Will Syria become more democratic?

By David Ignatius
The rise and fall of a protest demonstration here recently shows that Syrians share the yearning for dignity that’s sweeping the Arab world – and also illustrates why President Bashar al-Assad so far hasn’t been threatened by this tide of anger.

Assad has communicated desire for peace negotiations with Israel

Syrian President Bashar Assad is apparently signalling willingness to engage in peace talks with Israel Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Monday.

‘I think we have to examine every option. If it emerges that the Syrian president intends truthfully and is seriously examining this, based on the understanding that peace is mutual, he will find us willing,’ he told an Isreali radio talk show. (more…)

Steve Jobs is a biological Arab-American with roots in Syria

Steve Jobs, arguably the most influential CEO in the world, is the biological son of a man born in Syria who studied at the American University of Beirut.

Massari’s sex appeal the motivation behind his hardcore workouts

By Monique Savin
For R&B singer Massari, sculpting a tight, sinewy package is a job requirement.

Russia sells missiles to Syria, potentially arming Hezbollah’s arsenal in Lebanon

Russia has signaled its intent to press ahead with the sale of 72 cruise missiles to Syria, believed to be worth at least $300 million.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov announced to journalists that, “the contract is in progress.” The minister added his country was also bent on carrying through on promises to deliver several Bastion anti-ship missile systems to Syria. (more…)

Syrian repression: Security thugs threaten and intimidate protesters

By Rania Abouzeid
The plainclothes not-so-secret police, or moukhabarat, arrived early, more than 40 minutes before the protest was due to start at 5 p.m. opposite the three-story Libyan Embassy in Damascus last Wednesday.

Gaddafi forces targeting Facebook users, raiding houses in Tripoli

In an attempt to seek revenge on the protesters, Moammar Gadhafi’s regime has turned its fury on those it blames for stoking the anti-government uprising: Libyan youths who spread revolution on Facebook and Twitter.

A resident of Tripoli who spoke on the condition of anonymity said his neighbor was arrested because he had been posting messages on the popular social networking sites. (more…)

Jumblatt applauds youth protest, says sectarian system must end

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt stated on Monday that the time has come to eliminate the “dark” sectarian system in Lebanon that “has infiltrated every aspect of our political, economic, social, and educational life.” (more…)

Protesters and police resort to violence in Oman [Photos]

Protesters set a supermarket ablaze and gathered in several sites in a seaside town in Oman on Monday in a third consecutive day of unrest that has included deadly clashes in the strategic Gulf nation.

Police shot dead two demonstrators as the wave of protests sweeping the Arab world engulfed the normally placid sultanate of Oman. (more…)

Hariri: Hezbollah controlled government aims at eliminating the tribunal

Caretaker Premier Saad Hariri justified the March 14 alliance’s refusal to be part of Najib Mikati’s government by stressing that the Hezbollah-backed Cabinet aims at “eliminating” the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

March 14 “saw that it is in the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese to move to a real national opposition that responds to the requirements of a democratic system,” Hariri said in the interview published Monday. (more…)