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.

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.”

East Asia

China: online campaign in death of peasant leader

A Chinese court ruled that the death of a village chief crushed by a truck was an accident—sparking outrage from supporters, who insist he was murdered for his protests over land seizures.

The Caucasus

Dagestan link seen in Moscow airport blast

Russian authorities say the deadly Moscow airport blast was masterminded from Dagestan—as terror continues within Dagestan itself, winning few international headlines.

Afghanistan

2010 deadliest year for Afghan civilians

The Afghanistan Rights Monitor finds that 2010 was the deadliest year for civilians in the country since the US-led invasion of 2001, with more than 2,400 non-combatants killed.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: Tahrir Square explodes into violence

Government supporters—some on horses and camels and armed with whips—charged into the ranks of opposition protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, sparking hours of street battles.