mercredi 23 février 2011
The Contagion - Libya
Mercenaries stream toward Tripoli as Qaddafi digs in “A message comes to every mobile phone about a general protest on Friday in Tripoli,” one resident there said, adding that Colonel Qaddafi's menacing speech to the country on Tuesday had increased their determination “100 percent.”
The looming signs of a new confrontation came as a growing number of Libyan military officers and officials said Wednesday that they had broken with Colonel Qaddafi over his intentions to bomb and kill Libyan civilians challenging him.
Libya: civil war breaks out as Gaddafi mounts rearguard fight Forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi made good on threats to trigger a civil war in Libya on Wednesday night, by taking up positions across the capital, Tripoli and launching a rearguard fight against rebels in major cities.
U.S. Will Consider 'All Options' on Libya, Clinton Says US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Americans to leave Libya immediately and said the US will examine “all possible options” to respond to the violence of the Qaddafi regime.
The Contagion Today
Qatar
Cameron Says Some Middle East Rulers Use Issue of Israel as a Distraction “In too many countries in the Middle East, some rulers say to their people ‘be angry about that, don’t be angry about the fact that you live in a non-open society,’” Cameron told his audience at Qatar University in the capital, Doha, today after taking a series of questions on Israel.
Kuwait
Cameron urges Mideast reform, not repression
Burma
Could Burma's Next Uprising Begin on the Internet? “We hope we can use the Internet to initiate an uprising this summer like those that took place in Tunisia and Egypt,” he said. “Because we cannot rely on the leadership of the mainstream opposition to topple the regime.” Ko Win, who for security reasons does not want his full name identified, said he and his friends used their own money to give students free Internet lessons in Rangoon Internet cafes.
Jordan & Yemen
Jordan and Yemen Hold Anti-Gaddafi Protests On Tuesday, demonstrators across the Middle East staged protests against the government of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The protest condemned the bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters in the North African country.
9 Yemeni MPs quit SANAA: Nine members of parliament have resigned from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ruling party to protest against what they described as government violence against demonstrators, parliamentarians said on Wednesday.
The Contagion Today, Syria joined the spring and gets honey plus some less desirable attention from the Hizballah.....
Hundreds of Syrian People, whom where nearby, started to gather around them and shout at them repeating some slogans about corruption and bribe at the Officer's sector. Syrian Interior Minister rushed to the place and calmed down the protesters at the insult caused to the Syrian citizens, regarding the fight which has evolved before.Minister promised to investigate this accident and to punish Officers in charge for this.
Report: Iran suppressed its protests by deploying Hizbullah fighters from Lebanon
Earlier, Hizbullah was said to have been deployed in Syria to protect the regime of President Bashar Assad. Opposition sources said about 2000 Hizbullah fighters crossed from Lebanon to Syria and were stationed around critical facilities.
Syrian government gives money to poor
The Syrian government has started giving out cash payments to thousands of poor people in an effort to tackle the high levels of poverty over fears that the regional uprisings in the Middle East would have domestic repercussions, media reports said.
Syria Protest Video Shows Unprecedented Crowd of 1500 in Damascus
It was a small protest by Tunisian or Egyptian standards, only 1500 people, but the spontaneous gathering in Damascus on Thursday may turn out to be the spark that ignites mass demonstrations in Syria.
mardi 22 février 2011
The Contagion – Today
Factbox - Quotes from witnesses on Libyan unrest
Libya: Celebrations in opposition-controlled east (BBC) The BBC's Jon Leyne is one of the first foreign journalists to enter Libya since the anti-government protests erupted last week.
Kuwait with problems of its own sees protesters take the streets over citizenship dispute “Thanks to events in Tunisia and Egypt, we have broken the fear barrier, and many Bedouin joined the demonstrations, including children,” Musaad Al-Shamari, a 35-year-old resident of Kuwait without citizenship papers, told The Media Line. “The street refuses the restrictions imposed on it by the government. People are demanding their honor.” The number of Bedouin, an Arabic abbreviation of Bidoon Jinsiyah or “without citizenship,” is estimated at between 100,000 and 120,000 in a population of 2.8 million.
Kuwait Denies Death of Protesters Kuwait on Sunday denied that police crackdown on protests in the past two days by stateless Arabs led to death and severe injuries. The Interior Ministry said "some minor injuries were treated at the location, while others were taken to hospital. The protests took place Friday and Saturday, at this stage, it is unknown if the Bedouins have staged more demonstrations.
More on the story Kuwait urges end to protests by nomadic tribes seeking state recognition (Canadian Press)
Jordan's Muslim opposition say protests to resume; Government condemns Libya's ... AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan's powerful Muslim Brotherhood vowed to resume protests, saying Tuesday that the government did not keep a promise of speedy reforms.
Jordan's politicians demand limit to king's powers AMMAN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Jordan's King Abdullah faces unprecedented calls by a mix of Islamists, liberals and traditional supporters for moves towards a constitutional monarchy, Jordanian politicians said on Tuesday.
