Middle East Update

CCCLIX

Wow have I been busy! But, I tried my best to sneak in a quasi-update, though I don’t have much on all the North African mess.

General

Islamophobia Is Bad for Business
http://www.bostonreview.net/BR38.1/massoud_hayoun_islamophobia_business_china_middle_east.php

Syria

Syrian troops and militia push to take Sunni Homs areas
http://news.yahoo.com/syria-sends-ground-forces-try-seize-sunni-areas-105159473.html

Women join ranks of Assad forces in Syria’s Homs
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jan-23/203464-women-join-ranks-of-assad-forces-in-syrias-homs.ashx#axzz2IUj2ywhZ

Maghreb

Interactive: Mali Speaks
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2013/01/201312113451635182.html

Levant

Op-ed: Moderate parties’ refusal to form political alliance with Arab factions a worrying trend bordering on racism
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4332903,00.html

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu challenged for right-wing vote
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21088844

Dramatic surprise in Israeli elections
http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/22/dramatic-surprise-in-israeli-elections/

Palestinian youth call for own university in Lebanon
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2013/Jan-23/203460-palestinian-youth-call-for-own-university-in-leban.ashx#axzz2IUj2ywhZ

Putting governmental puzzle pieces together
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4336033,00.html

Barak: US plans ‘surgical strike’ if Iran sanctions fail
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4337098,00.html

Khaleej

UAE Council applauds first female Speaker
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/uae-council-applauds-first-female-speaker?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=hmp&utm_campaign=sm

UAE most connected country in Arab world
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights/economics/uae-most-connected-country-in-arab-world

Egypt

16 die in Egypt riot after soccer violence verdict
http://news.yahoo.com/16-die-egypt-riot-soccer-violence-verdict-123337826.html

The state of Egypt’s revolution
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2013/01/201312672536410414.html

Iran

Potential Presidential Candidate Says Iran Needs Moderates
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/dec/1153.html?

Growing up gay in Iranhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/iran-blog/2013/jan/13/growing-gay-iran-tehranbureau

Iranian MPs line up behind Supreme Leader on election issue
http://www.payvand.com/news/13/jan/1122.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Iran-Turkey relations irreversible. Trade may reach $100B: Envoy
http://www.payvand.com/news/13/jan/1128.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Khomeini’s Granddaughter On Iran’s ‘Critical Situation,’ Sanctions, Facebook
http://www.rferl.org/content/khomeini-granddaughter-iran-critical-situation-/24824197.html

Former Iranian MPs call for direct U.S.-Iran talks
http://www.payvand.com/news/13/jan/1150.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Ahmadinejad: Iran must reduce oil dependence
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/20131170271867822.html

CCCLVIII

Syria

UN envoy calls for interim Syria government
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012122711238644206.html

Russia invites the head of opposition Syria National Coalition for talks, Deputy Foreign Minister says
http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/russia-invites-head-opposition-syria-national-coalition-talks-deputy-foreign-minister

Syrian Rebels Step Up Siege of Northern Airbase
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/turkish-officials-2-syrian-generals-defect

Battle for Syrian City Lays Both Sides’ Weaknesses Bare
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/world/middleeast/battle-for-aleppo-shows-weaknesses-of-both-sides.html?smid=tw-share

Supporting non-violence in Syria
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/12/20/supporting_non_violence_in_syria?wp_login_redirect=0

Egypt

Egypt probes alleged incitement to oust Morsi
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012122842320389703.html

Levant

Unprecedented East Jerusalem Building in Pipeline
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_SETTLEMENT_SURGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Khaleej

Man shot dead as police clash with Shi’ites in Saudi Arabia
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/saudi-shiite-shooting-idUSL5E8NS3LP20121228

A respite in Kuwait?
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/12/21/a_respite_in_kuwait

Arab media dinosaurs meet in Bahrain
http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#arab_media_dinosaurs_meet_in_bahrain

Iraq

Anti-Maliki protests continue in Iraq
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/12/2012122875346526845.html

Iran

Iran Navy launches drill to display capabilities, send friendship message
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/12/28/280501/iran-launches-specialized-naval-drill/

Japan’s November Iran Oil Imports Surge to Most Since March
http://origin-www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-27/japan-s-november-iran-oil-imports-surge-to-most-since-march-1-.html

Turkey

Turkish Journalist Accused of Terrorist Plot Is Freed Pending Trial
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/world/europe/soner-yalcin-owner-and-editor-of-odatv-freed-from-prison.html?_r=1&

CCCLVII

General

Turkey beats out Iran.

