U.S.: Syria’s Assad should step down

The United States said on Tuesday it welcomed efforts by the international community to put a stop to violence in Syria but it still believed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should step down. (more…)

U.N. urges ‘immediate’ world ‘measures’ to protect Syrians

A top U.N. official deplored the “devastatingly remorseless toll of human lives” in Syria on Friday and exhorted the world community “to take immediate measures” to protect citizens.
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Op-Ed: All in for freedom in Syria

All we want is our freedom. We know the cost, but we are ready to pay the price. With 1,300 dead already, we cannot give up now, because their deaths would have been in vain.

U.S. Senator urges support for Syrian popular uprising

US senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) called on the U.S. to step up support for the popular uprising in Syria, which has met increasingly violent reaction from the regime of President Bashar Assad. (more…)

Opinion:Syria’s coming revolution?

Much has been written about Syria and why it cannot be next in line of the modern day Grand Arab Revolution. Very few have asked the question: “Why not?”

U.S. Urges Syria to refrain from violence against protesters

The United States called on Syria Wednesday to exercise restraint and refrain from violence following reports that protesters were injured by plainclothes police in Damascus. (more…)

Syrian protesters defy Damascus ban, update

Protesters in Syria have for a second day defied a ban on demonstrations, gathering in Damascus to demand the release of political prisoners.

Security forces broke up the protest using batons and at least four people were reportedly arrested. (more…)

UAE: BlackBerry ban will affect visitors too

The Emirates’ looming crackdown on BlackBerry services will extend to foreign visitors, its telecom regulator said Monday, putting the government’s concerns over the handheld devices in direct conflict with its aim to become a business and tourism haven.

Travelers to Dubai and the important oil industry center of Abu Dhabi will — like local residents — have to do without BlackBerry e-mail, messaging and Web services starting in October, (more…)

The Lebanese Parliament Plans to Join The 21 century by Banning Skype

By Ghassan Karam
At a time when many countries are working on introducing G4 technology for fast and reliable telecommunications that is becoming increasingly video oriented Lebanon has the distinction

Lebanese Democracy: It Just Isn’t What You Think

By Ghassan Karam
Whenever the subject of democracy, modernity, equality or liberty come up, which is almost in every conversation, the Lebanese invariably advance the argument that the Lebanese society is the most liberal in the Middle East, and is the most advanced and the most democratic.