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."

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.

Saudi Arabia: Amnesty International has strongly condemned a new Saudi Arabian anti-terror law that criminalizes legitimate political oppositions. The organization said in a statement that the draft law considers it a crime to question the integrity of the king or the crown prince and carries a minimum prison sentence of ten years. The draft law also allows for detaining a suspect for one year without a trial and holding suspects for four months in solitary confinement. The rights organization describes the law as posing a dangerous threat to freedom of speech in the name of preventing terrorism.

Yemen: Anti-regime protestors gathered in the capital Sana'a and various other provinces to reaffirm their rejection of Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. They named today the "Friday of Rejection of Collective Punishment." Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling party rallied in support of Saleh at Sana'a's al-Sabeen Square on what they called the "Friday of Sit-in to Thank God."

Syria: Cities throughout the country witnessed popular protests today, like every Friday since March. Activists on social networking websites called for demonstrations on the "Friday of the Grandsons of Khaled Ibn el-Waleed." The opposition estimated that 1.2 million protestors participated in today's demonstration. Protests were witnessed in the cities of Damascus, Homs, Hama, Daraa in the south, Idlib in the north and Deir az-Zour in the east near the border with Iraq. According to preliminary estimates by human rights activists, five people were killed today.

Libya: Russia has announced its refusal to recognize the Libyan Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people. The countries of the Libya Contact Group recognized the Transitional Council during their last meeting in Istanbul. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that recognizing the council would constitute taking sides in a civil war. Lavrov added that his country is in contact with both Tripoli and Benghazi with the aim of taking a constructive position to help with in negotiations with both sides.

Syria: Military forces have been surrounding the town of al-Bukamal in eastern Syria since this morning. This comes amid reports that a number of members of the army in al-Bukamal have defected and joined the popular revolution. In Homs, reports said that about 30 people were killed in the last two days in what was described as sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Alawites. British Foreign Minister William Hague reiterated his call to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to move forward with reforms or step down.

Yemen: The army launched an attack on the southern town of Zinjibar in an attempt to regain control of the town from extremists who have been controlling it for months. Witnesses said dozens were injured in the clashes and one official reported that dozens of extremists have been killed since the attack on the city began two days ago. Meanwhile, protests against Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh continue for the sixth consecutive month. Witnesses said dozens were killed and injured when forces loyal to President Saleh fired at an anti-regime protest.