North Africa
Two killed in Tunisia protests
At least two people were killed in the northern Tunisian city of El Kif when police opened fire on protesters who reportedly threw fire bombs and stones at a police station.
Author: CounterVortex
Greater Middle East
Egypt: Mubark hangs on, Washington sends more mixed signals
At the Munich summit, US envoy Frank Wisner said that "Mubarak's continued leadership is critical." His PR firm, Patton Boggs, has contracts with the Egyptian government.
Palestine
Los Angeles Jewish Voice for Peace activist targeted at home
Jewish Voice for Peace Los Angeles chapter leader Estee Chandler discovered a “WANTED for treason and incitement against Jews” poster plastered on her front porch.
Watching the Shadows
WikiLeaks: FBI hunting previously unknown 9-11 cell
The US is conducting a manhunt for a previously unknown cell believed to be involved in the planning of the 9-11 attacks, according to a US cable released by WikiLeaks.
Afghanistan
Pakistan: thousands flee new offensive
A new anti-Taliban offensive by the Pakistani military in the tribal region of Mohmand bordering Afghanistan has forced some 25,000 residents to flee, according to the UNHCR.
Iraq
Protests spread to Iraq —but not Syria (yet)
Hundreds of protesters marched in cities around Iraq, demanding basic services such as water and electricity. Protests failed to materialize in Syria, despite a called “day of rage.”
Greater Middle East
Egypt: will US dump Mubarak?
While John McCain is leading a growing chorus of voices in the US Congress calling for Mubarak’s immediate departure, Adm. Mike Mullen cautioned against cutting military aid to Egypt.
North Africa
Algeria: regime pledges to lift state of emergency
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika pledged to lift the country’s 19-year state of emergency—but protesters pledged to go ahead with their planned march on the capital.
Greater Middle East
Yemenis stage “day of rage” against Saleh rule
Tens of thousands of protesters massed on Yemen’s Sana’a University for a “day of rage” against Ali Abdullah Saleh’s rule—while Saleh loyalists occupied the city’s central square.
Palestine
Hundreds in Gaza rally in solidarity with Egypt
Hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip rallied in solidarity with the uprising in Egypt. Marchers carried banners reading “People want the regime out” and “Down with Hosni Mubarak.”
Greater Middle East
Egypt: protesters prepare “departure day” march as street battles continue
Fighting between protesters and government loyalists raged into a second day in Egypt, with the opposition pledging to go ahead with a massive “departure day” march tomorrow.
Greater Middle East
Yemen’s president backs down on rule-for-life plan
Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh, facing growing demands that he step down, said that he will drop constitutional changes that would allow him to be president for life.