Number of jailed journalists sets global record
http://www.cpj.org/reports/2012/12/imprisoned-journalists-world-record.php

Al Qaeda 3.0: Terrorism’s Emergent New Power Bases
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/03/al-qaeda-3-0-terrorism-s-emergent-new-power-bases.html

Syria

Panetta Says Syria Chemical Threat Has Slowed
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=166938321

Stalemate stokes anger at rebels in Aleppo
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/12/20121211125010153551.html

Bashar Is bombing us.
http://7ee6an.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/bashar-is-bombing-us/

Kurdish National Council joins the opposition coalition, foreign reserves shrink
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=556aeef60722f6e5811ea2519&id=cb1a81716d&e=dcaf978bc3

Supreme Leader Denies Iran’s Culpability for Syrian Bloodshed
http://iranpulse.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/12/984/supreme-leader-denies-irans-culpability-for-syrian-bloodshed/

Exclusive: UK military in talks to help Syria rebels
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/exclusive-uk-military-in-talks-to-help-syria-rebels-8399658.html

Syrian Rebels Capture Parts Of Army Base In North
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=166856720

Obama recognizes Syrian opposition coalition
http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/11/world/us-syria-opposition/index.html

U.S. blacklists al-Nusra Front fighters in Syria
http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/11/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html

‘Friends of Syria’ face familiar divisions
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-12/198171-friends-of-syria-face-familiar-divisions.ashx#axzz2EogT9Jq1

The Land of Topless Minarets and Headless Little Girls
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/12/11/the_land_of_topless_minarets_and_headless_little_girls

South Damascus a Battlefield, as Bodies Pile up, and Bread Crisis in Capital Worsens
http://www.juancole.com/2012/12/south-damascus-a-battlefield-as-bodies-pile-up-and-bread-crisis-in-capital-worsens.html

Damascus issues warrants for Hariri, Saqr, FSA official
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Dec-12/198170-damascus-issues-warrants-for-hariri-saqr-fsa-official.ashx#axzz2EogT9Jq1

Maghreb

Libya ex-PM al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi on trial in Tripoli
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20668492

Libyans Say Sharia Will Be Law of the Land
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/11/libyans-say-sharia-will-be-law-of-the-land.html

Levant

UN tells Israel to let in nuclear inspectors
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/04/un-tells-israel-nuclear-inspectors?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9038

The War on Gaza and Iran-US Talks
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/dec/1090.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Bahrain

Lawyer: Sentence reduced for Bahrain activist
http://news.yahoo.com/lawyer-sentence-reduced-bahrain-activist-102707844.html;_ylt=A2KJjanvMchQwhUA3vbQtDMD

Um, wait, what?

Bahrain lauded for human rights support
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2012/12/10/Bahrain-lauded-for-human-rights-support/UPI-91181355161228/

Egypt

Egypt divided: The people mobilise for and against referendum
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/60321.aspx

Egypt: The president’s six hands
http://transitions.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/12/10/egypt_the_presidents_six_hands

Iran

US confused about Iran’s defense power: Cmdr.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/12/10/277312/iran-defense-power-confuses-us/

Iranian Reformists Call For Open Political Atmosphere
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/dec/1017.html

Keyhan article indicates discontent with Supreme Leader’s course across the political spectrum
http://iranpulse.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/12/973/keyhan-article-indicates-discontent-with-supreme-leaders-course-across-the-political-spectrum/
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/dec/1029.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Dr. Mohammad Maleki summoned and his house was searched
http://www.en-hrana.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=733:1&catid=20:cultural&Itemid=2

Iran arrests 28 over links to religious networks
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iU2k0lRhAnei8gmXpEUeV67sVYQQ?docId=9270a35e89354f5b9596e6971f8799ae

—

H/T EA WorldView

CCCLVI

General

A Muslim with a sense of humor discovers ignorance at a supermarket
http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/guest-commentary/Content?oid=3577365

The Truth About Attacks on Our Diplomats
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/10/libya-consulate-embassy-attacks-obama-romney

Syria

Syrian Internet cutoff may be precursor to Assad offensive
http://killerapps.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/29/syrian_internet_cutoff_may_be_precursor_to_assad_offensive

U.S. Weighs Bolder Effort to Intervene in Syria’s Conflict
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/world/us-is-weighing-stronger-action-in-syrian-conflict.html?hp&_r=0

