Al-Jazeera reports that two people were killed and over 20 injured when security forces opened fire on protestors in Mosul’s Ahrar Square in Iraq. Protestors have rejected the concessions made by the government so far, including the nomination of a new police commander, and have also rejected Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's invitation to meet with a delegation of Mosul residents.

Al-Alam brings us the latest developments from Libya, where Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have shelled Misurata's port, injuring several African refugees. The attack also forced a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Misurata to turn back. NATO attacks targeted Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziyah compound, but Gaddafi himself was not harmed. While some sources have indicated that Gaddafi forces have retreated from Misurata, residents say that the city is still under siege.  

The BBC reports that Britain, France, Germany, and Portugal are circulating a draft statement within the Security Council condemning the violent crackdown on Syrian protestors. The White House announced yesterday that it is considering imposing sanctions on the Syrian government in response to what it described as brutal violence against Syrian civilians.

The Yemeni opposition has fully approved the Gulf transition plan after receiving clarifications on several of the initiative’s clauses. Dubai TV reports that while the Yemeni president's position on the initiative remains vague, the ruling party has announced that Saleh will agree to step down from power in exchange for immunity. The revolution's youth groups have rejected the initiative and say they will continue to protest until their demands are met.

Cairo Criminal Court has delayed the trial of former Interior Minister Habib el-Adly, six of his senior assistants, and Interior Ministry security leaders, until May 21st. The case relates to their involvement in the attacks and killings of protestors during the January 25 Revolution. Nile TV reports that Egypt's Attorney General Abdul Majid Mahmoud has decided to extend the detention of Alaa and Gamal Mubarak for another 15 days as a precaution while the allegations against them are investigated.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Rabat today to demand the release of political detainees and the prosecution of corrupt officials in response to a call by Morocco’s February 20 Movement, Al-Alam reports that number of other Moroccan cities witnessed similar protests, as demonstrators demanded political reform and a new constitution that would reduce the king's power. Protestors are also demanding that the government and parliament be dissolved.

Al-Jazeera reports that a number of people were reportedly killed and several others injured when Syrian security forces, backed by armored trucks and tanks, entered the southern city of Daraa at dawn this morning. Human rights organizations believe that over 300 people have been killed since protests began last month. Activists are referring to the Syrian government’s crackdown on protestors as “a brutal war to eradicate all those demanding freedom and democracy.”

Dubai TV reports from the southern Yemeni city of Taiz, where ten people were injured when security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas on a group of people demanding the immediate ouster and trial of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The protestors renewed their rejection of the Gulf-brokered initiative, which the opposition had accepted “with reservations.” According to the initiative, Saleh would step down within one month in exchange for immunity from legal prosecution.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a “dangerous atmosphere dominates the Middle East,” as a result of the precedent set by Libyan fighters' dependence on Western support. Lavrov said these armed fighters are convinced they are capable of toppling Muammar al-Gaddafi’s regime because NATO is on their side. He added that protestors in other countries are now hoping to receive help from the international community to overthrow their rulers. According to the BBC, US Senator John McCain stated the US should increase its participation in the attacks against the Libyan regime to avoid a stalemate that might lead to an intervention by al-Qaeda.

In art exhibit entitled, "History in the Making: the Egyptian Revolution," 350 images were showcased to commemorate Egypt’s peaceful January 25 Revolution. Nile TV reports that the exhibit “aims to keep the spirit of the revolution alive in the hearts of citizens, and to expose the former regime’s corruption.” The Egyptian Women’s Movement for Change was created to honor the essential role of women in society. The movement seeks to raise women’s public awareness in Egypt and ensure their participation in the new political scene.

A delegation from the African Union arrived in Benghazi this morning to attempt to mediate the escalating situation in Libya. Prior to the delegation’s arrival, revolutionaries said they would welcome the AU’s proposal under the condition that Muammar Gaddafi step down. NATO also welcomed the mediation, after saying there is not a military solution to the conflicts in Libya. According to al-Jazeera, the AU’s peace plan includes an immediate ceasefire, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians, and starting negotiations between all Libyan parties. Gaddafi met with the African delegation on Sunday and officially accepted the peace plan. Critics believe that his acceptance of the plan was merely a maneuver to stay in power as long as possible.

