Chinese Rights Activist Guangcheng on way to U.S.A.

Chinese human-rights activist Chen Guangcheng, whose case overshadowed high-level U.S.-China talks earlier this month, left Beijing for the U.S. with his wife and two children, headed for Newark, New Jersey. (more…)

Tibetan nun sets herself on fire in western China

An 18-year-old Tibetan nun has set herself on fire in western China in the latest such protest against Beijing’s handling of its vast Tibetan regions, an overseas rights group said Sunday.

Free Tibet said in a statement that the nun set herself ablaze Saturday (more…)

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…)