Official Syrian Web Sites Hosted in U.S.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/world/middleeast/official-syrian-web-sites-hosted-in-us.html?_r=0

Damascus airport not accepting flights: regional airline
http://news.yahoo.com/damascus-airport-not-accepting-flights-regional-airline-080847763.html

Maghreb

GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham running campaign ads on Benghazi tragedy
http://americablog.com/2012/11/lindsey-graham-campaign-ads-benghazi-liby.html

Thousands march in violence-hit Tunisian town
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=462138

Levant

Hamas officials welcome UN recognition of Palestine
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543588&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Palestinian UN vote will hurt peace, says Israel’s Regev
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20552170

Ashrawi: UN vote rescued chances for peace
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=543584&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Palestinian Legal strategy against Israel: The Real Prize is Europe
http://www.juancole.com/2012/11/palestinian-legal-strategy-against-israel-the-real-prize-is-europe.html

Anonymous leaks personal information of 5,000 Israeli officials
http://rt.com/news/anonymous-israel-officials-leaked-002/

When It Comes to Israel, I Stand for People, Not Policies
http://www.tikkun.org/tikkundaily/2012/11/28/when-it-comes-to-israel-i-stand-for-people-not-policies/

Yemen

Family, neighbors of Yemeni killed by U.S. drone wonder why he wasn’t taken alive
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/11/28/175794/family-neighbors-of-yemeni-killed.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy

Khaleej

Kuwait opposition urges vote boycott on eve of election
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-kuwait-politics-idUSBRE8AT0GH20121130

Kuwait- Human rights defenders Yousif Al- Zhairy and Khaled Al- Battah arrested and detained as harassment of Bedoon community continues
http://gc4hr.org/news/view/289

Egypt

Egyptians protest after draft constitution raced through
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/30/us-egypt-president-idUSBRE8AM0DO20121130

Donilon on U.S.-Egyptian relations: “It is a challenge”
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/29/donilon_on_us_egyptian_relations_it_is_a_challenge

Egyptian labor between Morsi and Mubarak
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/11/28/power_grab_on_egypts_unions

Iran

Government in a Fog as Recession Looms … or Has It Arrived?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/11/dispatch-government-fumbles-as-recession-looms-or-has-it-arrived.html

Iran president raps Israel expansionism, warmongering
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/11/30/275329/iran-raps-israel-warmongering-policies/

Mashaei Amping Up for Election Season?
http://iranpulse.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/11/888/mashaei-amping-up-for-election-season/

Haddad Adel Opposes Amendment to the Elections Law
http://www.roozonline.com/english/news3/newsitem/archive/2012/november/29/article/haddad-adel-opposes-amendment-to-the-elections-law.html

—

H/T EA WorldView

CCCLV

Sorry folks, been real hectic, hard to find the time I once had.

Syria

Who are the Syrian opposition?
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/syria/121105/who-the-syrian-opposition

Syrian opposition groups reach unity deal
http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-opposition-groups-reach-unity-deal-163006686.html

A model leader for Syria?
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2012/1114/A-model-leader-for-Syria

Islamist-In-Chief
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/11/14/islamist_in_chief

Is Bashar al-Assad Syria’s Abraham Lincoln?
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/11/14/is_bashar-al-assad_syria’s_abraham_lincoln

New Type Of Shoulder Mounted Surface To Air Missile Captured By The Opposition
http://brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/new-type-of-shoulder-mounted-surface-to.html

Levant

To keep up on the goings on of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, I refer you to:

Israel-Palestine Live Coverage: Day 2 of Operation Pillar of Cloud
http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2012/11/15/israel-palestine-live-coverage-day-2-of-operation-pillar-of.html

Mending fences with Obama: Israel says it follows U.S. lead on Iran
http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/08/mending-fences-with-obama-israel-says-it-follows-u-s-lead-on-iran/

Israel drawn into Syria fighting for first time
http://news.yahoo.com/israel-drawn-syria-fighting-first-time-122327499.html

Female soldier rebuked for ‘offending’ religious comrades
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4304443,00.html

Iran

Iran To Probe Jailed Blogger’s Death
http://www.rferl.org/content/parliamentary-commitee-to-probe-jailed-bloggers-alleged-death/24767557.html

Report: UK says won’t aid US strike on Iran
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4297299,00.html

Iran To Israel And Back To Iran: Rita’s Music Goes Home
http://kuow.org/post/iran-israel-and-back-iran-ritas-music-goes-home

Israel launches Gaza offensive, kills Hamas commander
http://news.yahoo.com/top-hamas-commander-killed-israeli-airstrike-143218204.html

Serat News on Petraeus Scandal: ‘The Terrible Organization kneels before a woman!’
http://iranpulse.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/11/738/serat-news-on-petraeus-scandal-the-terrible-organization-kneels-before-a-woman/

Turkey

It’s not just in America.

