Syria
Syria’s sectarian war goes international as foreign fighters and arms pour into country
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Thailand
Thai police have named six suspects, including at least four Iranians, in the Bangkok bombing. Three are in custody.
Iran
Iran announced military exercises to protect its nuclear sites. UN nuclear inspectors arrived for further talks.
Syria
Iranian warships reached the Syrian port of Tartus. Syria’s military sent reinforcements toward Homs. China accused the West of provoking a civil war. The Red Cross attempted to negotiate a cease fire.
Israel
Iranians were ‘plotting to attack’ Israeli diplomats in Bangkok
Algeria
Algeria seizes missiles smuggled from Libya
Hezbollah
Senior Israeli official says Iran, Hezbollah are planning new anti-Israel attacks
Syria
Opposition protests began in Damascus; government security forces fired on the crowd, and security forces spread out across the city to prevent further protests. China urged an end to the violence. Egypt recalled its ambassador.
US announces a ‘surge’ of military trainers to Afghanistan
The US took another step in implementing its new Afghan strategy. Starting this spring, the Army will send a large contingent of military trainers to Afghanistan.
Thailand
Thai police found a possible link between the recent bombings in Thailand and India. Three Iranian suspects have been arrested; a fourth suspect, Rohani Leila, a 32-year-old woman, is at large. Thai police said the bombings were most likely assassination attempts. Iran denied any role in the attacks.
Iran
Iran announced advancements in its nuclear program, including first use of domestically-made nuclear fuel. Iran sent a letter to the EU’s foreign policy chief stating it was now ready to resume talks over its nuclear program.
Egypt
Egypt’s state-run newspaper accused the US of spreading anarchy. The Muslim Brotherhood backed the military’s position on US-sponsored pro-democracy groups. A Salafist preacher called for Egypt to replace US aid with local donations. The government slated presidential elections for May.
Egypt
Fayza Abul Naga Presses Inquiry Against US in Egypt
Syria
The Syrian army launched an attack on the city of Hama. For the first time since the uprising began, Syrian army units occupied an area within Damascus. President Assad said a referendum on the draft constitution will be held Feb. 26.
Iran
Next Up – Turkey vs. Iran
India
New Delhi Attack Tests India’s Relations With Iran
Iran
Israel Says Iran Behind Attacks on Diplomats
Syria
The Syrian army continued shelling of Homs, “the heaviest in five days.” The Syrian army also attacked opponents in several other cities. Arab League members might start arming opponents. China said it would not protect any party, including the Syrian government.
Thailand
Three bombs exploded in downtown Bangkok. In one of the bombings, an Iranian man had both legs blown off when he attempted to throw the bomb at police. Israel accused Iran of being behind the attacks.
Russia
Russian opposition to intervention in Syria shows no sign of abating
China
Asia key as US, EU tighten sanctions against Iran
Syria
Syrian army attacks continued in Homs. Opposition forces repelled an attack on Rastan. The Arab League recognized the opposition, and also proposed a joint Arab League-UN peacekeeping mission. Syria and Russia rejected the proposal.
Israel
Car bombs targeted the Israeli embassies in India and Georgia. Israel blamed Iran and Hezbollah for the attacks. Iran denied the charge.
Bahrain
Thousands of protesters attempted to occupy Pearl Square in central Bahrain to mark the first anniversary of the revolt. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
Iran
A Turkish diplomat said that Iran was ready to negotiate an end to the standoff over its nuclear program. China urged Iran to cooperate.
Tunisia
Tunisia broke up a terrorist ring with links to al Qaeda. Some of the members had received military training in Libya.
Palestinian Territories
Hamas’ Prime Minister arrived in Iran. The PM said Hamas would never recognize Israel. A Hamas leader in Gaza criticized the agreement reuniting Hamas and Fatah.
Lebanon
The Syrian crisis spread to Lebanon. On Friday and Saturday, Sunni and Alawite groups clashed in the city of Tripoli leaving two people dead and 18 wounded. The Lebanese Army moved to restore order.
India
India Trumpets Ties With US Amid Iran Oil Deal
Iran
Turkey and Iran diverge over Syria