Algeria govt adopts order ending emergency powers Reuters ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algeria's cabinet on Tuesday adopted an order to lift the 19-year-old state of emergency, a concession designed to keep out a wave of protests sweeping the Arab world.
Algeria's state of emergency to be lifted 'imminently' BBC Algeria's government has adopted a draft order to lift the country's 19-year-old state of emergency, the official APS news agency reports.
Morocco tense after new riots erupt Unconfirmed Demonstrators clashed with police in Imzouren in the north Monday, media reported. Four people were reported to have been injured and several arrested. The demonstrators were marching to demand the release of other protesters who had been detained Sunday. Rallies were also staged in Fez, Tangier and the capital Rabat Monday. Several people were reportedly arrested in Fez.
If Libya revolts, Saudi Arabia could be next (Financial Times) It is a very dangerous game to try and predict what will happen next in the Middle East and North Africa at the moment, …./…The key assumption as far as Libya was concerned was that with high oil revenues and a small population, Gaddafi was safe…./… But it seems now that people want more than just financial security and the stability that comes with high oil revenues: they want freedom. And if they want that in Libya, which has a GDP-per-capita of around $12,000, why shouldn’t they want the same in Saudi Arabia, whose income per head is only slightly higher at $14,000 a year?
Spain's Repsol suspends oil production in Libya
Yemen protesters clash Thousands of anti-government protesters rallied across Yemen on Tuesday, burning a car belonging to supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the capital of Sanaa and chanting for the ruler to leave.
Exuberance, song and cucumbers at Yemen rally SANAA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - A woman veiled from head to toe takes the stage at a student rally against President Ali Abdullah Saleh and addresses the mostly male gathering. "I come from the province of Mareb, which is even more conservative than here. I ask you to let your women join the demonstrations," she tells the cheering crowd.
Thousands of Protesters Take to Streets in Hadramout (Yemen)
Masses of Pro-government supporters gather in Taiz (Yemen)
Bahrain's king orders the release of political prisoners as anti-government ... By Daily Mail Reporter Bahrain's king has ordered the release of some political prisoners, conceding to another opposition demand as the embattled monarchy tries to engage protesters in talks aimed at ending an uprising.
In Bahrain, Shiites Turn Out to Protest New York Times MANAMA, Bahrain — More than 100,000 protesters poured into the central Pearl Square here on Tuesday in an unbroken stream stretching back for miles along a central highway in the biggest antigovernment demonstration yet in this tiny Persian Gulf kingdom.
Protests continue in Bahrain as Shiite leader calls for end of monarchy Washington Post
The Contagion – Oman joins the protests with peaceful demonstrations for now, Burma readying for its own show down
Oman protests peaceful so far Unlike protests in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia and Bahrain, the Oman demonstrations have so far been peaceful. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans of support for Oman's Sultan Qaboos, but asked for reforms, including lower prices and better pay.
Oman Crude Rises Above $100 for First Time Since September 2008 Oman crude oil futures, a Persian Gulf benchmark for Asia, rose to over $100 a barrel on concerns that political demonstrations in Libya may disrupt supplies.
WHY ARE THERE NO PROTESTS IN BURMA? There are now popular protests all across the Middle East, including in Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, and Syria. Further afield, there are protests in Albania, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and elsewhere.
Almost uniformly, the protests are pro-democracy. The goal is to force out tyrannical rulers and through this, to obtain freedom and human rights.
lundi 21 février 2011
The Contagion
Libyan embassy staffers in Malta join anti-Gaddafi protests Valletta, Malta - Several staff members at the Libyan embassy in Malta on Monday joined protesters calling for the resignation of leader Moamer Gaddafi. At least three employees - including security chief Haled al Ashtari - were seen leaving the embassy building in the Maltese town of Attard, reports said.
Egypt : Cameron calls for move to democracy (Financial Times)
The Contagion & Markets
Oil shock fears as Libya erupts
Telegraph.co.uk - Ambrose Evans-Pritchard - 1 hour ago - The spectre of full civil war in oil-rich Libya and reports of the creation of an Islamic emirate in country's "Barqa" region has moved the Mid-East crisis into a more dangerous phase, setting off an explosive rise in US crude prices.
The Contagion – Libya, Morocco, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, Iran
Report: Iranian Regime Using Arab Hezbollah Fighters to Attack Protesters Opposition groups claimed that as many as 1,500 Hezbollah operatives are taking part in clashes. Members of the terrorist organization, which reportedly receives training and aid from Iran, assisted the authorities to disperse the demonstration in Tehran’s Azadi Square last week.
Hundreds of students rally in Algerian capital to express anger at government ... ALGIERS, Algeria — About 500 students have rallied in Algeria's capital, part of the wave of unrest in Arab world to register discontent with national governments. Monday's protest near the ministry of higher education follows scattered strikes and protests in recent weeks in defiance of a ban on public gatherings in Algiers dating to a bloody Islamic insurgency in the 1990s.