AKP redraws Turkey despite opposition ire
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/akp-redraws-turkey-despite-opposition-ire.aspx?pageID=238&nID=34521&NewsCatID=338

CCCLIV

هالووين, hāllowīn – Halloween

General

The New Politics of Human Rights in the Middle East
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/30/the_new_politics_of_human_rights_in_the_middle_east

Syria

“State of the Internal Opposition,” by Ammar Abdulhamid
http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/?p=16142&cp=all

Qatar accuses Syrian government of genocide after failed truce
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/30/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?eref=edition&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=cnni

Kurds talk of intervention in Syria, raising danger of escalation
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/kurds-talk-of-intervention-in-syria-raising-danger-of-escalation

Fighting erupts between Western-backed “rebels” and Syrian Kurds
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/oct2012/syri-o30.shtml

Syria’s Kurds dare to dream of freedom
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/syrias-kurds-dare-to-dream-of-freedom

Turkey says ‘no point’ in dialogue with Syria
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iKUiHIrbxsWoMh3i192qFq7ciU5w?docId=CNG.493b5bfef777e0c4e6e2103828c1614e.6d1

Maghreb

Libya assembly stormed in new blow to forming govt
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iytzyP0c1bcybXNwcaTH39rpL72A?docId=CNG.83e9c50ca6905aaf7aae4a1dfe93edd1.3e1

Bahrain

Interior Minister: Unauthorized Rally Organizers Will Face Legal Action
http://www.policemc.gov.bh/en/news_details.aspx?type=1&articleId=15194

RT discusses banning of all protests (RT of course only pays attention to Western-backed dictatorships)
http://youtu.be/acAw70yI4SI

Manama: march in solidarity w/ Mr. Hassan Mushaima
http://youtu.be/HZH8fxabe_Y

Khaleej

Kuwait arrests opposition leader ahead of mass protest
http://rt.com/news/kuwait-opposition-leader-arrested-561/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Qatar: Detained ‘Jasmine uprising’ poet being tried in secret
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/qatar-detained-jasmine-uprising-poet-being-tried-secret-2012-10-29

Yemen

Building a Yemeni state while losing a nation
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/28/building_a_yemeni_state_at_the_loss_of_a_nation

Levant

Trading Away Peace: How Europe helps sustain illegal Israeli settlements
http://www.fidh.org/Trading-Away-Peace-How-Europe-12343

Bibi’s Mistake
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/10/30/bibis_mistake

Iran

EU foreign policy chief to meet with Iran negotiator soon
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/10/30/269588/eus-ashton-to-meet-with-jalili-soon/

US, EU Hopeful of New Iran Nuke Talks
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/clinton-eu-diplomats-joint-tour-balkans-17596378#.UJC8o7TB939

US Loosens Sanctions On Medicine Sales to Iran
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/iran-sanctions-medicine.html

Iran bans export of 50 goods as sanctions bite: report
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/30/us-iran-economy-idUSBRE89T0IG20121030

Iran sends mixed messages on effect of sanctions
http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=289748

Iran Civil Society: From International Awards to Economic Suffering
http://www.arsehsevom.net/2012/10/iran-civil-society-from-international-awards-to-economic-suffering/

Iran’s nuclear resistance
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/25/irans_nuclear_resistance

Turkey

Investigation launched over unsanctioned Republic Day rally
http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=296588

—

H/T EA WorldView

CCCLIII

Syria

The US Must Supply anti-Aircraft Missiles to the Syrian Opposition
http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/?p=15984

Syria: Despite Denials, More Cluster Bomb Attacks
http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/10/23/syria-despite-denials-more-cluster-bomb-attacks

Iraqi vice president: Iran supplying Assad through ground convoys
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/23/iraqi_vice_president_iran_supplying_assad_through_ground_convoys

Maghreb

Libya government says former Gadhafi spokesman captured
http://news.yahoo.com/libya-government-says-former-gaddafi-spokesman-captured-144312721.html

