Presenter, Female #1
The Tunisian state news agency said Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali decided to dissolve the government. He assigned the prime minister the task of forming a new government and called for an early election in six months, while announcing a state of emergency in the country. Meanwhile, Tunisian medical sources said at least 16 people were killed in last night's confrontations between protesters and security forces in the capital of Tunis and Ras al-Jabal city. Tunisian security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who tried to climb up the Interior Ministry building. Thousands of Tunisians marched towards the headquarters of the Interior Ministry in central Tunis. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We call for the resignation of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali" and "Release the detainees." In Sfax, more than 20 thousand people started a massive march as well. Security forces did not intervene in the demonstration.

Presenter, Male #1
Joining us from Paris is Ahmed al-Barqawi, head of the strategic research center. Mr. Barqawi, how do you assess what happened today in Tunisia, when Mr. Ghannouchi announced he is temporarily taking over authority?

Guest, Male #1
In the name of God the almighty, the most merciful. First of all I congratulate the Tunisian people for this historic achievement. I say that, at a difficult time like this, this courageous nation proved its ability to accomplish its goals and to change. Second, all these incidents are happening for one goal and in one way: freedom, democracy and a multi-party system. As a researcher I believe a large stratum of the Tunisian people are represented in these parties: The Party of the Republic, the Revival Party and the Progressive Democratic Party led by Najib Chebbi. A new government must be formed soon so the Tunisian people can relax, breathe freely and be reassured about their children's future.

Presenter, Male #1
Allow me, Mr. Ahmed Barqawi, does this mean that this option, or solution as you believe, will be taken under the leadership of Mr. Mohamed al-Ghannouchi?

Guest, Male #1
Unfortunately I don't believe so.

Presenter, Male #1
Why not? Please allow me, there are new developments today. Mr. Ghannouchi assumes power temporarily according to the provisions of chapter 56 of the constitution. Our discussion should now be based on this update.

Guest, Male #1
Yes. I fear that when the Tunisian public sees any symbol of the regime that just collapsed, they will continue to protest. Now we want a radical and urgent solution, a rescue government. I agree with the union in Kasserine which raised this proposition. The rescue government must include representatives from all parties, without any exception.

Presenter, Male #1
Thousands of Jordanians demonstrated across the country against rising prices and unemployment. They chanted and held banners calling on the government to resign. Meanwhile, the opposition and trade unions are planning a rally for Sunday, aimed at pressuring the government to carry out political reforms.

Reporter, Male #2
The Arab Maghreb's popular protests were probably what pushed Jordanians to express their frustration with their living conditions.

Guest, Male #3
We are protesting against the rising prices and also in solidarity with our brothers in the Arab world.

Reporter, Male #2
Following Friday prayers, thousands of Jordanians took to the streets across major cities to denounce rising prices and unemployment. They expressed their anger towards the government, holding it responsible for these issues and demanding its resignation. These demonstrations were undeterred by the government's earlier announcement of measures to reduce the prices of essential goods and fuel. This was perceived as an attempt to reduce popular discontent, but it seems to have failed to convince Jordanian citizens, who still believe prices as too high, especially for fuel.

Guest, Male #4
The price of fuel wasn't this high even when the price of oil was $150 a barrel. Today, it is at $90 a barrel and it's a shame we are paying so much.

Reporter, Male #2
Observers attributed the situation to the rising price of oil and the global financial crisis that shook the economies of a number of countries and resonated on the Jordanian street, leading to the high price of essential goods.

Guest, Male #5
Things are expensive, they are. It has significantly affected all goods. Nothing is cheap.

Reporter, Male #2
The situation seems to be escalating and these demonstrations will not mark its end. Jordanian opposition parties and trade unions are planning a rally in front of parliament on Sunday to protest the hard living conditions and to pressure the government to carry out political reforms.

Presenter, Female #1
The African Union envoy, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is scheduled to return to Ivory Coast and continue his efforts to end the crisis over the presidency between Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara. This comes as UN peacekeeping troops are being subjected to more attacks in Ivory Coast and as the political crisis is escalating.