N. Africa, Mideast protests - Arab League to hold summit on Libya YEMEN, 12:17 pm ET, 8:17 pm local: Two human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, are reporting that 12 people have died as a result of protests in Yemen.
Two Libyan pilots defect, say ordered to bomb protesters VALLETTA (Reuters) - Two Libyan Air Force fighter pilots defected on Monday and flew their jets to Malta where they told authorities they had been ordered to bomb protesters, Maltese government officials said.
Libyan pilots land in Malta, seek political asylum (2nd Roundup)
Libya crisis: what role do tribal loyalties play? (BBC)
INTERVIEW: Lybian army defector calls for global help in Benghazi Witness reports have repeatedly pointed to mercenaries from African countries such as Mali, Chad, Senegal and Zimbabwe having been recruited to attack the Libyan protesters.
Italy on alert as Libyan jet pilots flee
Bahrain, Libya Debt Ratings Cut as Protests Mount; Middle East Stocks Fall (Wheat, support around 798 – Target 964)
Jordan's King Abdullah Seeks Rapid Change From New Government Amid Protest
Yemen President calls protests a “flu” contaminating the Arab world Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh said the street protests and demands for his removal were “like a flu,” which had spread from Tunisia to Egypt and was contaminating the Arab world.
In search of an African revolution International media is following protests across the 'Arab world' but ignoring those in Africa.
dimanche 20 février 2011
The Contagion – Morocco, Yemen, Libya, Bahrain and China
Unrest also hit Yemen, Morocco, Oman, Kuwait, Algeria and Djibouti over the weekend as people took to the streets demanding political and economic change. Reuters More Here……..
Protests staged in Libyan capital (BBC) At least four separate anti-government protests have broken out in the Libyan capital for the first time, witnesses say. Security forces have used live ammunition and tear gas in response, eyewitnesses in Tripoli say.
Libya protests: gunshots, screams and talk of revolution (The Guardian)Afraid to leave her barricaded home on the outskirts of Benghazi, a student blogger and member of Libya's youth protest movement sat shaking as she described the violence unleashed on the Mediterranean city in five days of demonstrations against the Libyan regime.
Tens of thousands march peacefully in Morocco for political reform The mass rally was aimed at expanding democratic rights in Morocco, a nation that is a hereditary monarchy and at times has been oppressive.
Libyan Army Defects And 'Liberates' Benghazi Members of a Libyan army unit have told Benghazi residents they have defected and "liberated" the city from pro-Gaddafi forces.
Chinese govt nips Jasmine revolt in bud China's authoritarian government has appeared unnerved by recent protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria and Libya.
samedi 19 février 2011
The Contagion – Tunisia, Morocco, a common place to blame commodities price for the uprising but what about land and housing foreign speculators?
Largely responsible for adding to the pain, numerous “rich” westerners (when compared with local wages)that are buying land and or housing adding to the inevitable flow of immigrants to the EU looking to retire back home or their descent looking for an affordable second home in the sun close to their culture have created a situation of extreme tension making the dream of owning a home for the working class almost impossible. Among the new legislations protests will draw, it is wish able to see quickly the end of that speculation ruining hopes, to create the leasehold status for all foreigners buying any properties and the sacking and inquiries of all predators that bought land and or housing at record low prices….
The Contagion – Update
Fresh violence in Libyan city (New Zealand Radio). Authorities have sent in an elite army unit to re-establish control in the Libyan city of Benghazi following renewed anti-government protests, according to reports. Human rights campaigners say 84 people have been killed in disturbances in Libya over the past few days.
Gaddafi’s goons open fire on mourners at protesters’ funeral, kill 15 - National Libertarian | Examiner.com In one of the vilest and most depraved acts since the popular protests erupted in the Arab world three week ago, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi today ordered henchmen to open fire on mourners at the funeral of slain protesters in the eastern city of Benghazi. When the massacre was over, 15 people lay dead and dozens more were wounded. Sic semper tyrannis.
Well, well. To be straight, this report isn’t confirmed yet and if we have no reason to question the Examiner professional work and ethic, this order of murdering disarmed Libyan’s citizens by an identified officer or public ruler should, once thoroughly checked, be a subject of great attention for the ICC. Count on that.
Yemenis clash with riot police across the country
Iran warns opposition against staging fresh rallies TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran warned the opposition on Saturday against staging demonstrations after calls were posted on websites for a rally on Sunday to commemorate two people killed during protests this week, state media reported.
Military permits protests in Bahrain, but elsewhere crackdowns continue
The Contagion – From Morocco to Iran and further, the quest for Liberty remains strong
Libya
New violence flares in Libya city New violence flares in Libya city New violence has been reported in Libya's second city, Benghazi, with troops said to have opened fire again on anti-government protesters.