Amnesty report on Tunisia’s progress and concerns thereof
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE30/010/2012/en/e44dcc01-ef8d-4255-935b-4d2931b9ce08/mde300102012en.pdf

Libyan Town Under Siege Is a Center of Resistance to the New Government http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/22/world/africa/libyan-town-under-siege-is-a-center-of-resistance.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&_r=1&

Civilians flee besieged former Gaddafi stronghold in Libya
http://www.shabablibya.org/news/civilians-flee-besieged-former-gaddafi-stronghold-in-libya

Levant

Most Israeli Jews would support Apartheid Regime in Israel
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/survey-most-israeli-jews-would-support-apartheid-regime-in-israel.premium-1.471644

FM attacks EU for Gilo construction condemnation
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=288607

Bomb wounds Israeli officer on Gaza border
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/23/us-palestinians-israel-violence-idUSBRE89M0AX20121023

Fierce clashes across several Lebanese areas, LAF conducts various raids
http://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/56609/fierce-clashes-across-several-lebanese-areas-resid

Bahrain

FRANCE 24 CORRESPONDENT TORTURED FOR COVERING PRO-DEMOCRACY DEMONSTRATIONS
http://en.rsf.org/bahrain-france-24-correspondent-tortured-30-05-2011,40374.html

Parents could pay for damages caused by children
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/parents-could-pay-for-damages-caused-by-children-1.1092452#.UIU1oOeI2Bs.twitter

US must Pressure Bahrain on Human Rights (Strindberg)
http://www.juancole.com/2012/10/us-must-pressure-bahrain-on-human-rights-strindberg.html

Khaleej

Kuwait bans gatherings of more than 20 people amid protests
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/23/kuwait-politics-protests-idUSL5E8LN0ZK20121023

Egypt

Egypt freezes assets of ex-presidential candidate and Mubarak ally
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/10/egypt-freezes-assets-of-former-presidential-candidate-and-mubarak-ally.html

Iran

Ahmadinejad Responds after Revealing Judiciary Chief’s ‘confidential’ Letter
http://iranpulse.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/10/526/ahmadinejad-responds-after-revealing-judiciary-chiefs-confidential-letter/

Top Ten Republican Myths about Obama and Iran
http://www.juancole.com/2012/10/top-ten-republican-myths-about-obama-and-iran.html

Could Ahmadinejad be indicted for genocide?
http://bosco.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/23/could_ahmadinejad_by_indicted_for_genocide

CCCLII

General

Report: CIA Arranged Bride for Terrorist in Plot to Kill Him
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/report-cia-arranged-br
ide-terrorist-plot-kill/story?id=17437763#.UHzZ-bTB938

Syria

FM Lavrov Denies Use of Russian-made Cluster Bombs in Syria
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20121015/176631693.html

Syrian army corpses mark rebel attack on missile base
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=446415

Syria despatch: rebel fighters fear the growing influence of their ‘Bin Laden’ faction
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9606691/Syria-despatch-rebel-fighters-fear-the-growing-influence-of-their-Bin-Laden-faction.html

Could Turkey Go To War With Syria?
http://www.rferl.org/content/could-turkey-go-to-war-with-syria/24732603.html

Syrian plane carried military communication devices: Report
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syrian-plane-carried-military-communication-devices-report.aspx?pageID=238&nID=32169&NewsCatID=359

Rebel Arms Flow Is Said to Benefit Jihadists in Syria
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/world/middleeast/jihadists-receiving-most-arms-sent-to-syrian-rebels.html

Civil war leaves Syrian economy, cities in ruins
http://news.yahoo.com/civil-war-leaves-syrian-economy-cities-ruins-190226553–finance.html;_ylt=A2KJjb0lBHVQxiIAdQ3QtDMD

Former Assad aide: Syrian president plans secret flight to Russia
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/10/07/former-assad-aide-syrian-president-plans-secret-flight-to-russia/

US sends troops to Jordan to help deal with Syria crisis
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/10/us-troops-jordan-syria-crisis

How the Weapons Trade is Fracturing the Opposition
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/features/letters-from/rocket-propelled-syria?cid=soc-facebook-in-letters_from-rocket-propelled_syria-101112

Armenian plane en route to Aleppo searched in Turkey
http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=295349

Historic mosque burned in ancient Syrian city
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/world/ci_21775184/un-envoy-urges-syria-cease-fire-muslim-holiday

Maghreb

US officials: We didn’t link Libya attack to video
http://news.yahoo.com/us-officials-didnt-libya-attack-video-005809097.html