Reporter, Male #1
Young supporters of Laurent Gbagbo set fire to a car owned by the UN in the capital city, Abidjan. These young men hate the UN peacekeeping forces and accuse them of supporting Gbagbo's rival Alassane Ouattara.

Guest, Male #1
We will prove that we are able to take matters into our own hands. This is not the first or last car. We will burn 10 cars every time we hear a gunshot in the Abobo neighborhood.

Reporter, Male #1
Three peacekeeping soldiers have been wounded in the last several days. The international community condemned the acts. The UN peacekeeping troops, who are protecting Ouattara while he tries to run the country from this hotel, find themselves in the midst of a political crisis. A majority of the international community considers Ouattara the legitimate winner of the latest presidential elections, but his opponent, President Gbagbo, refuses to step down. In the last two days, neighborhoods where Ouattara's supporters live were attacked and residents had to escape from their homes. Security forces were concerned and raided these areas in search of what they referred to as insurgents. This was the most severe incident to take place in the last several weeks. UN troops are forced to withdraw most of the time. As Gbagbo's supporters attack UN troops, the political crisis is entering a new phase. Military leaders in ECOWAS countries are scheduled to meet next week to discuss military intervention in order to prevent the crisis from escalating.

Across three Pakistani cities, thousands of demonstrators are protesting Pope Benedict XVI's comments about Pakistan's blasphemy law. The pope said the death penalty should no longer be used against those who insult Islam and that the law could be used against religious minorities. The comments are seen as the pope interfering in Pakistan's internal affairs. The government has said it has no plans to change the law.

Political analyst Dr. Ra'anan Gissin discusses the collapse of the Lebanese government. Israel should be more concerned with Iranians in Lebanon then with Iran's nuclear capabilities. They will not have a bomb for a few years, but are in Lebanon now. It is a "gradual, hostile takeover of Lebanon." Lebanon becoming pro-Iran would be a major change in Middle East politics. The best approach for Israel is to work with the U.S. and other countries to form a coalition to stop the spread of Iran. It is not enough to monitor and an attack in not necessary.

Presenter, Female #1
A recently revealed secret letter from European Union representatives in Jerusalem and Ramallah proposed stationing EU monitors in Jerusalem. This comes after Israel demolished the historic Shepherd Hotel in the city amidst intensified settlement activities.

Reporter, Male #1
The U.S. still believes Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories do not even require a condemnation. This is the American position on settlements. The Palestinian delegation to the UN and others attempted to convince Washington to support a draft resolution proposed to the Security Council that would condemn Israeli settlement construction. The Palestinian representative to the UN Security Council, Riyad Mansour, confirmed the draft resolution has not received any firm response from Washington. He also confirmed new attempts to persuade the Americans of this draft resolution's value despite the U.S.'s clear position that any UN document that may embarrass Israel will be vetoed. This comes despite American promises to continue trying to push the stalled peace process forward until a two-state solution is achieved. The Israeli right-wing government did not hesitate to kill the two-state solution as well. Israel's immigration policy, destruction of homes and settlement construction on Palestinian territories, especially in Jerusalem, may sabotage any peaceful solution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. These moves, along with similar acts, prompted 25 European Union representatives in Jerusalem and Ramallah to prepare a report to EU countries stressing the importance of stationing international monitors in Jerusalem to watch Israel closely. The secret European report even demanded the EU recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state before a peace agreement is reached between the Palestinians and Israelis. The report also called for a boycott of all products manufactured by Israeli businessmen in East Jerusalem, such as settlement merchandise. It also requested the EU recognize the bureaus of the Palestine Liberation Organization in East Jerusalem. This report may gain more support for the Palestinian cause and reject the Israeli government's policies, but it is still just words written by European diplomats that barely scratch the surface in dealing with Israeli acts on land stolen from its owners. Salma Abu Daqqa, Russia Today.