At least 15 people were killed and many more wounded, unconfirmed reports say. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as army snipers opened fire. Some reports spoke of missiles being fired.
Bahrain
Bahrain protests: Your stories (BBC)
Anti-Government Movements Gain Traction as Yemen, Libya Face Crackdown (Voice of America)
Day of transformation in Bahrain's 'sacred square'
Algeria
Algeria's long haul towards liberty "This is not a Tunisian or Egyptian revolution," he explained, "which could be catastrophic in a society that knew the violence Algeria did in the 1990s."
Unrest Continues In Bahrain, Algeria, And Yemen
Morocco
MOROCCO: Rioting breaks out ahead of Sunday pro-reform protest What began as a protest against foreign control of Moroccan public services Saturday escalated into anti-government rioting that could presage volatile gatherings Sunday in a planned nationwide day of protest in demand of reform.
Yemen
Arrests as Yemeni People 'Determined to Oust Regime' At least four people were arrested on Saturday night as the protests in Yemen have entered a new phase with thousands of people continuing to take to the streets and hold sit-inns day and night demanding the removal of the regime.
Quote for Today
“A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference."
- Thomas Jefferson
Thomas used to add that every country worldwide should have one.
vendredi 18 février 2011
The Contagion–Egypt–Was the ousting of the President a victory?
Egypt protests, a way of its own to civil rights, a Bill of Rights and democratic institutions? Too soon to call looking at the latest Army’s decision Egypt's military bans strikes (BBC). The demonstrators focus on the ousting of the regime’s symbol was a risk to see very little change once won as the hard bargaining on Rights takes center stage.
The Contagion - Morocco - The regime braces for Day of rage
Morocco protests will test the regime's liberal guise. Popular demonstrations called for this Sunday will be a test of both public upset with the regime led by King Mohammed VI and how far Morocco – which claims to be more liberal than its north African neighbours – is prepared to tolerate protest.
The Contagion - Jordan–Back in the headlines this friday
Violence Erupts at Jordan Protest. AMMAN, Jordan — A protest turned violent here in the Jordanian capital on Friday as government supporters clashed with demonstrators calling for political change, injuring several, witnesses said.
Antigovernment protests, though rare for Jordan, have become routine on Fridays in the weeks since popular uprisings swept over Tunisia, Egypt and other parts of the region, but this was the first time that one ended in confrontation.
More bloodshed in Bahrain; revolts spread through Libya, Kuwait, Yemen and Jordan
The Contagion – From Morocco to Iran, the lack of Liberty and no Bill of Rights claims a toll, regimes under fire.
Play Video Video:Waves of change wash of Mideast AP By Dan Murphy Dan Murphy – Fri Feb 18, 1:51 pm ET Cairo – The stunning victories of Tunisians and Egyptians in ousting their entrenched dictators have set imaginations alight across the Middle East and further.
The Contagion–Libya–Gaddafi hits back, shutting off electricity and communications
Libya has taken a series of measures, including blocking internet sites and shutting off electricity to protest areas, to try to quell rising unrest.
The Contagion - Amnesty says 46 killed by Libyan security forces
LONDON Feb 18 (Reuters) - Human rights group Amnesty International said on Friday its sources had said Libyan security forces had shot dead at least 46 people in the past three days.
Amnesty said in a statement sources at al-Jala hospital in Benghazi had reported 28 deaths and more than 110 people injured in Thursday's protests in the city, and at least three further deaths on Friday.
Local human rights activists reported at least 15 deaths on Thursday during protests in the nearby town of Al Bayda, an Amnesty International spokeswoman said.
"This alarming rise in the death toll, and the reported nature of the victims' injuries, strongly suggests that security forces are permitted use lethal force against unarmed protesters calling for political change," said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa.
The Contagion - Moroccans mobilize online for anti-government protest,
We have no claims against the monarchy itself," Montasser Drissi, one of organizers of the so-called February 20 Movement, told The Associated Press on Friday. "We want a government that represents the people, and not the elite.
"The 19-year-old Driss is among a smattering of young people who have used a Facebook campaign and YouTube videos to try to tap the kind of energy that drove young protesters in nearby Tunisia. That energy, the Moroccan activists hope, will bring crowds to the street in marches in several towns and cities Sunday.
More… (The Canadian Press)
The Contagion–Heading South for now and gaining pace East and West(Update)
Man dies after setting self on fire outside Senegal presidency in latest self ... This self-immolation comes on the heels of similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Senegal's neighbour to the north, Mauritania.
Bahrain royal family orders army to turn on the people. Bahrain's ruling family has defied mounting international criticism by ordering the army to turn on its people for the first time since pro-reform demonstrations erupted five days ago.
Bahrain protest: 'The regime must fall, and we will make sure it does'. Ali Ismail had helped wash the body of a dead protester for burial and he was already talking of more blood. "We will go to them and they will attack us," he said of Bahrain's riot police. Within hours he was proved correct.
