Yemen: President Ali Abdullah Saleh delivered a speech today from the Saudi capital Riyadh, aired on Yemen's state television, in which he told his supporters that he will "soon" return to Yemen from Saudi Arabia. He said he would see his supporters "soon in the capital Sanaa," despite growing protests by the Yemeni people demanding he step down.  Saleh described the Yemeni opposition as "figures of narrow interests and thinking," and accused them of "stealing" the slogans of young anti-government protestors who have been calling for his ouster since January.

Bahrain: The royal fact-finding committee closed its offices in Manama after being widely criticized by the Bahraini people and following an attack by protestors on its headquarters. Protestors believe the committee did not make an accurate decision regarding the extent of the human rights violations in Bahrain and that it sympathizes with the Bahraini authorities. Opposition group al-Wefaq National Islamic Society confirmed the popular mobilization in the country will continue until all demands are met.

Syria: The army has withdrawn from Deir az-Zour, as confirmed by a military official to journalists who entered the city as part of a media tour organized by the Ministry of Information. The official added that the army entered Deir az-Zour in response to a call by the residents, adding that the military carried out an exceptional and swift operation to restore security and stability to the city. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that several Latakia neighborhoods witnessed heavy gunfire early this morning. The organization said that the last four days of military operations in Latakia have killed 34 people, including a two-year-old girl.

Libya: Libyan opposition forces threatened to cut off supplies from the capital Tripoli after they achieved military gains in cities near the capital, such as az-Zawiyah and Gharyan. In light of these gains, the United States said that Gaddafi's days in power are numbered. According to a US military source, Gaddafi began using Scud missiles to shell Brega.

Syria: The slogan for this Friday’s protest is "We won't kneel," as demonstrators are determined to achieve their demands and refuse to heed to the Syrian regime’s crackdown and oppression. Since anti-government protests began in March, over 2,000 people have been killed, nearly 15,000 have been arrested, and more than 15,000 have been displaced to neighboring countries.

Bahrain: Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society called for mass participation in the "No Retreat" festival on the Friday of Decisiveness. Protestors are demanding reform and democracy while condemning the crackdown by authorities. Meanwhile, the ministries of health and education continue to fire more employees for participating in peaceful protests, despite the government's supposed claim that fired employees be reinstated. Hundreds of public sector employees have been dismissed from their positions over their participation in demonstrations.

Libya: The revolutionaries announced that at dawn, they advanced on three fronts toward the capital Tripoli. They are headed towards key coastal cities in western Libya, including Az Zawiyah Az Ziyah and Sarman. Yesterday, they seized control of residential neighborhoods in eastern Brega. Western Brega, however, is still under the control of Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. The Libyan opposition has achieved a political victory as well, after officially reopening the Libyan embassy in Washington DC.

Yemen: In the capital Sana, thousands of pro-and anti-regime protestors gathered in rival protests. Anti-regime protestors gathered in Siteen Square on a Friday named, "We are victorious, God willing." Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling regime gathered in Sabeen Square on what they are calling the "Friday of national alliance to protect constitutional legitimacy."

Yemen: Protestors rallied nationwide today to call for the prosecution of the remaining figures of the regime, denounce Saudi and US intervention, and show their determination for the revolution. In an attempt to convince Saudi Arabia to change the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, which calls on Ali Abdullah Saleh step down from power, Saleh's cabinet met with the embattled president in Riyadh today. Saleh's cabinet also called on Saudi Arabia to support a new initiative, which would allow Saleh to return to Yemen as the leading president until the end of the year.

Libya: Violent clashes took place between the revolutionaries and Muammar Gaddafi's forces in the strategic oil town of Brega in eastern Libya. The town is one of the three major battlefronts of the Libyan conflict. The other two towns are Misurata and Jabal Nafusa, in western Libya. Brega is a strategic city for both sides and contains oil facilities, including refineries, a port, in addition to residential areas. The revolutionaries assert they are on the verge of taking control of the town, while Gaddafi's forces are desperately defending it.

Syria: According to activists, the number of people who have been killed in military operations in Syria since the beginning Ramadan has reached 271, an average of one death per hour. In addition, Syrian security forces re-entered the cities of Hama and Saraqeb after the journalist tour organized by authorities was over. Syrian activists reported that 44 people, including 18 in Homs, have been killed over the past few hours. The Syrian opposition continues to rally its supporters to take part in protest rallies tomorrow under the slogan, "We won't kneel, except to God."

Libya: Muammar Gaddafi's government has denied the reports about the killing of Gaddafi's youngest son and prominent military commander, Khamis. The Libyan authorities also announced that their forces have taken control of the eastern town of Zlitan, which is still being targeted by NATO airstrikes. The armed opposition is launching attacks on land as well as at sea. The revolutionaries reportedly seized an oil tanker heading from Malta to regions under Gaddafi's control, and rerouted it to Benghazi.
 
Yemen: Anti-regime protestors have gathered in more than 17 provinces on a Friday named "Peaceful revolution until victory," demanding the ouster of those being referred to as "the remnants of the regime." Meanwhile, supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh gathered at Sabeen Square in a protest rally entitled "Friday of compassion." A debate is taking place in Yemen about the constitutional legitimacy of President Saleh in light of his 60-day absence from the country and his failure to perform his duties, according to his opponents.

Egypt: Dozens of people protested in front of Omar Makram Mosque overlooking Tahrir Square after performing prayers for activist Mohamed Mohsen, who died after being wounded in the Abbassia clashes two weeks ago. Over 100 people were injured in the clashes that took place as protestors marched toward the Defense Ministry headquarters. Today, protestors chanted slogans against the military council and security measures taken by the army in the country.

Syria: The opposition chose "God is with us" as the slogan for its mobilization on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. After Friday prayers, Syrians marched against the regime across Syrian towns and villages, chanting for freedom and the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Libya: British Foreign Minister William Hague announced the UK's official recognition of the Libyan Transitional National Council after the Libyan embassy staff was expelled from the UK. Hague said that the UK will deal with the Council as the only official authority, "as if it were the state of Libya." UN envoy to Libya Abdul al-Khatib said that the Libyan government and the Transitional National Council are still far from reaching an agreement to end the crisis in the country.

Yemen: Republican Guard tanks began withdrawing from the streets of Taiz, following an agreement between the Joint Meeting Parties and the Guard's leadership in the city. The Joint Meeting Parties have renewed their opposition to beginning a dialogue with the regime before the transfer of authority from President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi. Yemen is also witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis due to the absence of fuel, food supplies, and essential services.

Syria: At least ten people were killed and dozens injured by soldiers and members of the security forces in the town of Kanaker, southwest of the Syrian capital. Head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami Abdul Rahman said that security forces arrested 200 to 300 people. Security forces continue to be deployed in a number of neighborhoods in the capital, including Rukn al-Deen, Barzeh, and al-Qadam where heavy gunfire was heard.