The Middle-East Observer
Syria
Interview: Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu discusses France’s decision to criminalize any public denial of the 1915 Armenian genocide, as well as the current violence in Syria and the EU’s embargo on Iranian oil. France24, France About these ads
Opinion: Most Syrians back President Assad, but you’d never know from western media
A recent poll by The Doha Debates, is a good indicator of two things: 55% of Syrians do not want Bashar Al-Assad to resign and western medias do not believe this information to be important enough to be published or even discussed. The Doha Debates is funded by the Qatar Foundation which in turn is … Continue reading
Analysis: Possible way out for Syrian regime
In the face of massive unrest at home, international condemnation for its handling of the unrest, and rumors of foreign intervention, the Assad regime may have a way out, says Osama Al Sharif. The Arab League’s weak monitoring mission, the United States’ distractions in an election year, Europe’s dealing with a fiscal crisis, and Russia … Continue reading
Analysis: ‘Hezbollah has long-range surface-to-air missiles’
The Israeli army is reevaluating the threat from Lebanon as it will now operate under the assumption that Hezbollah is in possession of advanced weapons system obtained since the beginning of the upheaval in Syria. These weapons systems include sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile and Russian-made air-defense systems. Jerusalem Post, Israel Click here for the full story
Iranian Revolutionary Guard could be planning attack in Turkey
Intelligence sources are warning that the Qud’s Force, a special unit within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard that is known for its overseas operations, is planning a series of demonstrations and attacks within Turkey. It is believed that the U.S. consulate general and embassy are potential targets for a bomb attack. These reports, if true, could demonstrate … Continue reading
Report: Abu Marzouk leaves Damascus for Cairo
Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’ politburo, and his family have left Damascus to move to Cairo. Ynetnews, Israel Click here for the full story
Debate: The cost of Syria’s crackdown
Ten months of protests and a violent crackdown have taken a severe toll on the Syrian economy. Its currency is weakening, the recession is deepening and the government is so short of cash that it has been forced to levy a special tax on state workers. Is Syria facing a severe economic decline? And are … Continue reading
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it is committed to defense treaty with Syria
While it responded to accusation of involvement in the repression Syria by saying it has not interfered, the Iranian government stressed its commitment to the mutual defense agreement biding Syria and Iran. A source within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran views the situation in Syria as a domestic affair, and it will definitely intervene … Continue reading
‘I was threatened with death for doing my job’, says Arab League observer to Syria
An Algerian delegate who resigned from the Arab League’s observer mission in Syria details the Assad regime’s methods of intimidation and provocation in its attempt to keep the observers quiet. Assad’s tactics included death threats, public humiliation and sexual seduction, according to the delegate. He went on to say that Homs should be declared a … Continue reading
Arab League will consider sending troops to Syria: Moussa
“The Arab League council will meet very soon to study the issue of replacing the monitoring mission with an Arab military force to separate between the army and civilians,” Moussa said. “We should not rule out any proposal from the head of an Arab state. Let the Arab League study the initiative quickly because the situation … Continue reading
Opinion: Observing the Observers
With more than 5,000 dead following the Syrian uprising, there was great hope within the Syrian opposition that the Arab League’s Observers would bring protection and security. Now, that optimism has given way to anger, questions over the Observers’ legitimacy and failed efforts have boiled to the surface. Foreign Policy, United States Click here for … Continue reading
IDF preparing to take in Syrian refugees
IDF preparing to take in Syrian refugees
Poll: Arabs want Syria’s President Assad to go, but most Syrians don’t
An opinion poll conducted in December found that while 81% of Arabs want Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign, 55% of Syrians do not want him to step down The Doha Debates, Qatar Click here for the full story
Hamas leaders are mediating between Arab League and Damascus
The head of the Arab League praised Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal for his role in trying to broker peace in Syria following meeting at the league’s headquarters in Cairo. Al Ahram, Egypt Click here for the full story
Report: Armed groups trained in Jordan, Turkey infiltrate Syria
In the past two months, Syrian and Arab volunteers infiltrated Syria after completing their training on street fighting, mine and improvised explosive devices planting, storming military barracks and security centers. These fighters infiltrated Syrian territory from Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and the Kurdish and Sunni regions of Iraq. Al Bawaba, Jordan Click here for the full … Continue reading
Analysis: Doubts over Syria rebel army after escalation threat
Threats by Syrian armed insurgents to step up attacks on security forces, just days after their leader announced a truce that was largely ignored, have reinforced doubts over the control top officers exert over rebel fighters on the ground. Reuters, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: Assad: friend or foe of the Kurds?
Syria’s suppressed Kurdish minority seems to be hedging its bets during the uprising, siding with neither the regime of Bashar Al Assad nor the groups keen to overthrow him until they can determine which side will offer the most benefits. The National, United Arab Emirates Click here for the full story
Israel worried Syria weapons going to terrorists
Concern is growing in Israel over the possibility that Syria’s arsenal of chemical weapons will fall into terrorist hands amid predictions that President Bashar Assad’s regime will fall in the coming weeks. Syria is believed to have one of the most extensive chemical weapon arsenals in the world, reportedly including sarin, VX and mustard gas. Jerusalem Post, Israel … Continue reading
Report: Assad to meet Hamas leadership
Syrian President Bashar Assad is expected to meet with Damascus-based representatives of the Palestinian factions in the coming days, including the heads of Hamas. Assad’s relationship with Hamas leadership has been rocky since March 2011, when Syria plunged into civil unrest. Ynetnews, Israel Click here for the full story
Arab League chief says Assad’s regime pulled out tanks from cities, freed 3,500 prisoners
Syria’s government has withdrawn heavy weapons from inside cities and freed about 3,500 prisoners but security forces continue to kill protesters even with foreign monitors in the country, the Arab League chief said Monday. Associated Press, United States Click here for the full story
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