Syrian opposition calls for no-fly zone to protect civilians

A coalition representing dozens of Syrian opposition groups called Tuesday for the international community to back a no-fly zone to protect civilians from a crackdown by President Bashar Al Assad’s regime.

The Syrian Revolution General Commission, a coalition representing some 40 opposition blocs protesting what they call ‘crimes against humanity’ (more…)

Turkey rejects Lebanon’s maritime treaty signed with Cyprus, report

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a side meeting at the UN that his country rejects Lebanon’s maritime treaty signed with Cyprus, As-Safir newspaper reported on Wednesday (more…)

50,000 Indians deported from Saudi Arabia during amnesty

Around 50,000 Indian expatriates mainly unskilled labourers, were deported from Saudi Arabia until mid-September following an amnesty announced by the Saudi government, an Indian diplomat has said. (more…)

EU, U.S. criticize Israel on new housing units in East Jerusalem

The European Union and the United States have criticized the approval in Israel of the construction of 1,100 new Jewish housing units in disputed East Jerusalem.

The Palestinians, who seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, said the move shows that Israel is not interested in renewed peace talks. (more…)

Nahhas: Lebanon has no interest in confronting the international community

Lebanese Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas told Voice of Lebanon radio on Wednesday that all parties should know that Lebanon has no interest in confronting the international community.

“Lebanon has no interest in confronting the international community”, (more…)

Fearing change, many Christians in Lebanon, Syria back Assad

Abu Elias sat beneath the towering stairs leading from the Convent of Our Lady of Saydnaya, a church high up in the mountains outside Damascus, where Christians have worshiped for 1,400 years. “We are all scared of what will come next,” he said, turning to a man seated beside him, Robert, an Iraqi refugee who escaped the sectarian strife in his homeland. (more…)

Egypt elections to begin on 28 November

Egypt’s first parliamentary elections since Hosni Mubarak was ousted as president will begin on 28 November, the country’s military rulers have announced.

The regime, which took over from Mubarak as he stepped down in February, promised it would transfer power to civilian rule within six months (more…)

STL: Future tells Mikati, Suleiman we want action not words

The Future Movement bloc issued a statement Tuesday commending President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s for declaring that Lebanon is committed to international resolutions.

“These statements are a good start , but it is necessary to transform them into action, (more…)

Syrian poll finds optimism for future, but little support for Assad

Syrians have little confidence that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime can solve the country’s current problems, although they are optimistic about the future, a poll conducted by Pepperdine University shows.

The survey, which was conducted in conjunction with the Democracy Council of California, also found that eight out of 10 Syrians questioned want al-Assad’s regime to leave power (more…)

Syrian uprising showing signs of armed rebellion

Once-peaceful Syrian protesters are increasingly taking up arms to fight a six-month military crackdown, frustrated that President Bashar Assad remains in control while more than 2,700 demonstrators are dead