Bahraini troops fire on peaceful protesters in chaotic scene.
"We are peaceful. We don't even have a rock," cried Mohammad, a 26-year-old laborer, as the throng shouted, "The victory is from Allah and it will be with us" and "Down, down, Khalifa" and "Tell the world. Tell the world. We are peaceful."
MANAMA, Bahrain -- Bahraini troops fired live ammunition and tear gas Friday at thousands of peaceful protesters in the capital's main square, causing dozens of casualties. People carrying men, women and children - some bleeding from bullet wounds, others overcome by tear gas - crowded into Salmanya Medical Center, where the frantic, overwhelmed staff struggled to cope.
Eyewitness: Carnage in Bahrain as the Military Opens Fire (Time)
Bahrain's Violent Crackdown Hardens Opposition (Time)
Algeria braces for more protests. Protesters against Algeria's military regime are to hold further pro-democracy demonstrations on Saturday, despite the government's promise to end the state of emergency that has gripped the country for 19 years.
The Contagion - Libyan crackdown on protesters kills 24: rights group
In a detailed account of the unrest in Benghazi and Al-Baida, the New York-based organisation -- quoting unidentified witnesses -- told of security forces opening fire with live ammunition on peaceful demonstrators on Thursday..../...In Libya's second city Benghazi, Human Rights Watch said hundreds of lawyers, activists and other protesters had gathered on Thursday at the local courthouse to call for a constitution and respect for the rule of law.
The Contagion - Mid-East unrest: The discontent shaping new Arab world
Yemen - Two Days Ago - Royal Navy frees Yemeni fishermen from pirates
The Contagion - From Morocco to Iran - Right to Freedom and a Bill of Rights storm a large part of the World
SANAA (Reuters) - Thousands of rival demonstrators gathered in different areas of the Yemeni city of Taiz Friday in a contest between supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and those demanding an end to his 32 years in power.
Libyans bury dead after clashes
Funerals for those killed, expected in both Benghazi and Al Bayda, could act as a catalyst for more protests. Libya is set for renewed displays of public anger towards their governments, as protesters bury people killed in recent clashes.
More protests break out in several areas in Bahrain
"With our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice ourselves for the martyrs," some chanted.
Many in the crowd carried black flags or Bahraini flags, and some referred to security forces involved in the crackdown as "criminals."
Protesters began to gather in several areas of Bahrain Friday morning, a day after a violent police and military crackdown left four dead and scores wounded.
Thousands rally for funerals in Bahrain
At least four people were killed and hundreds injured when security forces cleared demonstrators from Pearl Square earlier. Mourners waved banners and shouted slogans against the Government, the BBC reports. Some said they were ready to die for change.
Tanks protect Bahraini capital as protests spread
"all we want is freedom - revolution until we get it" could be heard during the funerals.
One opposition leader said: "We have to continue peaceful protests...we want to change the whole regime."
Protester killed in new Yemen demo
Protesters in Yemen's southern port city of Aden have set fire to the municipal building and a demonstrator has been killed, witnesses said, as protests stretch into an eighth day.
Hundreds of protesters also demonstrated in the country's second largest city, Taiz, demanding the removal of the president Ali Abdullah Saleh, a key US ally in battling al Qaida.
A call spread by Facebook and Twitter is urging Yemenis to join a series of "One Million People" rallies on a so-called "Friday of Rage" in all Yemeni cities.
The Contagion - Morocco - Ahead of the 20th "Day of Rage " panicking foreign speculators rushing to the exit
Battle of pro-and anti-20-February-protest Raging onlin...
The associations that signed the statement are calling for "reform of the Moroccan Constitution." In their view,... “I want to be an example to other women, so we can [eventually] see women driving taxis,..
jeudi 17 février 2011
The Contagion - Algeria - Top former Algerian leader calls for political change
One of Algeria's founding fathers urges reform
ALGIERS (Reuters) - One of the founders of the Algerian state has called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to respond to the wave of unrest in the Arab world by replacing a system of rule he called undemocratic and out of date.
The Contagion - Morocco - Getting ready for a "day of rage" on feb the 20th
Twenty Moroccan associations of human rights are joining the Feb 20th protest and are asking for changes in the constitution of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Group of 20 has now an address : Morocco Board News Service 
The anti-March campaign has been ugly, furious and downright dirty.
Morocco: Video of Viral Protest Campaign for Feb. 20th
The restive Maghreb: Don't count your dominoes
In Morocco there is more space for peaceful protest. Even so, as protesters gather, the government is getting twitchy.
The Contagion - Morocco, Nigeria - Middle East protest: Country by country - Getting very tense in Morocco.
Nigeria: Reading the Arab Street
The Contagion - Iran - Internet censored, media gagged in Iran to sabotage pro-democracy protests
Could 'domino effect' sweep Middle East?
