Palestinians turn against Syria’s regime, their long-time advocate

Palestinians in Syria are beginning to turn against a dictatorship that for decades used its claims of resisting Israel and fighting for Palestinian rights as justification for the repression of its own people.

Worried Syrians withdraw bank deposits

Continuing protests are intensifying pressure on the Syrian economy, as new figures show nearly 10 per cent of deposits in the country’s banking system were withdrawn during the first four months of 2011. (more…)

In Syria-Qatar rift, a ’shrewdly calculated divorce’

By closing its embassy in Damascus and calling back its ambassador to Doha, Qatar is contributing to Syria’s growing international isolation, says political scientist Karim Sader.

Ramadan to Begin August 1 for Lebanese Shiites

The Sharia committee of Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah Foundation announced Thursday that Islam’s holy fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Monday, August 1 (more…)

Media Against Violence condemns Hezbollah attack against MTV crew

Media Against Violence organization condemned on Thursday the government’s response to “Hezbollah’s assault on MTV network’s crew in the town of Lassa and in Beirut’s Southern Suburb of Dahiyeh, calling it disappointing.” (more…)

‘Bodies on the streets’ in Syrian crackdown

Human rights activists and residents of Homs, Syria’s third largest city, are reporting intense gunfire as security forces conduct raids and arrests.

A resident told the Reuters news agency by phone that the army fired at worshippers in eastern Khalidiya district as they left the Khaled Ibn al-Walid mosque (more…)

Hezbollah chief, Iranian delegation exchange praises

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met on Thursday with the vice-chairperson of the The Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran , Rida Bahunar, in the presence of Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghadanfar Roken Abadi, Hezbollah press office said. (more…)

Hezbollah sent 150 young women members to Iran, report

Hezbollah sent 150 young female members of the party to Qom the religious capital of Iran “to consolidate the foundations of faith , promote and strengthen the revolutionary culture of resistance in religion ” according to the Islamic Republic News Agency Iran’s official, “IRNA.” (more…)

Al-Arabiya : Syrian soldiers, officers defect in Homs

Al-Arabiya reported that Syrian soldiers and officers have deserted the Military Academy in Homs. Sounds of gunfire could be heard inside the building (more…)

Qatar breaks Arab ranks over Syria

Qatar lived up to its reputation as a maverick in Middle Eastern politics this week by suspending the operations of its embassy in Damascus.