At least 124 protesters killed on Sunday by Syrian troops

At least 124 people were killed on Sunday when Syrian troops intensified their crackdown on pro-democracy protesters across the country, activists said on Sunday.

At least 97 people were killed when Syrian forces stormed the central city of Hama at dawn, (more…)

Another Hama massacre, over 62 killed on eve of Ramadan

Syrian forces killed at least 62 people and injured dozens in a massive tank assault on the city of Hama to crush anti-regime protests, locals said. One of the residents, a doctor, told Reuters that the tanks were attacking from four different directions and “firing randomly”. (more…)

US official: ‘Iraq more dangerous now than a year ago’

Washington, July 31: Iraq is more dangerous now than it was a year ago, an official US government assessment has said.

Stuart W Bowen Jr, the US special inspector general for Iraq Reconstruction, said that frequent bombings, assassinations and a resurgence in Shia militia violence are the root causes of the country becoming a more ‘dangerous place to work’. (more…)

Siniora: Only Hezbollah arms should be discussed in dialogue talks

Former PM and current Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora said in an interview published on Sunday that the national dialogue should “be limited to the issue of Hezbollah’s arms so that it will be purposeful and meaningful.” (more…)

For Turkish military, a telling change of tactics

ISTANBUL — Turkey awoke to a new era Saturday, one in which military generals irked by their government’s behavior don’t stage a coup or throw a tantrum — they seek early retirement. (more…)

Islamists accused of killing rebel leader

A militia group with suspected Islamist tendencies has been accused of assassinating the Libyan rebel military commander Abdel Fattah Younes, raising concerns about loose discipline within rebel groups and the emergence of extremist groups. (more…)

Syrian army tanks storms Hama

Syrian tanks stormed the Syrian city of Hama early on Sunday, residents said, after besieging it for nearly a month in response to some of the biggest demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. (more…)

Arab countries declare Monday as first day of Ramadan

Religious authorities in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have declared that Monday will be the start of the holy month of Ramadan – a period devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayers and spiritual introspection. (more…)

Syrian army colonel defected with hundreds of soldiers, report

A Syrian army colonel said on Saturday that he has defected with “hundreds” of soldiers and warned the regime against launching a crackdown on the eastern oil hub of Deir Ezzor. (more…)

8 protesters Killed in Syrian Security Force Raids

Syrian security forces have had a deadly clash with rock-throwing residents near the eastern town of Deir el-Zour. (more…)