Following the fall of the presidents of Egypt and Tunisia, unrest has also spread to Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria and to a lesser extent, Jordan and Morocco. The question being asked is, "Could a domino effect sweep more leaders from power? Will the protesters go ahead with Change YES and Change NOW!?
The Contagion - BAHREIN - 4 DEAD AFTER POLICE ATTACK, OVER 100 INJURED
Bahrain, from pearls to protests
Amateur footage: riot police fire on Bahrain protest camp
Riot police have fired teargas and rubber bullets into a crowd of demonstrators in Manama, Bahrain, to end three days of demonstrations. Gunfire echoed in the Bahraini capital last night as protesters ran through the streets.
The Contagion - Libya - 'Day of rage' planned in Libya
Two die in Libya protests
At least two peaceful anti-government demonstrators have been killed by Libyan security forces near the country’s second largest city, Benghazi, as protesters plan continued calls for change on Thursday.
Information is difficult to come by from the country, as communications and the Internet is slow, with reports from activists that the government could shut down all communications with the outside world in the near future.
Four dead ahead of Libya 'Day of Anger:' opponents (AFP)
TRIPOLI — At least four people were killed in clashes with Libyan security forces, opposition websites and NGOs said on Thursday, as the country faced a nationwide "Day of Anger" called by cyber-activists. Anti-government activists in Libya have been using social networking sites to rally support for protests on what they are describing as a "day of anger".
Libya protests: Activists call for 'day of anger'
There were reports of clashes in two cities late on Wednesday, with up to four people reported dead in the eastern city of Beyida. up to four
Dozens of people were injured in violent demonstrations on Tuesday night in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The unrest there followed the detention of an outspoken government critic.
mardi 15 février 2011
The Contagion - Morocco - "Moroccan movement of 20 February" call for protests (not confirmed)
Morocco fears Algeria may stir Western Sahara unrest
UPDATE 1-Morocco boosts 2011 subsidies amid regional unrest
The Contagion - Bahrein, Iran, - Bahrain protesters turn up the heat
Demonstration against monarchy in Morocco and Bahrain
Iran protests 'going nowhere', says Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Will Iran See A 'Wave Of Protests' Like Egypt's? Probably Not, Reporter Says
Analysis: Protests show Iran opposition alive, changing
The ongoing protests in Bahrain and Yemen
I'd say that, the terrible events of WW2 must not be used in today's political debate heated or not to score political points, it is shameful and wrong. It should be kept when it is appropriate, should a party or individuals to claim they are inspired by known crimes and are willing to repeat.
The Contagion - Algeria - Algeria town hit by new clashes
The Contagion - Bahrein & Yemen - Protesters and loyalists clash in Yemen (Round Up 1)
Feb 15 (Reuters) - Bahrain's Shi'ite opposition bloc Wefaq suspended its membership in parliament on Tuesday after two Shi'ite villagers were killed in clashes with police, a parliamentarian from the bloc said.
"This is the first step. We want to see dialogue," said Ibrahim Mattar, a Wefaq parliamentarian. "In the coming days, we are either going to resign from the council or continue." (Writing by Cynthia Johnston)
Two killed as more Bahrain protests called
Mourner killed in clashes at Bahrain protester funeral
Bahrain to probe protest deaths
Bahrain uprising shifts to Egypt-style gathering in main square
Protesters and loyalists clash in Yemen
Clashes break out in Yemen, parliamentarian hurt
Press TV reports Saudi troops on their way to Bahrein ( not confirmed)
Existing regimes of protection (it is called, never mind the french don't practice...)
52. This article relates to the combination of the charter with domestic legislation or international agreements laying down a legal status for linguistic minorities.
53. Where certain languages or the minorites who practise them already enjoy a status defined in domestic law or under international agreements, the purpose of the charter is clearly not to reduce the rights and guarantees recognised by those provisions. However, the protection afforded by the charter is additional to the rights and guarantees already granted by other instruments. For the application of all these undertakings, where competing provisions exists on the same subject the most favourable provisions should be applied to the minorities or languages concerned. Thus the existence of more restrictive provisions in domestic law or under other international undertakings must not be an obstacle to the application of the charter.
So, whatever any constitutional or else laws may say about these populations, first it can't be an obstacle for the protection afforded by the charter and second it is confirmed with the most favourable provisions must be applied to the minorities or languages concerned. Any other consideration is secondary unless the taste for the rule of law has ceased. These provisions are the law within the EU. I don't see the point you wanna make....?
lundi 14 février 2011
The Contagion & The Press - No shared happiness it seems so far
The Contagion - Nigeria jumps on the short list
The Contagion - Algeria - Arab Revolution: Will Algeria's Regime Be The Next to Fall?
