organization says that it gathered the testimonies of thousands of Syrians who fled the town to Lebanon. The government denies the allegations.

Bahrain: Human Rights Watch has accused the Bahraini government of carrying out a punitive and vindictive campaign of violent repression against its own citizens since March. The organization says that the campaign targets Shiites who account for 80% of the population, and that dozens of protestors have been killed and tortured. The organization demanded that the Bahraini government end the abuses.