Canada and the European Union announced further sanctions on Iran. France called for sanctions on an “unprecedented scale,” and urged a halt to purchases of Iranian oil and a freeze on its central bank assets. Russia called the sanctions “unacceptable.” Iran said the sanctions “will have no impact.”
Turkey’s Prime Minister urged Syrian President Assad to step down or risk a tragic end. The UN Human Right Commission voted to condemn Syria. France said there were no plans for military intervention in Syria. Syria plans to use Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon to counter economic sanctions.
Ibrahim Suleiman Hamad al Hablain is also on the Saudis’ list of 85-most-wanted terrorists.
Shabaab killed 11 people in a bombing in Mogadishu. Two Shabaab fighters were killed in a premature detonation. The Kenyan Air Force killed a woman in a strike in Somalia near the border.
Protests in Tahrir Square continued for a fourth day. The ruling generals have offered to transfer power to a civilian president by July instead of late 2012 or early 2013; protesters rejected the generals’ offer.
Afghanistan will need $7 billion a year over next decade: WB
Pakistani Taliban, government in back-channel talks, sources say
Egypt – Activists Urge Wider Protests as Clashes Enter 4th Day
The ISPR “strongly and categorically” denied Pakistani military participation in peace talks with the Taliban.
Somali gov’t says no Ethiopian troops on its soil
Mother of bomb plot suspect apologizes to NYers
Ongoing Afghan security operations in Ghazni province have resulted in the death of one senior Taliban commander and the arrest of a top Taliban financier, according to Afghan authorities.
The government is negotiating with South Waziristan commander Waliur Rehman Mehsud.
The Taliban killed four Afghan soldiers in Zabul, Paktia, Wardak, and Faryab. Afghan forces killed five Taliban fighters in Helmand and Ghazni, and detained five more.
U.S. Seeks Balance on Egypt Policy
American spies outed, CIA suffers in Lebanon
Insurgents killed two Kurdish troops in Kirkuk. Security forces arrested a “terrorist” involved in assassinations in Mosul. A parliamentary committee said the Iraqi Air Force needs five years before it can defend Iraqi airspace.
Tribesmen captured 400 soldiers from President Saleh’s 63rd Republican Guard Brigade and took control of the unit’s base near Arhab. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula released new images of Anwar al Awlaki and Samir Khan.
In a new round of sanctions, the UK ordered its financial institutions to stop doing business with Iranian banks, including the central bank. The US plans to name Iran a “primary money laundering concern.” The Iranian foreign minister said sanctions were hurting the economy.
The CIA’s operations in Lebanon were badly damaged when Hezbollah captured more than a dozen US spies. In addition, Iranian intelligence agents discovered a secret Internet communication method used by CIA agents in Iran.
NDS Accuses Regional Spy Organisations of Attempting to Disrupt Afghan Jirga
British Muslims optimistic and proud, survey finds
Demonstrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square entered their third day. Clashes with government forces turned deadly as 33 protesters where killed. Egypt’s interim civilian government submitted its resignation to the country’s ruling military council.
Imran Khan blamed by Pakistan US envoy for links to army plot
UK severs ties with Iranian banks
Bahrain admits using ‘excessive force’ during protests
Shabaab claimed it attacked Kenyan warships with “high power speed boats” off the coast of Kismayo. Ethiopian troops were spotted moving towards Guriel.
Pakistan – Sectarianism gradually seeping into all corners of country
Afghan Taliban reject US partnership deal
Taliban, Pakistan in peace talks: Taliban commander