Libya protests prompt U.S. to evacuate diplomats

Growing concerns over protests roiling Libya prompted the State Department to begin evacuating some diplomats from Tripoli, as the Pentagon put troops stationed at nearby European bases on high alert. (more…)

The all-female militias of Syria, report

BEIRUT – The Syrian regime is arming and training Syrian women to fight for President Bashar al-Assad, putting it out in front of the Pentagon when it comes to sending women to the front lines.

A video posted on Russia Today’s Arabic channel from the central city of Homs shows dozens of women in combat fatigues (more…)

Assad’s speech echoes Gaddafi’s final desperate rallies

It was the first time in two years of revolution we have seen support for the Syrian leader so choreographed, accompanied by such fist-pumping chants from the audience.

Even the slogans were the same as the slain Libyan dictator: “God, Syria, Bashar, enough”. (more…)

Libya’s Ansar al-Sharia militia swept out of Benghazi bases

The powerful Islamist militia Washington blames for an attack on its Benghazi consulate was swept from its heavily fortified bases in Libya’s second city in a mass popular uprising in support of the government early on Saturday.

The action against Ansar al-Sharia appeared to be part of a coordinated sweep of militia headquarters buildings by police, government troops and activists following a mass public demonstration against militia units on Friday. (more…)

Libya’s first elected assembly takes over power

In a ceremony late on Wednesday, Libya’s first elected assembly took over power from the transitional council that has ruled the country since last year’s uprising against longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. (more…)

Libyan fighters join Syria rebels for another victory

Their war for freedom in Libya may be over, but almost a year after they won the battle for the Libyan capital, a group of fighters have a new battlefield: Syria.

Under the command of one of Libya’s most well known rebel commanders, Al-Mahdi al-Harati, more than 30 Libyan fighters have made their way into Syria to support the Free Syrian Army rebels in their war against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. (more…)

Secret Turkish nerve centre leads aid to Syria rebels, report

DOHA/DUBAI (Reuters) – Turkey has set up a secret base with allies Saudi Arabia and Qatar to direct vital military and communications aid to Syria’s rebels from a city near the border, Gulf sources have told Reuters.

News of the clandestine Middle East-run “nerve centre” working to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad underlines the extent to which (more…)

What will happen to Assad’s chemical weapons ?

While the The West supports the Syrian opposition, Russia and China support the regime of president Bashar al Assad. The question on the mind of many is what will happen to the vast arsenal of chemical weapons should Assad be removed. (more…)

Egypt seizes missiles from smugglers near Libya border

An Egyptian police official says security forces have confiscated dozens of heavy weapons seized from smugglers near the Libyan border.
The official says the weapons include 40 missiles, 17 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, (more…)

‘Bloody end awaits Al Assad’, activist

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad will face a fatal and bloody ending similar to that of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, according to Haitham Maleh, a leading Syrian opposition member.

“The continuous relentless brutality of Syrian forces against civilians has relinquished Al Assad’s option to a peaceful exit (more…)