Egypt: Eighteen Egyptian political blocs have joined forces under a unified coalition named the Democratic Alliance of Egypt. The new alliance has brought together liberal, national, and Islamic parties. The alliance announced its presence by introducing a draft bill to the People's Assembly calling for a wider representation of political parties and a ban on the use of money and favoritism in the electoral process. However, the blocs disagree over whether drafting a new constitution or elections should take place first. 

Syria: According to a UN report, nearly 11,000 Syrian refugees, most of whom are women and children, have crossed the Turkish border and are facing severe shortages of water and food. Villagers near the Turkish border continue to flee the ongoing violence. The Syrian opposition has called for a nationwide strike today and demonstrations tomorrow under the title “Friday of the Fall of Legitimacy.” 

Yemen: US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman called on the government in Sanaa to immediately and peacefully transfer power in Yemen. President Ali Abdullah Saleh is being treated in Saudi Arabia for injuries sustained in an explosion on June 3. Saleh’s health condition is uncertain, as he has not made any appearances in three weeks. However, those close to the president say he is in good health and that the presidential plane has landed in Riyadh to take him back to Yemen. Demonstrators, who have been camped out in Sanaa for almost five months, insist that he can only return for his prosecution.