Kidnappers of 7 Estonians identified, demands to follow

Lebanon Files, an Arabic news website reported receiving an electronic message from an organization called the movement of Renaissance and Reform ” ( Haraket al-Nahda wa al-Islah) in which it confirms its responsibility for the kidnapping of the seven Estonians. The statement said they are all in good condition. The movement said it will announce its demands later. (more…)

Kuwait: cabinet resigns, 3 Iranian diplomats expelled

Kuwait’s cabinet resigned on Thursday over regional turmoil, the country’s official news agency said, in an apparent reference to the political unrest in neighbouring Bahrain.

The state-run agency said the cabinet resigned because of “recent local developments” and the “negative aftershocks on the country’s national unity, security and stability”. (more…)

Syrian government arranging a counter rally Friday

The Syria Revolution 2011 reported that a decision was taken today by the government to organize a rally in support of president Bashar al Assad Friday just after the prayers next to the Mosque of Khalid ibn al-Walid. According to the report Syrian workers are being forced to participate in the rally and whoever refuses will be fired from his job . (more…)

Israel claims Hezbollah has 1,000 bunkers in Lebanon

The Israeli military says the Hezbollah militia has riddled southern Lebanon with bunkers and underground weapons depots, with most located in civilian villages. (more…)

Conflicting reports about a Mikati Nasrallah meeting

Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is closely assocated with Hezbollah reported on Thursday that Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met on Tuesday in an undisclosed location to discuss the obstacles facing the formation of the new cabinet. (more…)

Helou: Suleiman should not have a share in the cabinet

During an interview with Voice of Beirut radio, Free patriotic Movement MP Michel Helou reiterated the demands of his his boss and said on Thursday that their parliamentary bloc “will not relinquish its demand for the Interior Ministry portfolio. (more…)

Hariri honors his dad: You turned the capital of ghosts to a city of dreams

“Before you, Beirut was a capital of ghosts – with you, Beirut returned as a capital of dreams,” Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri said, during the ceremony marking the unveiling of a statue of his dad in downtown Beirut on Thursday. (more…)

Syria to investigate protest deaths

Syria will set up an investigation into the deaths of civilians and members of the security forces during protests in the southern city of Deraa and the port of Latakia, state news agency SANA said on Thursday. (more…)

Assad’s Egypt Playbook Risks Lebanon-Style Sectarian Split

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is following step-by-step a playbook that couldn’t protect Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak.

Lebanese leaders express loyalty to Assad regime

During a phone call on Thursday with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati reportedly praised the Syrian people’s support for his leadership.

The premier also criticized the attempts to create strife, in reference to the recent protests in Syria. (more…)