Levant

Netanyahu Calls for Early Elections in Israel
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/world/middleeast/netanyahu-calls-for-early-elections-in-israel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Palestinians propose peace talks after UN vote
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4290289,00.html

Iran

Iran Health Ministry to study effects of interference waves
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct/1088.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

US: Hackers in Iran responsible for cyberattacks
http://news.yahoo.com/us-hackers-iran-responsible-cyberattacks-072429280–finance.html

Iran: seven Christians detained following raid on prayer meeting
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/iran-seven-christians-detained-following-raid-on-prayer-meeting/14238.htm

Jailed Iranian scholar gravely ill
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct/1132.html

CCCLI

General

Right-Wingers Would Be Shocked to Learn That Islam Has Been Part of American History Since Its Founding
http://www.alternet.org/belief/right-wingers-would-be-shocked-learn-islam-has-been-part-american-history-its-founding

Syria

Turkey sends fighter jets to Syrian border
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012109113457809700.html

Rebels Say West’s Inaction Is Pushing Syrians to Extremism
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/world/middleeast/rebels-say-wests-inaction-is-radicalizing-syria.html?_r=1

‘Saudi weapons’ seen at Syria rebel base
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19874256#FBM130605

“Camouflaged” Hezbollah members fighting in Syria, activist says
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=444509

Maghreb

US officer got no reply to cables asking more security for Benghazi
http://news.yahoo.com/us-officer-got-no-reply-cables-asking-more-174539222.html

Foreign Affairs Focus: Tunisia’s Transition with Moncef Marzouki
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/discussions/audio-video/foreign-affairs-focus-tunisias-transition-with-moncef-marzouki?cid=soc-facebook-in-audio_video-foreign_affairs_focus_tunisias_transition-100612

Iraq

Al-Maliki eyes $5 billion defense deal with Russia
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/al-maliki-eyes-5-billion-defense-deal-with-russia.aspx?pageID=238&nID=31963&NewsCatID=359

Khaleej

Kuwait’s ruler dissolves parliament, elections loom
http://news.yahoo.com/kuwaits-ruler-dissolves-parliament-media-101220103–business.html

Gulf states must tackle Muslim Brotherhood threat: UAE
http://news.yahoo.com/gulf-states-must-tackle-muslim-brotherhood-threat-uae-164546200.html

Iran

IMF forecasts for Iran show limited sanction hit
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/09/us-iran-economy-imf-idUSBRE8980GX20121009

Iran budget under pressure, Ahmadinejad says
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-budget-under-pressure-ahmadinejad-says-152057253.html

Upset with Iran, Baku moves closer to Israel
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/upset-with-iran-baku-moves-closer-to-israel.aspx?pageID=238&nID=31876&NewsCatID=359

Iranian activist demands justice from head of judiciary
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct/1079.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Elements in Iran and US that Want War
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct/1077.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

Photos: Iranian Children Getting Face Paintings
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct/1066.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

—

H/T EAWorldView

CCCL

Syria

Rebels With a Cause, But Not Much Consensus
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/10/01/rebels_with_a_cause_but_not_much_consensus?page=full

Turkey strikes targets in Syria after mortar attack kills 5
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/03/14200329-turkey-strikes-targets-in-syria-after-mortar-attack-kills-5?lite

Turkey authorizes military operations in Syria
http://news.yahoo.com/turkey-authorizes-military-operations-syria-115920854.html

Maghreb

Politicizing Benghazi
http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/29/politicizing_benghazi

U.S. Is Tracking Killers in Attack on Libya Mission
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/world/africa/us-said-to-be-preparing-potential-targets-tied-to-libya-attack.html?src=ISMR_AP_LI_LST_FB

Libya request for increased security was denied by Washington, Republican leaders say
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/121002/libya-request-increased-security-was-denied-wash

Sensitive documents left behind at U.S. diplomatic post in Libya
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/sensitive-documents-left-behind-at-american-mission-in-libya/2012/10/03/11911498-0d7e-11e2-bd1a-b868e65d57eb_story.html?tid=ts_carousel

Who are Tunisia’s Salafis?
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/28/who_are_tunisia_s_salafis

Bahrain

Bahraini court rejects 9 medics’ final appeal
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/01/bahrain_court_rejects_9_medics_final_appeal

Beating of protester at funeral for prisoner Muhammad Musaima
http://youtu.be/wjE3ZF23Dz8

