Greater Middle East

UN rights chief condemns Yemen violence, urges investigation

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged all sides in Yemen to cease ongoing deadly attacks and live up to previous commitments to investigate the serious human rights violations of its former government.

Greater Middle East

UN rights chief: refer Syria conflict to ICC for investigation

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court for investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed by the Syrian government.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: Suez port workers refuse to let pass US tear gas shipment

Customs employees at Adabiya Seaport in the Suez Canal Zone refused to allow a seven-ton shipment of tear gas to pass, and were detained for questioning by security officials. Two more such shipments are en route from Wilmington, Del.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: regime in crisis as Tahrir Square protesters hang on

Protests rocked Cairo for a sixth day, as security forces again used tear gas in another effort to clear Tahrir Square. Over 30 are now dead in the street-fighting. The Muslim Brotherhood has split over whether to join the protest movement.

Greater Middle East

Kuwait: king orders crackdown after protesters storm parliament

Kuwait’s emir has ordered authorities to tighten security in the Persian Gulf mini-state after the parliament building was stormed by dozens of protesters demanding a probe of corruption claims and an end to the ban on political parties.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: occupiers hold Tahrir Square, at cost of 13 dead

Hundreds of protesters against Egypt’s military rulers remain camped in Cairo’s Tahrir Square for a third day, retaking the plaza in clashes with security forces after being evicted in a police assault. At least 13 protesters were killed.