Morocco: Over 100 protest rallies took place throughout Morocco this week despite the extreme violence used by security forces against demonstrators. The February 20 Movement protestors are demanding political reforms which include establishing a constitutional monarchy, implementing a process of government accountability, and granting the judiciary full independence. In response to the protests, Moroccan Minister of Telecommunications Khaled al-Nasseri said that people he refers to as Islamists and leftists are seeking to spread unrest in Morocco under the guise of democracy protests.

Libya: NATO launched its most aggressive attack against Muammar Gaddafi yesterday, targeting his headquarters at the Bab al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli. NATO also said it will start using combat helicopters in its operations in Libya in order to launch more accurate strikes. Spokesman for the Libyan government, Moussa Ibrahim said the air strikes killed three people and wounded at least 150. On the ground, clashes are ongoing between revolutionaries and Gaddafi’s forces in Tripoli. This is the first time that the revolutionaries have engaged in battles inside the capital.

Syria: EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton described the situation in Syria as “disturbing” and called on the Syrian government to end the violence against peaceful protestors. Additional sanctions have been imposed on Syria and include freezing the country’s assets and prohibiting Syrian officials from traveling. Rights activists reported that 58 people died in last Friday’s protests. Despite the ongoing crackdown, protestors continue to rally throughout Syria demanding the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Yemen: New clashes erupted between Yemeni security forces and supporters of Sheik Sadeq al-Ahmar. Five people were killed and several others wounded after the two sides exchanged gunfire. The fierce clashes came after the heavy shelling of al-Ahmar's home, where dozens of tribal leaders were placed under siege. The confrontation is yet another setback to the Gulf Cooperation Council and international efforts aimed at solving the country's political crisis.