Khaleej

Ikea airbrushes women out of Saudi catalog
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/01/ikea_airbrushes_women_out_of_saudi_catalog

Egypt

Egypt’s constitutional racers stagger toward the final lap
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/01/egypt_s_constitutional_racers_stagger_toward_the_final_lap

New constitution paves the way for Islamic ‘church’ versus state
http://www.egyptindependent.com/opinion/new-constitution-paves-way-islamic-‘church-versus-state

Levant

Arab Israeli charged with spying for Hezbollah
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Oct-04/190142-arab-israeli-charged-with-spying-for-hezbollah.ashx#axzz28Lah8Swz

Iran

Ahmadinejad’s Cameraman Defected During His U.N. Visit
http://news.yahoo.com/ahmadinejads-camerman-defected-during-u-n-visit-104011136.html

Ahmadinejad’s Men Go Shopping In NYC
http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-presidents-men-in-new-york-shop-cheap/24725187.html

Odds of War With Iran Remain at 40%
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/odds-of-war-with-iran-remain-at-40/263004/

Study Claims Thousands Would Die In Attack On Iran Nuclear Sites
http://www.rferl.org/content/study-claims-thousands-would-die-in-attack-on-iran-nuclear-sites/24727096.html

Iran’s President Ties Recent Drop in Currency to U.S.-Led Sanctions
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/world/middleeast/iran-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-ties-currency-drop-to-sanctions.html?smid=tw-share

Iran currency crisis: Sanctions detonate unstable rial
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19800532

Protest, scuffles with police in Iran over currency crisis
http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/protest-scuffles-police-iran-over-102511804.html

Fox News Psychiatrist: It’s ‘Way Normal’ to Hoard ‘Enormous Cache’ of Weapons Because of Iran
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/fox-news-psychiatrist-its-way-normal-hoard-e

Iran’s new toy: Drone proliferation continues
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/rights/iran-has-new-toy-drone-proliferation-continues

Tehran Clashes Reported As Iran Rounds Up Moneychangers
http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-arrests-illegal-moneychangers

Iran: Is Ahmadinejad Facing a Final Showdown with Rafsanjani?
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/oct1017.htmlfacebook

CCCXLIX

General

The Arab Spring Still Blooms
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/opinion/the-arab-spring-still-blooms.html

Syria

Eyes wide shut, world watches Syria bleed
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/23/us-syria-crisis-apathy-idUKBRE88M06120120923

Syrians make brisk business in black market petrol
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=441595

Syria’s Moallem ‘Ready’ to Work With New UN Envoy
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/syria-foreign-minister-interview.html

Fearful Alawites pay sectarian militias in battered Homs
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/25/us-syria-shabbiha-extortion-idUSBRE88O0QD20120925

Turkish pilots killed by Assad, not in crash: leaked documents
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/29/240805.html

Kurds Prepare to Pursue More Autonomy in a Fallen Syria
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/world/middleeast/kurds-to-pursue-more-autonomy-in-a-fallen-syria.html

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled the violence in Syria to neighboring countries. In each case, their lives are changed forever by the ongoing conflict.
http://hosted.ap.org/interactives/2012/syria/

Syria’s Irish fighters: ‘I saw what was happening and had to do something’
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2012/0922/1224324260134.html

Gays and the Syrian Revolution
http://gaycitynews.com/gays-and-the-syrian-revolution/

Maghreb

Hundreds hand over weapons in Libya campaign
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/09/201292916631790143.html

Outrage over Tunisia ‘indecency’ case
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2012/09/201293031349122843.html

Planting the seeds of Tunisia’s Ansar al Sharia
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/27/planting_the_seeds_of_tunisias_ansar_al_sharia

Yemen

Protesters in Yemen demand return of stolen assets
http://news.yahoo.com/protesters-yemen-demand-return-stolen-assets-191835961.html

Bahrain

Bahrain deteriorating
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/27/bahrain_deteriorating

Khaleej

Saudi Arabia deports more female pilgrims on their way to Mecca
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/saudi-arabia/120928/saudi-arabia-deports-more-female-pilgrims-thei

NEVER TALK BACK TO A SAUDI JUDGE
http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/never-talk-back-to-a-saudi-judge/396/

Kuwait’s uncertain path
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/26/kuwait_s_uncertain_path

Levant

Netanyahu’s bomb steals the show in his UN speech
http://news.yahoo.com/netanyahus-bomb-steals-show-un-speech-183257661.html

