Libyan rebels say they have seized the western town of Ghezaia, after launching an offensive in the region on Thursday. Medical officials say at least two rebels have been killed in fighting with forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi in the area, which is near the Tunisian border. Mr. Gadhafi’s forces have used the town […]
Report: Nearly 3,000 ‘Disappeared’ During Syria Crackdown
Posted July 28th, 2011 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
A global activist group says nearly 3,000 people have “disappeared” in Syria since March during the government’s crackdown on a political uprising. The Avaaz organization announced its findings on Thursday as it launched a campaign to pressure Syria to allow an international delegation to investigate the disappearances. Meanwhile, the Associated Press quotes Syrian activists who […]
At Least 15 Killed in Iraq Bombings
Posted July 28th, 2011 at 8:35 am (UTC-5)
Iraqi officials say at least 15 people have been killed by two bomb blasts outside a bank where soldiers and police officers had gathered to collect their paychecks. Investigators say the Thursday attack at the state-run Rafidain bank in the city of Tikrit wounded another 30 people. Authorities say the first explosion was a car […]
Palestinian Police Raid Ex-Gaza Security Commander’s Home
Posted July 28th, 2011 at 6:40 am (UTC-5)
Palestinian police have raided the West Bank home of former Gaza security commander Mohammed Dahlan, arresting at least 12 of his security guards, and seizing weapons, computers and vehicles. The raid Thursday came shortly after Dahlan lost an appeal of his expulsion from Fatah’s central committee, which expelled Dahlan in June. President Mahmoud Abbas’ office […]
Bomb Blasts Kill 12 in Iraq
Posted July 28th, 2011 at 6:10 am (UTC-5)
Iraqi officials say a pair of bombs have exploded in the city of Tikrit, killing at least 12 people and wounding 28 others. Authorities said said the first explosion was a car bomb that went off outside a bank where policemen were picking up their monthly paychecks. As people gathered at the site, officials say […]
Libyan Rebel Deadline for Gadhafi Expires
Posted July 28th, 2011 at 12:35 am (UTC-5)
The head of Libya’s opposition council says the rebel group’s offer for leader Moammar Gadhafi to remain in the country if he cedes power has expired. Mustafa Abdel Jalil said Wednesday that the proposal, which was presented to a United Nations envoy about a month ago, had a deadline attached. Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi […]
New Al-Qaida Chief Hails Syrian Protesters
Posted July 27th, 2011 at 9:20 pm (UTC-5)
Al-Qaida’s new leader is claiming solidarity with Syria’s pro-democracy movement, while urging protesters there to direct their anti-government uprising also against the United States and Israel. In a video message posted on Islamist websites Wednesday, Ayman al-Zawahri directly addressed the Syrian demonstrators who have risen up against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule despite a bloody government […]
Britain Recognizes Libyan Rebel Council; Gadhafi Deadline Expires
Posted July 27th, 2011 at 7:55 pm (UTC-5)
Britain has granted diplomatic recognition to Libya’s opposition ruling council while the group’s leadership withdrew an offer for leader Moammar Gadhafi to stay in the country if he ceded power. British Foreign Secretary William Hague Wednesday said his government also expelled all of Libya’s diplomats and invited the rebel Transitional National Council to replace them. […]
Iran Releases Prominent Actress on Bail
Posted July 27th, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
Iran has freed a well-known dissident actress from prison following heightened criticism of its crackdown on artists and rights activists. Pegah Ahangarani, an outspoken supporter of Iran’s opposition Green Movement, was released Wednesday from Tehran’s Evin Prison on $84,000 bail. The popular 27-year-old actress was arrested earlier this month when she was about to leave […]
