Syria arrests popular opposition figure, replaces emergency law

Syrian authorities arrested a popular opposition figure hours after passing a bill lifting nearly 50 years of emergency rule.

Rights activists say Mahmoud Issa was taken from his home in the central city of Homs late Tuesday by Syria’s political security services. (more…)

U.S. unsure new Syria law will be improvement

The United States is unsure that Syria’s draft law to lift emergency rule will be less restrictive, a State Department spokesman said on Tuesday. (more…)

Can President Assad do what it takes to cleanse his corrupt regime?

By: Robert Fisk
“People are looking for security forces who will not treat the people like animals.” So said a Syrian activist, summing up the thoughts of his country

MTV: Lebanon may have a cabinet next week

PM Designate Nagib Mikati sources told MTV on Tuesday that the dispute over the interior ministry portfolio is about to be resolved and the new cabinet will likely see the light next week. (more…)

Syrian Revolution urges Christians to participate in protests

The Facebook group, The Syrian Revolution 2011, which boasts more than 120,000 followers and which has emerged as the organizing force behind the demonstrations that have been demanding “freedom” in Syria has called on the Christian community to protest on Good Friday. (more…)

STL ‘Fransen held a hearing over Sayyed’s case

Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen held on Tuesday a confidential hearing to examine which investigation documents can be handed over to former General Security chief Jamil as-Sayyed by STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare. (more…)

Bkirki meeting paid off

It appears that the Bkirki meeting paid off. Central News Agency (CNA) reported that upon his return to his residence in Maarab from the Bkirki meeting , Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea ordered his media department and all those concerned to show FPM and Marada Movement the same courtesy they show to the Phalange and National Liberal Parties and the National bloc. (more…)

Syrian government lifts emergency laws, warns protesters

Syria’s government approved lifting the country’s nearly 50-year-old state of emergency Tuesday to meet a key demand of anti-government protesters, but also issued a stern warning to demonstrators to call off their challenges to President Bashar Assad’s hard-line rule. (more…)

Mikati thanks bahraini PM for halting deportation of Lebanese

Lebanon’s Prime minister-designate Najib Mikati called his Bahraini counterpart Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa thanking him for his efforts in halting deportation of Lebanese expatriates residing in the Gulf state and thanked Bahraini King Hamad for his cooperation with Lebanon’s request that its expatriates not be blindly expelled . (more…)

Bkirki meeting: Yes, they shook hands

As anticipated a meeting was held between the country’s top Christian officials in Bkirki on Tuesday . The meeting was described as “brotherly and patriotic par excellence,” according to  a statement released by the patriarchate after the talks. (more…)