Iraq

Iran ayatollah is poster boy for influence in Iraq
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-ayatollah-poster-boy-influence-iraq-062142717.html

Egypt

Egyptian cleric faces blasphemy charge
http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/egyptian-cleric-faces-blasphemy-charge-071240370.html

After the Arab Spring, what’s next for the new Egypt?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/after-the-arab-spring-whats-next-for-the-new-egypt/article4576417/?page=all

Iran

Fars News and The Onion Agree — “Rural American Whites Prefer Ahmadinejad to Obama”
http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2012/9/28/iran-feature-fars-news-and-the-onion-agree-rural-american-wh.html

Gallup Poll: Rural Whites Prefer Ahmadinejad To Obama
http://www.theonion.com/articles/gallup-poll-rural-whites-prefer-ahmadinejad-to-oba,29677/

No change in Iran policy towards US: Velayati
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/09/29/264160/irans-us-policy-remains-unchanged/

The Great Persian Firewall
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/28/Iran_firewall_google

—

H/T EAWorldView

CCCXLVIII

General

Americans must engage more – not less – with Muslims in the Middle East
http://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/print/Commentary/Opinion/2012/0920/Americans-must-engage-more-not-less-with-Muslims-in-the-Middle-East

Syria

The Dictator of Damascus
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/20/the_dictator_of_damascus?page=full

Syria: the foreign fighters joining the war against Bashar al-Assad
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/23/syria-foreign-fighters-joining-war

Among the Alawites
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v34/n18/nir-rosen/among-the-alawites

The Iranian consultants
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=439096

EGYPT PRESIDENT STRESSES SYRIA RESOLVE
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_EGYPT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-09-22-15-59-28

48 Syrian Civilians Massacred During Claire Danes’ Emmy Award Acceptance Speech
http://www.theonion.com/articles/48-syrian-civilians-massacred-during-claire-danes,29666/

Yemen

12 KILLED IN SHIITE-SUNNI CLASHES IN YEMEN
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12-killed-shiite-sunni-clashes-yemen#overlay-context=users/rjagodzinski

Bahrain

Bahrain continues to use the excessive force as the only response to the demanding protests for democracy
http://www.bahrainrights.org/en/node/5439

Maghreb

Libyans storm militia compounds in Benghazi
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/09/201292205259561409.html

Libya moves to dissolve rogue militias
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/09/2012922231155740677.html

CNN obtains journal of slain ambassador, reportedly goes against his family’s wishes
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/cnn-obtains-journal-slain-ambassador-reportedly-goes-again-232525862.html

Rachid Ghannouchi: Re-imagining Tunisia
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2012/09/2012921111847189377.html

Khaleej

Qatar – rich and dangerous – eyes Syria
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2012/0919/Qatar-rich-and-dangerous-eyes-Syria

Levant

Worries over violence against churches in Israel
http://news.yahoo.com/worries-over-violence-against-churches-israel-120126424.html

In Israel, time change unleashes culture clash
http://news.yahoo.com/israel-time-change-unleashes-culture-clash-192042851.html

Price Tag Wars
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mxvlw

Egypt

Egyptian Woman Wishes Screaming Protester Husband Would Go Bonkers For Her Once In A While
http://www.theonion.com/articles/egyptian-woman-wishes-screaming-protester-husband,29627/

Iran

Iran could launch pre-emptive Israel strike-commander
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/23/us-iran-nuclear-israel-preemptive-idUSBRE88M09C20120923

Commander: Enemies Unaware of IRGC’s War Methods
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106242000

UPDATE 1-Iran readies domestic Internet system, blocks Google
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/23/iran-internet-national-idINL5E8KN2S420120923

Comedian Maz Jobrani’s Ideas For Iran’s New Internet
http://www.npr.org/2012/09/20/161502089/comedian-maz-jobranis-ideas-for-irans-new-internet

An interview with Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/an-interview-with-irans-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad/2012/09/23/2a645816-05d3-11e2-afff-d6c7f20a83bf_blog.html

Turkey

Turkish Armed Forces is dead, son of convicted admiral says
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-armed-forces-is-dead-son-of-convicted-admiral-says.aspx?pageID=238&nID=30740&NewsCatID=338

—

H/T EA WorldView

Sorry, I know the whole Arab and Muslim world has recently gone bonkers over some d-bag’s film, but this is all I have time to drop right now.

Rushdie and After
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2012/09/rushdie-and-after.html