Arab nations promised $58b for reform

MARSEILLE, France – Wealthy countries and international lenders promised more money yesterday to encourage democratic changes in Arab nations, pledging at least $58 billion.

After Tunisia and Egypt ousted their authoritarian regimes this year, eight of the world’s most developed economies along with rich Arab countries (more…)

Syria talks reform while executing deadly crackdown

Syria’s government has endorsed a draft law that it says will allow the formation of political parties alongside President Bashar Assad’s ruling Baath Party, part of a series of promised reforms that the opposition has dismissed as largely symbolic. He has coupled his pledges of reform with a deadly crackdown on protesters that activists say has killed at least 1,600 people. (more…)

Rep. Kucinich’s Syria visit raises eyebrows

U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich showed up in Syria this week and held a press conference in which he appeared to praise embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – who is ruthlessly crushing opposition to his government – as “highly loved and appreciated by the Syrians.” (more…)

The Fate of the Syrian Pound

The use of the Syrian pound has only started in 1948 after the secession of Bank of Syria and Lebanon, which was providing a single common currency for both countries. (more…)

Syrian regime loyalists attack Druze protesters. Several injured

The Facebook group, The Syrian Revolution 2011, which boasts more than 110,000 followers and which has emerged as the organizing force behind the demonstrations that have been demanding “freedom” in Syria reported that about 300 people protested Sunday in the Torch square in Sweida ( or As Suwayda ), (more…)