Algeria Shuts Down Social Media Websites As Protests Grow
Algeria order talk raises hopes for dairy prices
The Contagion - Yemen - Rising violence on fourth day of Yemen protests
The Contagion - Algeria - Algeria to lift state of emergency in 'coming days,' minister says
Algeria lifts emergency rule as protests rage (Times of India)
Algerian opposition announces new march, despite ban (Sydney Morning)
Algeria's foreign minister dismisses protest marches as work of minority (The Canadian Press)
Egypt - Egyptian labor unrest grows after uprising
The statement by the ruling military council that took power from Mubarak appeared to be a final warning to protest organizers in labor and professional unions before the army intervenes and imposes an outright ban on gatherings, strikes and sit-ins.
The Contagion - Yemen - Yemenis protest against president for 4th day
Police who had been trying to keep the sides apart locked several thousand fleeing protesters inside the Sanaa University campus near where they were rallying to stem the bloodshed. Five people were wounded in the melee, an opposition source said.
dimanche 13 février 2011
The Contagion & Business - On the rise today
Saudi Arabia’s stock market, the largest in the Arab world and the only to open on Saturday, was flat, after adding 0.4 per cent the day before. Egypt’s exchange remains closed, but Moroccan equities gained 0.3 per cent on Sunday.
The Contagion - Update
Egypt military dissolves parliament
Egypt's military leaders have dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution, meeting two key demands of protesters.
Asia - Uneasy ceasefire holds on Thai-Cambodian border
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruffling of Thailand with threats of "war" shows how a growing alliance with China is allowing him to stand up to his neighbor and, in the process, boost his credentials at home.
The Contagion - Algeria, Yemen, Iran and Bahrain on the stop and go.
It is the third straight day of anti-government protests
samedi 12 février 2011
Jordan - Press - Jordan Press Association at unease with some reports, AFP and Reuters in the eye of the storm
Her latest “report”, “Jordan Tribes Break Taboo by Targeting Queen”, contains serious allegations against Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and the Yasin family, in which there is no truth whatsoever. Amongst several other false allegations, the “report” claims that land and farms belonging to the Jordanian people were given to the Yasin family.
Algeria - The Contagion - The next Egypt?
Now revolution takes hold in Algeria: '30000' riot police try to quell ...
Algeria: Protesters Clash With Riot Police
Thousands in Algeria defy ban on protests, march in Algiers to demand pro ...
Saharawis at unease over Algeria, Morocco unrest
Crowds attend pro-democracy rally in Algeria
Protesters chanted slogans including "no to the police state" and "Bouteflika out," a reference to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999.
vendredi 11 février 2011
Wildfire Of Hope Spreads Across Middle East
But this may not be enough, even oil rich Algeria has failed to keep a lid on things. This week a group of men stabbed themselves in a symbolic act of protest and opposition groups have promised a weekend of 'rage'.
Even Syria, which has been ruled with an iron grip for more than 40 years by the Baath party and dominated by the Assad family, is facing widespread demonstrations.
Middle East braces for more protest after Mubarak resigns
France under pressure in aftermath of Tunisia unrest
PARIS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- With Egypt taking over from Tunisia to become the center of unrest in the Arab world, France, the biggest residence for Arab Muslims in Europe, is trying hard to redress its foreign image over allegations of early meddling and inefficient response.
The former colonizer and close rally of several more developed North African countries initially was blamed for supporting ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was later refused to land on its territory in fear of Tunisian immigrants' rising rage.
Tunisia - Italy warns of an immigration 'emergency' due to North African unrest
Italy says it can no longer depend on Tunisia to take back undocumented immigrants since the country's January coup. Italy's interior minister has warned of a brewing "humanitarian emergency," as hundreds arrive by boat.
Italy appealed to the European Union Friday for help in stemming an immigration "emergency," as hundreds of undocumented immigrants arrived by boat from Tunisia.
Italian coast guards have intercepted six boats carrying hundreds of people, most of them from Tunisia. The latest was found Friday, carrying 181 people and has been taken to the tiny island of Lampedusa, where more than 1,000 people have landed in the past three days.
Hundreds of Tunisians Fleeing Unrest Arrive on Italian Island of ...
The Contagion–Not making everybody happy
Al-Hayat Columnist: Thanks to America's Foreign Policy, Iran Can Achieve Hegemony Even Without Nuclear Weapons
Columnist in Saudi Al-Watan: Obama's Policy in the Middle East Has Failed
Jordanian Broadcasting Authority Director: "All that Is Left for Barack Obama to Do... Is to... Come Swiftly to Cairo [and] Join the Rebels in Tahrir Square"
Perhaps the American president… did not anticipate that his populist, inciting statements and declarations would yield the opposite result [of what he intended]... His hasty statements did not win the favor of Egypt or its people, [but, on the contrary,] enraged them and led them to reject [his words] and all outside intervention in their domestic affairs... In light of all this, there is nothing left to say to the Americans but what 'Abd Al-Rahman Al-Dakhil [founder of the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba in Andalusia in eighth century CE], said when asked why the Umayyad [empire] had collapsed: 'You abandoned your friends and lost them; you tried to curry favor with your enemies but failed to win them over.' Naturally, at the top of the [U.S.'s] list of enemies are the Muslim Brotherhood and all those who have good, strong relations with Iran."
