Syrian forces kill 33, opposition says

At least 33 more people were killed Sunday in Syria’s 14-month-old crackdown on opponents of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, a leading opposition group reported. (more…)

Lebanon PM rules out resignation for now

Following a security meeting at the Grand Serail , Lebanese PM Nagib Mikati ruled out resignation for now . ” The time now is to accept responsibility and not to quit”, he told reporters after the meeting that he chaired to discuss the security measures after the murder on Sunday of Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahid. (more…)

Bomb explodes in Syrian capital during UN visit

A roadside bomb exploded in a restive suburb of the Syrian capital as senior U.N. officials toured the area on Sunday, the latest incident in which the unarmed observer mission has nearly been caught up in the country’s bloodshed.
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Druze Sheikh Akl condemns murder of Sunni cleric

Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Akl Naim Hassan condemned the murder of Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahid on Sunday, National News Agency reported.

“ I call on everyone to practice self-restraint , calm down and be [wise],” NNA quoted Hassan as saying.
Hassan offered his condolences to Dar el Fatwa , called for punishing the perpetrators “no matter who they are,” and urged the Lebanese army (more…)

Akkar Muslim clerics call for a strike on Monday

The muftis and clerics of Akkar on Sunday called for a general strike across Lebanon to protest against the killing on Sunday of Sheikh Ahmed Abdel Wahid at an army checkpoint in the Akkar town of al-Kweikhat. (more…)

Jumblatt condemns the killing of the Muslim Cleric

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt condemned the killing of Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahid and called on Akkar residents not to fall into traps being set to them by the Syrian regime. (more…)

Palestinians are fleeing Syria too

The United Nations said on Sunday that 480 Palestinian refugees have fled Syria to Jordan since the start of a revolt against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year.

“The UN Relief and Works Agency have registered 480 Palestinian refugees (more…)

As Syria crisis worsens, U.S., allies accelerate plans to secure chemical arsenal

As the Syrian crisis worsens the Obama administration is accelerating its planning with ME allies , to secure the country’s scattered stocks of chemical weapons

Lebanon divisions over Syria emerge in graffiti

Graffiti, from amorous notes to political slogans, is common in Beirut, adding streaks of colour – mainly to the walls of car parks, tunnels and long-abandoned houses in the capital.

There is no law against the spray-painting of walls, and the practice is largely tolerated by local authorities – at least until recently. (more…)

Syria accuses Lebanon of “incubating” terrorists

Damascus has sent a letter to the United Nations accusing some Lebanese areas of helping al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood to take root along the Syrian border, adding to its criticism of Turkey and Libya for allegedly providing arms to Syrian rebels.

“Some Lebanese areas next to the Syrian border are incubating terrorist elements (more…)