Egypt’s most organized political group has held its first open internal elections, a move that was not possible under former President Hosni Mubarak’s rule. The Muslim Brotherhood convened Saturday to pick replacements for three party executives who resigned. The voting took place ahead of parliamentary elections planned for later this year. The Muslim Brotherhood was […]
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Picks New Leaders
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 1:35 pm (UTC-5)
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Deadly Clashes at Iraqi Prison
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 12:10 pm (UTC-5)
Iraqi officials are searching for at least eight inmates who escaped from a prison south of Baghdad following clashes at the facility that left at least five people dead. The prisoners escaped from a jail in the city of Hilla late Friday after some inmates seized weapons from guards and set jail cells on fire. […]
Syrian FM Promises General Elections Soon
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 11:30 am (UTC-5)
Syria’s foreign minister has indicated that general elections will be held by the end of the year, as anti-government protesters continue to press for President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Walid Moallem also said “free and fair elections” would lead to a people’s assembly that represents the Syrian population. He commented on Saturday, two days after President […]
Libyan Rebels Advance in Western Town
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 10:25 am (UTC-5)
Libyan rebels say they have pushed back pro-government forces in Bir al-Ghanam, a strategic town about 80 kilometers southwest of Tripoli. Opposition fighters said Saturday that forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi had retreated following fierce clashes. For months, rebel fighters have been trying to move closer to Tripoli by gaining control of towns west […]
Iran’s Foreign Minister Expresses Hope for Jailed US Hikers
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 9:30 am (UTC-5)
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has expressed hope that two Americans imprisoned in Tehran on spying charges will be freed soon. He says judicial authorities are pursuing Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer’s case “based on a just approach.” He says that approach will “hopefully proceed leading to the freedom” of the two men. Salehi […]
Gulf Bloc Calls for End to Syrian Bloodshed
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 8:25 am (UTC-5)
Gulf Arab states have broken their silence on the bloodshed in Syria, as activists say at least 26 more people were killed Friday in the government’s crackdown on opposition protesters. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement Saturday calling for an immediate end to the violence and for the implementation of reforms. The bloc […]
Reports: Gunman Killed Near Saudi Interior Minister’s Palace
Posted August 6th, 2011 at 6:35 am (UTC-5)
News reports out of Saudi Arabia Saturday say security forces killed a gunman who opened fire near the interior minister’s palace in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. The reports said the incident took place early Saturday morning. No other casualties were reported. It is not clear if the shooting was linked to a militant […]
15 Killed As Protesters Rally in Syria
Posted August 5th, 2011 at 7:35 pm (UTC-5)
Tens of thousands of Syrians have rallied against the government, as security forces expand their crackdown on dissent. Witnesses and activists say at least 15 people were killed on Friday after forces used live ammunition on protesters. They say most of the deaths occurred around Damascus. Anti-government protesters also rallied in cities that include Homs, […]
Italy Demands NATO Investigate Response to Distressed Refugee Boat
Posted August 5th, 2011 at 5:45 pm (UTC-5)
Italy is demanding NATO investigate whether an alliance warship ignored a distress call from a boat full of refugees trying to flee Libya. Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Friday Italy was also asking NATO to consider changing its mission to mandate alliance forces in the region rescue and protect migrants fleeing the conflict by sea. […]
15 Killed As Protesters Rally in Syria
Posted August 5th, 2011 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Tens of thousands of Syrians have rallied against the government, as security forces expand their crackdown on dissent. Witnesses and activists say at least 15 people were killed on Friday after forces used live ammunition on protesters. They say most of the deaths occurred around Damascus. Anti-government protesters also rallied in cities that include Homs, […]
