Syrian regime blames ‘terrorists’ with backing of Saudi Arabia and Qatar for bloodshed

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are backing “armed terrorist gangs” operating in Syria and so are responsible for the bloodshed in the country, Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud told AFP on Monday. Mahmoud accused the “terrorist gangs” of massacring women and children in the restive central city of Homs at the weekend to stoke an international outcry against the Damascus regime. (more…)

The elusive tipping point in Syria

The Syrian military’s advance into the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs has changed the dynamics of the resistance to the Assad regime – and put further pressure on Western policy-makers to find ways to help the opposition and protect Syrian civilians. (more…)

Lebanon’s Shi’ites sceptical of anti-Assad outrage

In the souks and squares of mostly Shi’ite Muslim southern Lebanon anger simmers over Western and Arab pressure to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, seen by most as a bulwark against feared neighbour Israel. (more…)

Qatar PM calls for arming Syrian rebels

The international community should provide arms to Syria’s opposition and Arab countries should take the lead in providing a safe haven for rebels inside Syria, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani said on Monday.
“I think we should do whatever is necessary to help them, including giving them weapons (more…)

Syria rejects Arab troops, UN urged to step in through Ch. 7

Syria on Tuesday ruled out any deployment of Arab troops as proposed by Qatar to halt 10 months of deadly unrest, as army defectors urged the UN Security Council to intervene.

“Syria rejects the statements of officials of Qatar on sending Arab troops to worsen the crisis (more…)

Qatar, Shell in $6.4 billion petrochemical complex agreement

Qatar signed a deal with Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) on Sunday to develop a $6.4 billion petrochemicals complex in the Ras Laffan industrial city in the Gulf Arab state.

Qatar’s energy minister, Mohammed al-Sada, and Shell chief executive Peter Voser signed the agreement in Doha.

“We estimate the cost to be $6.4 billion but at this stage one should be cautious,” Sada said.
(more…)

Arab League’s ‘roar’ at Syria shows how tiny Qatar is starting to flex its muscle

By Robert Fisk
The suspension is a serious challenge to President Bashar al-Assad. He and his father Hafez promoted Syria as the “Mother of the Arab Nation” – now the “Arab Nation” wants to humiliate it.

Turkey, Syria, Qatar to host exiled Palestinians

A group of 40 Palestinian detainees being exiled overseas under a deal to free a captured Israeli soldier will be sent to Turkey, Syria and Qatar, ” (more…)

Qatar Emir: Syrian people will not turn back on their demands

Qatar’s emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said Monday that Syrians are determined to keep protesting against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime despite a deadly crackdown. (more…)

Qatar Emir survives an attempted assassination

Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani was attacked on his way to his Palace, Al Fajr newspaper reported on Monday . (more…)