Jumblatt calls Hariri for first time since defecting to March 8

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt reportedly called Caretaker PM Saad Hariri, for the first time since he named Najib Miqati as PM-designate last January according al-Hayat newspaper .

Jumblatt reportedly stressed to Hariri the need to return to the national dialogue table. (more…)

Syrian protesters challenge Assad

Syria’s autocratic regime was this week facing a grave test of its four-decade rule as a protest movement gathered momentum across the country, demanding widespread reforms and an end to repressive rule. (more…)

Assad Accepts Cabinet Resignation Amid Protests

Syria’s state media say the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Naji al-Otari has resigned and the country’s president has accepted the resignations.
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Tanks, rockets drive back Libyan rebels from Gadhafi’s hometown

Libyan government tanks and rockets have driven back rebels who attempted an assault on Moammar Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte. Opposition fighters fleeing in a panicked scramble pleaded for international airstrikes that never came. (more…)

Hezbollah linked to violence in Bahrain

Bahrain interior minister Sheikh Rashed bin Abdullah al-Khalifa told parliament on Tuesday that 24 people were killed in Bahrain in a month of unrest and anti-regime protests allegedly linked to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. (more…)

Kidnappers of Estonians identified, report

Future News television reported on Tuesday that security forces identified a gang of three Lebanese and two Syrians led by Darweesh Khanjar is behind last week’s kidnapping of seven Estonians. (more…)

Syrian Cabinet Resigns

Syria’s Cabinet resigned Tuesday to help quell a wave of popular fury that erupted more than a week ago and is now threatening President Bashar Assad’s 11-year rule in one of the most authoritarian and closed-off nations in the Middle East. (more…)

Assad Mobilizes Support After Syrian Protest Crackdown

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad staged rallies across the country to shore up a leader facing the strongest challenge since he came to power 11 years ago. (more…)

Obama’s Libya speech: First Thoughts

US President Barack Obama issued a broad defense of his decision to pursue military action against Libya in a speech to the country tonight, arguing that intervention was a necessary step to prevent a “massacre” in the country. (more…)

Aridi: I have my own suspicions over cabinet formation delays

Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation Ghazi Aridi commented on abduction of the 7 Estonian tourists and the bombing of the Church in Zahle . He said, “When the country is weak, any one can mess around with its security,” (more…)