Al-Alam reports that Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has accepted the Gulf Cooperation Council’s peace initiative, the opposition has announced its complete rejection of it. The initiative stipulates that Saleh must transfer his authority to Vice President Abduraboo Mansur Hadi and that an opposition-led national unity government be formed. The political efforts to end the conflict in Yemen coincide with continued sit-ins and protests demanding the ouster of Saleh's regime.

The state prosecutor-general of Egypt, faced with mounting public pressure, has summoned former President Hosni Mubarak and his family for questioning However, Dubai TV reports that as Mubarak continues to proclaim his innocence, some Egyptians fear that he and members of his family may escape prosecution due to a lack of evidence. Mubarak added that he will file legal charges against anyone attempting to defame his or his family's image.

The BBC reports that a demonstration at Damascus University, in the Syrian capital, ended with one student killed and several others were arrested . Syrian activists confirmed that this unprecedented protest quickly turned into a confrontation as security forces beat and detained dozens. In addition, eyewitnesses said that there was heavy security presence throughout the cities of Banias, Dara’a, and Homs, sparking confrontations.

Egyptian writer, Emad Abu Basha has published what is being called the Encyclopedia of the January 25th Revolution in order to “immortalize the martyrs of the revolution.” Nile TV reports that the encyclopedia contains a biography of every individual killed in the revolution so that their stories may be circulated throughout the country.

The BBC reports that Libyan opposition forces are trying to hold their ground after Gaddafi loyalists regained control of a number of coastal cities, including Ras Lanuf Port in eastern Libya. The fight between Gaddafi’s forces and revolutionaries continues in Bin Jawad, Misurata and a number of cities. US President Barack Obama said that he is looking at all options pertaining to the current crisis in Libya and is not excluding the possibility of providing the Libyan opposition with American weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded by saying that the international forces in Libya have no right to arm the opposition.

A number of people were injured today in Bahrain in an attack by the government's Saudi-supported forces. Meanwhile, the Bahraini people held a march dubbed the ‘March of the Koran’ in order to affirm that it is a popular revolution, not a sectarian one. An al-Alam correspondent reported that Bahraini forces desecrated the Mosque of Imam Ali and also carried out a number of house raids, arresting unarmed civilians and terrorizing women and children. As the number of causalities continues to rise in Bahrain, opposition forces have declared next Saturday a “day of mourning for the country’s martyrs.”

Al-Jazeera reports from Yemen, where thousands demonstrated in Ibb Province demanding President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down. The protestors are holding the president responsible for the violence that occurred in Sana’a on the “Friday of Dignity.” They also blame him for the arms storage facility explosion in Abyan province that killed and wounded dozens of people. Amidst these developments, hundreds of members of the Haima Tribe have announced they will join the revolution.

Under the banner ‘Friday of Perseverance,’ Iraqi residents took to the streets last week to demand political reform, an end to corruption, and an improvement of public services. Meanwhile, the government is preventing demonstrations by arresting civilians. Rafidain TV interviews writer and political analyst Dr. Abdul Karim al-Alluji about the media blackout on the revolutionary events occurring in Iraq. In contrast to the media attention other Arab states have received, he says it is strange that no one is interested in Iraq, “not Arab states, not the media, and not the masses.”

In Egypt, Nile TV reports that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has adopted an interim constitution. The new constitution includes 62 articles and describes the Arab Republic of Egypt as democratic state that will rely on the principles of the Islamic Shari’a laws as a main source of legislation. The constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to form assemblies, associations, unions, and parties but bans political parties based on religious authority. The constitution also states that all people are equal before the law and guarantees freedom of the press, religion, and expression.

As the sun set on the 17th straight day of protest, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak refused to cede to protesters' demands to step down, deciding instead to remain in power while delegating various responsibilities to Vice President Omar Suleiman. In a speech broadcast on state-run Egypt's Nile TV, he said he has laid "down a clear vision to resolve this crisis."

Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel reports that the Egyptian army issued "Communiqué Number One," saying it will protect the people, their interests and the country.

BBC Arabic interviews Dr. Amr al-Shobaki of the Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo. He believes that the first phase of the revolution will end soon with Mubarak stepping down or handing power over to someone else. He also discusses the transitional phase after Mubarak is gone and what role the army will play.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's New TV reports that Egyptian protesters are working hard on their slogans in order to accomplish their goals without losing their sense of humor. Watch these stories and more, tonight on Mosaic.