Egypt
What’s key to know on Egypt’s new political drama after court rulings on elections, parliament
Author Archives: CJ Radin
US returns to Afghanistan’s ‘Lost Province,’ for a while
The US Army is returning to Nuristan province in northern Afghanistan, reoccupying outposts that were abandoned in 2010. But the move is only temporary, and after the US forces depart a significant security risk for Kabul will remain.
Egypt
Ruling that the parliamentary election was unconstitutional, Egypt’s supreme court ordered the dissolution of the parliament. The Muslim Brotherhood called the ruling a “coup” by the military.
Syria
The US accused Russia of arming the Assad regime. Russia defended its arms sales and accused the US of arming rebels. Saudi Arabia and Qatar supplied weapons to rebel forces. The Syrian army continued toattack the town of Haffa with helicopters and tanks as rebel forces withdrew.
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Iran nuclear talks are on, but both sides frustrated, say diplomats
Syria
Syrian government forces appeared to be preparing another massacre, in the town of Haffa. UN observers attempting to reach the town were fired upon. Rebel forces tried to smuggle civilians out of the town. A UN report said the Syrian government was using children as human shields.
Tunisia
Angered by an art exhibition they say insulted Muslims, Salafi Islamists clashed with Tunisian police. The protests spread to a number of districts in the capital of Tunis; 86 people were arrested.
Iraq
Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri Maliki fights off attempt to push him out of office
Iran
Russia’s foreign minister planned to visit Iran to discuss its nuclear program and the situation in Syria. Iran’s oil income plummeted due to economic sanctions and falling oil prices. The US exempted seven countries from sanctions on importing Iranian oil; China and Singapore did not receive an exemption.
China
Firepower bristles in South China Sea as rivalries harden
Syria
Syrian Army helicopter gunships attacked the town of Rastan in northern Syria. Government forces shelled Homs, killing at least 35, and fighting continued in the capital of Damascus. Opposition leaders called for mass defections and a campaign of civil disobedience.
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Iran feels sanctions pain as oil income slumps
Syria
Syrian Alawites Divided by Assad’s Response to Unrest
Pakistan
US and Pakistan begin to look like enemies as troubled relations continue
Syria
Government forces renewed their attack on the city of Homs with artillery bombardments; 35 people were reported killed. Heavy fighting continued around the city of Latakia. Syrian opposition groups picked a new leader.
Lebanon
The crisis in Syria is reopening Lebanon’s old war divisions
Iran
The UN’s nuclear inspection agency failed to reach an agreement with Iran over access to sites suspected of being used for testing nuclear weapon components. The failure dims prospects for higher level talks over Iran’s nuclear program scheduled for later this month.
Russia
In Its Stance on Syria, Russia Takes Substantial Risks
Syria
Syria rebels gaining ground, strength
Syria
For the first time, intense fighting erupted in the capital of Damascus. The Syrian army shelled the town of Deraa, killing 17. Homs was also shelled. Russia said it might might back Assad’s departure, but would not support foreign intervention.
Egypt
After months of deadlock, Islamist and secular political parties reached an agreement on the their roles in writing a new Egyptian constitution. In a victory for the secular parties, the delegate votes would be split 50-50.
Syria
UN observers reached the town of Qubair, the site of a reported massacre by pro-government forces. An accompanying journalist described “an appalling scene, a scorched earth policy that left nothing in the village alive.” Another reported signs of “serious violence.” A survivor was interviewed.
Syria
Regime-backed militia does Syria’s ‘dirty work,’ analysts say
Second massacre in Syria kills more than 78
For the second time in less than two weeks, pro-government forces shelled and then attacked a Syrian village, brutally killing scores of civilians.
Iraq
Iran and Iraq: Battle of the ayatollahs
Syria
Pro-government forces killed 78 people, including 40 women and children, in the village of Mazraat al-Qabeer. The killings followed a similar massacre in Houla. For a second day, government forces, struck rebel positions in Latakia province. The Italian foreign minister warned that Syria was at risk of genocide.
Libya
A bomb exploded outside a US diplomatic building in the city of Benghazi. The foreign spy chief from the former Gaddafi regime went on trial, the first to do so.
North Korea
North Korea political caste system behind abuses: study
Syria
Rebels said they would no longer respect the terms of the UN peace plan. China and Russia agreed to oppose regime change or foreign intervention in Syria. Government troops and pro-regime militiamen seized control of Kfar Zita in Hama province. Fighting broke out in the coastal province of Latakia.
Syria
As EU and Russia talk, Syria slides ever closer to civil war