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Tonight on Mosaic: Egyptian coalitions accuse Islamists of hijacking revolution

Egypt: Massive demonstrations are being held throughout Egypt today, on what is being called the "Friday of Unity and the People's Will." Most political parties and movements planned to participate in the demonstrations after agreeing to put aside individual demands and agendas in order to focus on the revolution's goals. However, many parties decided not to continue taking part in today's events after several Islamic parties began chanting Islamic slogans.

Libya: The mysterious assassination of opposition leader Abdel Fattah Younis has created divisions among rebel forces. While most are blaming his death on Muammar Gaddafi loyalists, others aren't ruling out the possibility of internal disputes in the opposition as the cause for his untimely assassination. Younis, one of Gaddafi's former right-hand men, defected from the Libyan regime in late February to join the revolutionaries and help form the Transitional National Council.

Bahrain: Several demonstrations were held throughout the country in response to calls by al-Wefaq National Islamic Society and the February 14 Coalition. Fierce confrontations erupted between young protestors and Bahraini security forces in the towns of Zanj and al-Bilad Qadeem. The opposition has rejected the outcome of the country's national dialogue and al-Wefaq Society is warning the regime not to use the modest reform proposals from the dialogue as a solution to the country's political crisis.

Syria:
Anti-regime mobilizations have been linked to many Syrian mosques, which have become destinations for protestors to gather and starting points for their demonstrations. Historically, the mosque's role has not been limited to religious services but also includes an important social aspect, especially during the tumultuous Arab Spring.

 
 

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Tonight on Mosaic: Pro-Assad loyalists attack US, French embassies

Syria: Over 4,000 gathered in front of the US and French embassies in Damascus to condemn both countries' interference in Syrian affairs. The protestors threw tomatoes and eggs at the buildings, broke windows, wrote angry messages on the walls of both embassies, and held banners condemning the French and Americans ambassadors' violation of diplomatic norms. Security at the French embassy fired at the demonstrators, leading to the injury of two people. 

 

Libya: French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that while efforts to reach a political solution are being exerted, it is necessary to maintain military pressure on the Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi. Juppe proposed a solution involving four phases: immediate ceasefire by Gaddafi's forces, Gaddafi relinquishing power, beginning a dialogue hosted by the Transitional National Council, and drawing a roadmap for establishing a democratic system with free elections.

Bahrain: The February 14 Youth Coalition has called for demonstrations on Sitra Island this Friday, named "Self Determination III." The coalition considered the dialogue called for by the king a failure, describing it as a "farce" because it was conducted amid the continuous crackdown on protests by Saudi-backed Bahraini forces. The people saw the dialogue as a maneuver to buy time as the authorities continue to arrest opposition figures and take arbitrary measures against peaceful protestors.

Tunisia: Six months after the Tunisian revolution toppled President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the country is witnessing a new wave of angry demonstrations. In January, the Tunisian revolution inspired other Arab countries to rise up against their corrupt dictators, but today, Tunisia remains unstable and is demonstrating that removing a corrupt leader won’t solve all the country’s problems. Elections have been postponed to October and the country faces severe unemployment.  

 
 

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