Presenter, Male #1
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa continues his tour in Iraq heading from Baghdad to Irbil, where he met with Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani. Following the meeting, Moussa avoided answering questions related to the Kurds' right to self-determination, such as was provided to south Sudan through a referendum. Barzani confirmed that all people are entitled to self-determination and said the importance of that right lies in how it is exercised. Moussa met Ali Sistani in holy Najaf amid heightened security measures. Moussa confirmed that his meeting with the Grand Ayatolla was very beneficial for his understanding of the political situation in Iraq and his ability to make the right decisions. He stressed the importance of continuing the national reconciliation project in Iraq in order for all parties to meet the great challenges they face together.

Reporter, Male #2
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa held a series of meetings with Iraqi officials in the capital, Baghdad. He later delivered a speech to the Iraqi parliament, considered to be the first address by an Arab official. After meeting with top Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, the Arab League secretary general confirmed that Iraq is starting to recuperate from the exclusion policy that was prevalent in the country. Moussa indicated that he discussed a number of issues with al-Sistani related to Iraqi and Arab affairs.

Guest, Male #3 (Amr Moussa, Arab League Secretary General)
We talked together and he shared his thoughts on Iraq, its future and working with the Arab League. As you know, this is not my first meeting with Mr. al-Sistani. I believe the Iraqi mood has started to relax and the process of reconciliation and accordance is going ahead. The policy of exclusion is ending, indicating that Iraq is headed in a positive direction and can begin to move forward. The position of the Arab League has always been that reconciliation and Iraqi accord is the key to a better future.

Reporter, Male #2
The Arab League secretary general confirmed that the decision to hold the next Arab summit in Baghdad is irrevocable, reiterating how important it is for participating countries to consider Iraq's circumstances and positive developments.

Guest, Male #3 (Amr Moussa, Arab League Secretary General)
The League's decision is to hold the next summit in Iraq. This decision is clear and does not require an explanation, just an announcement. God willing, we will continue our preparations for the summit. I met with the leadership of the country to discuss a timetable for the summit.

Reporter, Male #2
Observers believe the Arab League's attempts to unite Iraqis through the summit, even if it is temporary, has started to bear fruit. This can especially be seen in the indirect agreement between the U.S. and Iran, the two major players in Iraq, and the ascension to power of those who were marginalized in the past.

Presenter, Female # 1
Mauritania sanctions speculation in the sale of all goods. One popular market has its own rules that merchants and brokers abide by. However, there is no control over the price of their varied goods which include cars, real estate and tobacco. In turn, taxes and Mauritanian customs have no control over these goods. Our correspondent Mahmoudi Mohammad reports from Nouakchott.

Reporter, Male #1
Daily announcements kick-off trading in the Shams market by asking merchants to get close to what is referred to as the hole. The term hole is used because the region is fraught with danger for those who enter it without the intense focus needed. For this reason, this person jeopardized his merchandise. Merchants offer their goods in this market. The most popular item here is old cars that are often falling apart. However, it is sold without any embarrassment. One can display anything they wish and will find a buyer who needs it. Brokers call the buyers after finding them the goods they want. Calls are numerous, but time flies and transactions need to be completed before sunset.

Guest, Male #2 (Mohammed Ould Sayyed Ali, Teacher)
Car prices vary, some cost 1.5 million Mauritanian Ouguiyas, and others cost 150,000, 250,000, or 300,000 Ouguiyas.

Reporter, Male #1
Small merchants, carrying their merchandise, come here to the Shams market to do business. Merchandise sold in these temporary stands can't be easily found in other markets, such as African tobacco which is illegally brought into the country. Much of the merchandise sold didn't pass through customs.

Guest, Male #3 (Marzouk Ould el-Bekhari, Merchant)
All trade activities conducted here are market speculation.

Reporter, Male #2
As part of its efforts to combat illegal business practices in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott, local authorities have repeatedly made unsuccessful attempts to shut down the so called Shams stock market. On the sidelines of the market, speculation among land brokers heats up, anything sold here is very profitable because dealers don't pay sales tax or rent. The market is open all day.

Guest, Male #4
We have real estate experts, who sell plots of land and houses.

Reporter, Male #2
In this resting place near the market, brokers and traders do a little bit of target practice. After evening prayers in the adjacent mosque, the Shams market closes until the next day, which will hopefully bring better luck. Mahmoudi Mohammad, Dubai TV, Nouakchott.


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