Please, STOP bulsheeting!
mercredi 9 février 2011
Libya - The Contagion? - A journalist in Egypt signals the Libyan police opened fire on a large demonstration in a city, center of the country
Who has got what?
So far,
Libyan held on traffic charge after protest call
TRIPOLI, Feb 9 (Reuters) - A writer who called for peaceful mass protests in Libya like those in Tunisia and Egypt has been arrested on the pretext of an alleged car accident, Amnesty International said.
Libyan Leader Mu'ammar Qaddhafi has threatened to punish the media in his country if they take steps that generate anarchy like that in Egypt and Tunisia.
He expressed concern and anger at events in Egypt.
Qaddhafi's statements were in response to calls spread by the Libyan opposition on the internet for a "Day of Rage" on June 17.
Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, February 9, 2011
mardi 8 février 2011
Egypt - Activist's tears may be game changer in Egypt
lundi 7 février 2011
World - Law & Order - No jokes with Malawi's legislations you are warned, Malawi row over whether a new law
US starts process to drop Sudan from terrorism list
Sudan - The Contagion, halted? - Arrest prior to the protests of 10 journalists working for al-Midan, 200 students in Sennar state were dispersed
FREEDOMS, SANCTITIES, RIHTS AND DUTIES
CHAPTER I
FREEDOMS, SANCTITIES AND RIGHTS
Freedom of creed and worship
24. Every human being shall have the right of freedom of conscience and religious creed, and he shall have the right to declare his religion or creed, and manifest the same by way of worship, education, practice or performance of rites or ceremonies; and no one shall be coerced to adopt such faith, as he does not believe in, nor to practice rites or services he does not voluntarily consent to; and that is without prejudice to the right of choice of religion, injury to the feelings of others, or to public order, all as may be regulated by law.
Freedom of thought and expression
25. There shall be guaranteed for citizens the freedom of pursuing any science or adopting any doctrine of opinion or thought without coercion by authority; and there shall be guaranteed the freedom of expression, reception of information, publication and the press without prejudice Security, order, safety and public morals, all as regulated by law.
Freedom of association and organization
26. (1) Citizens shall have the right of association and organization for cultural social, economic, professional or trade union purposes without restriction save in accordance with the law.
(2) There shall be guaranteed for citizens the right to organize political association; and shall not be restricted save by the condition of consultative decision making and democracy in the leadership of the organization, and use of propagation not material force in competition and abiding by the fundamentals of the Constitution, that as regulated by law.
Sanctity of cultural communities
27. There shall be guaranteed for every community or group of citizens the right to preserve their particular culture, language or religion, and rear children freely within the framework of their particularity, and the same shall not by coercion be effaced.
Sanctity of earning and property
28. (1) Every person shall have his right to acquire property and knowledge, and shall enjoy the privacy of his earning; and there shall be no expropriation of whatever he has gained of livelihood, property, land, invention, or manual, scientific, literary or artistic production, save by such law as may charge him with the tax of contribution for public need or public interest in consideration of just
Compensation.
(2) No taxes, fees, or other fiscal dues shall be levied save by law.
Inviolability of communication and privacy
29. (1) There shall be guaranteed for citizens the freedom and secrecy of communication and correspondence; and the same shall neither be tapped nor perused save upon controls provided by law.
(2) All privacies of a human being in residence, livings, effects and family shall be inviolabilities not to be infringed save upon permission or by law.
Immunity against detention
30. A human being is free. He shall neither be arrested, detained, nor confined, save by such law that shall require stating the charge, the duration of detention, facilitation of release and respect for dignity in treatment.
dimanche 6 février 2011
An Eye on the Storm -
Sudan army mutiny in southern oil state, 50 killed (Reuters)
Suleiman holds talks on Egypt reforms
Tunisia : Unrest and violence goes on, Sunday a young man get killed in clashes with the police in the south (french)
Tunisie : les violences continuent
Tunisia takes steps to halt "security breakdown
TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia suspended activities of the former ruling party on Sunday, saying it acted to prevent a breakdown in security after some of the worst unrest since the president was ousted in a revolt last month.
Middle east :
Jordan - Attack on Egypt gas line forces Kingdom to use fuel reserves
Asia :
Thai-Cambodia firing flares again
Thai, Cambodian troops clash again in disputed territory (Reuters)
Thai and Cambodian soldiers fought with rockets, guns and tanks on Sunday in a third day of clashes over disputed territory surrounding a 900-year-old Hindu temple, the area's worst fighting in years.
EU - Following an interview to a media in which Turkish Ambassador Ecvet Tezcan told the Austrian home secretary to “stop intervening
Watch :