Libyan official: Sadr was murdered during visit to Libya in 1978

A former Libyan envoy has said that Lebanese Shia leader Imam Moussa al-Sadr “was shot and killed during his visit to Libya in 1978.”

In an interview with Al-Hayat newspaper to be published on Wednesday, Major Abdel Meneem al-Houni, who has resigned from his post as Libya’s Arab League envoy, confirmed Sadr’s death.

Houni, who was also Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi’s ally during the country’s 1969 revolution, said that Sadr was buried in the Libyan region of Sebha. (more…)

U.S. Senators: No choice between justice and peace for Lebanon

Visiting US Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman on Tuesday urged Lebanon’s future government to respect the findings of a UN tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.

After meeting with prime minister-designate Nagib Mikati, Lieberman reiterated the United State’s commitment to the tribunal. (more…)

Gaddafi: A comedy turned to serious tragedy in final days

By Robert Fisk
Cruel. Vainglorious. Steeped in blood. And now, surely, after more than four decades of terror and oppression, on his way out?

Aoun: Suleiman stole my rights, has no right to ministries

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said Tuesday that President Michel Suleiman has no right to shares in the cabinet Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati is currently working to form.

“Our [cabinet representation] rights were stolen in 2008 and 2009. [Suleiman] took four key portfolios [in previous cabinets]. This will not happen from now on,” Aoun also said. (more…)

Shiite leader calls for end of monarchy in Bahrain

Tens of thousands of opposition protesters have taken to the streets of Bahrain in spite of the government’s efforts to meet some of the demands of anti-government activists.

Some demonstrators waved the Bahraini flag and chanted anti-government slogans as they marched in Manama Tuesday. (more…)

Gaddafi to lead ‘holy march’ to take back Libya [Photos]

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has refused to stand down amid widespread anti-government protests. He called on his supporters to rise up against the protesters who he claims are under the influence of drugs and foreign politics.

“You cowards, you hold one rifle and think you are brave. These young people should know, they’ve been duked. They got them drugged and drunk, so that they don’t know what to do,” said Gaddafi. (more…)

Gaddafi vows to execute opposition [Live Updates]

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi said today that he won’t step down and that he wants to die as a martyr in his country.

Key highlights will be included in this article as they are released.

Live updates: (more…)

Gaddafi to speak as the bodycount continues to rise

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is expected to speak shortly, as the residents in the Libyan capital of Tripoli reported a food shortage, gunfire and intimidation by security forces on Tuesday as the country’s longtime ruler asserted his power and gave no indication of succumbing to week-long anti-government protests. (more…)

Syria denies meddling in Lebanon’s cabinet formation

In response to yesterday’s report that Syria is actively facilitating the cabinet formation in Lebanon, pro-Syrian allies denied to An Nahar newspaper that Damascus was meddling.

“This should be a clear message to everyone that Damascus is not meddling” in Lebanon’s internal affairs regardless of its ties with Mikati and other parties that have backed his nomination, they said. (more…)

Earthquake in New Zealand destroys buildings, at least 65 dead [Photos]

A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Tuesday, killing at least 65 people and collapsing buildings onto victims, some of whom used their cellphones to frantically call for help, officials said. (more…)