New Libyan government sworn in

Libya’s transitional leaders swore on a Quran to uphold the ideals of the revolution that toppled Moammar Gadhafi as they took their oaths of office Thursday, another key step in the country’s hoped-for march toward democracy. (more…)

Fatah, Hamas leaders talk unity but no sign of progress

The leaders of Fatah and Hamas met for the first time in six months on Thursday and hailed progress toward ending Palestinian divisions that has led to separate governments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but there was no sign of a breakthrough. (more…)

An Aging Assad Relative Joins the Syrian Fray

His family name is Assad, and his nephew is none other than Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Yet neither fact stops Rifaat al-Assad from trying to cut as much distance as possible from the Syrian regime, as he vows to crush the 40-year Assad family reign in Damascus. (more…)

11 killed in clashes with Syrian army, activists say

At least 11 Syrian military defectors were shot dead Thursday during clashes with regular Syrian army units on the western outskirts of the city of Homs, an activist group said.

Four other defectors were wounded in the violence, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (more…)

Iran commander says Egypt turning into ‘new Iran’

The commander of Iran’s elite Quds force said Thursday the revolutionary fervor sweeping Egypt and other Arab countries has given birth to “new Irans” that share anti-US sentiment.

“A number of major (new) Irans have been born in the region today. Egypt is a (new) Iran, whether you accept it or not,” (more…)

Egyptian-American journalist alleges sexual assault by security forces

Egyptian-American journalist Mona Eltahawy was subjected to hours of sexual assault by police during her detention after taking part in Tahrir Square protests, she said Thursday on her Twitter account.

“Besides beating me, the dogs of (central security forces) subjected me to the worst ever,” Eltahawy said. (more…)

Arab League gives Syria a day to accept monitors

The Arab League has given Syria a day to sign a protocol allowing monitors into the country or the regional body will press ahead with plans to impose economic sanctions, Egypt’s envoy to the League said on Thursday. (more…)

Bahrain opposition urges government to resign

Bahrain’s main opposition group has called for the resignation of the government following the publication of a report exposing the use of excessive force and systematic torture against pro-democracy protesters earlier this year. (more…)

Bahrain comes clean on abuse of protesters

THE chief investigator into the Bahrain government’s crackdowns has given a blow-by-blow reckoning of torture, excessive force and fast-track justice to crush the largest Arab Spring uprising in the Gulf. (more…)

Lebanon will reject any sanctions against Syria, says FM

Lebanon will reject any potential Arab League sanctions against Syria, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansur said, as the organization prepared to meet on Thursday to discuss measures against Damascus. (more…)