Egypt - For the first time in modern history, an Arab leader is being tried in his own court. Mubarak was on his back the whole time, quiet till the charges were read. He denied them, wagging his finger and as alert as ever.
Libya – Rebels beat back Qaddafi attack on Zlintan. The Libyan National Transitional Council in Benghazi is fighting both at al Brega and in Benghazi, as 5th-column Qaddafi loyalists in the Abiid brigade were rolled up on the 2nd of August.
Syria – The al Assad regime tries to apply fear and terror to Hama residents, deploying 25 tanks, calling artillery on neighborhoods, and placing snipers on the roofs. Over 200 have been killed in Hama this past week. With little water and no electricity, cities like Hama have become humanitarian disaster zones. Meanwhile, for the first time, the UN passes a non-binding 'statement of concern.' India, South Africa, and Lebanon also resist incriminating the Syrian Ba'athi regime. Russia and China may be re-questioning their opposition because, after four months, the regime can only commit violence against its people. Assad: Time to go.
Yemen – The suspense continues but it seems unlikely that Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh will voluntarily give up power, without guarantees of immunity. Immunity and impunity do not go together, however. Meanwhile, war breaks out in the south, and just to the north of Sana'a, where a rebellious tribe is currently fighting the army (commanded by Saleh's sons) for control over Sana'a's airport.
By JPM
Look carefully at Syria. You can see Turkey and Saudi Arabia pull together in opposition to the murder of Sunni Syrians by Alawite mercenaries.
ReplyDeleteIsrael: demonstrations break out just as planned. See our posting two weeks ago.
Libyan rebels tipping the balance, as wire-guided munitions are introduced. An advance on Tripoli through Zlintan and Zawiye will deprive Qaddafi of his last oil terminal.