Amnesty: States must act resolutely on UN report on Syria

Amnesty International today urged states to act on a UN report confirming that Syrian security forces committed crimes against humanity during their violent crackdown on demonstrators this year.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry’s report, released in Geneva today, called on the Government of Syria (more…)

Confusion over Iran’s huge explosion in Isfahan

A large explosion has been reported in the Iranian city of Isfahan as the regime issued conflicting reports apparently designed to deny any suggestions of a sabotage attack on its nuclear facilities. Officials gave varying accounts of a “huge explosion” in the ancient city, which hosts one of Iran’s main facilities for refining uranium in its nuclear programme. (more…)

An explosion rocks Iranian city of Isfahan

A explosion rocked the western Iranian city of Isfahan on Monday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, adding that the blast was heard in several parts of the city. (more…)

US envoy warns Lebanon over failure to fund STL

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly on Monday voiced the United States’ nconcern that Lebanon would suffer serious consequences if it fails to fulfill its commitments to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

She urged Lebanon to “meet all of international obligations” during a meeting with Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas. (more…)

Lebanon Pilots go on strike over firing one sick pilot by MEA

Middle East Airlines on Monday voiced surprise over the pilots syndicate’s decision to go on strike.

The Syndicate of Lebanese Pilots on Friday went on strike and said that their step was in protest against MEA’s decision to fire one of their colleagues who was on medical leave. (more…)

Syria committed crimes against humanity: U.N. report

A United Nations commission of inquiry on Syria said on Monday Syrian military and security forces had committed crimes against humanity including murder, torture and rape and the government of President Bashar al-Assad bore responsibility. (more…)

Mikati invites pope to visit Lebanon during Vatican audience

Lebanon’s prime minister has invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit his country, which the Vatican sees as an important symbol of religious coexistence in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Benedict for about 20 minutes Monday during an overnight visit to Rome that also included talks with (more…)

Russia sends aircraft carrier to Lebanon, Syria

In December a vessel group led by the Northern Fleet’s aircraft carrier “Admiral Kuznetsov” will sail to the Mediterranean and the Russian naval base of Tartus in Syria.

The mission has nothing to do with the deadly violence in Syria between forces loyal to President Bashar Assad and the opposition, a naval spokesman told Izvestia. (more…)

Mideast media encouraged by Syria sanctions

The Arab League’s decision to impose economic sanctions on Syria in punishment for its crackdown on anti-government protests has generated extensive comment on both conventional and social media platforms. (more…)

Lebanon won’t implement sanctions against Syria, says FM

Lebanon will not implement the Arab League sanctions against Syria, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansur said on Monday

“Lebanon will not implement any sanctions by the Arab League against Syria, because we didn’t agree to them (more…)