Jordan’s King Fears “Jihadist State” in Syria
The monarch warns Syria could become “a base for extremist and terrorist groups.”
Middle East and North Africa
Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Syria Crosses “Red Line”
Syria’s government and rebels accuse each other of deploying a chemical weapons agent.
Netanyahu Excludes Religious Parties from Ruling Coalition
Centrists are expected to replace right-wing religious parties in Israel’s government.
Court Suspends Egypt’s Parliamentary Elections
Egypt’s legislative elections are pushed back by an administrative court’s decision.
Egypt’s Opposition Tactics: Mayhem, Canal City Strikes
“Black Bloc” protesters wreck havoc while Port Said resorts to civil disobedience.
Iranian Foreign Minister Signals Support for Assad
The regime in Tehran stands by their man, Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad.
Iraq’s Maliki Warns Assad’s Fall Could Destabilize Region
Regime change in Syria could threaten the Iraqi leader’s own political survival.
Iraq Says Turkey to Cancel Kurdistan Pipeline
Turkey appears to have changed position in its oil export dispute with Baghdad.
As Civil War Drags On, Syrians Less Likely to Talk
Neither side in Syria’s civil war is interested in sitting down for peace talks.
In Cairo, a Free Market Experiment Underway
Entrepreneurs profit from the lack of regulation in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square.
Syria Arming Civilians Sympathetic to Regime
With Iran’s help, Syria’s Assad regime is building up a loyalist citizen militia.
Syria Says Israel Attacked Damascus “Research Site”
The airstrike’s target may actually have been a convoy carrying missiles.
Army Chief Warns Egypt on the Brink of Collapse
Egypt’s military might not actually be that concerned about the rising political unrest.
Iraq Rushes to Contain Violence After Shooting
Iraq tries to prevent escalation after Sunni protesters are killed by government forces.
Egypt Suffers Foreign Exchange, Fuel Shortages
The new Islamist government hasn’t been able to remedy Egypt’s economic problems.