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Syria violence throws UN peace mission into doubt - live updates Syria violence throws UN peace mission into doubt - live updates
(40 minutes later)
10.40am: Bahrain: Former Islamist Ed Husain, who founded Quilliam, Britain's first counter-extremism thinktank, and now works for the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, has been causing a stir on Twitter with comments about his visit to Bahrain in the company of Richard Haass, CFR's president.
Other Twitters users have both praised and condemned him for what appear to be pro-regime sympathies.
He announced his arrival in the kingdom on April 15, to a "warm welcome from great people", and soon noted the large proportion of women (43%) employed in the civil service: "On average, their salaries are higher than men."
Before long, he was tweeting about being given "free access to all and sundry" and how Bahrainis are "open to talking/engaging".
Husain was then "honoured" to meet Khalid al-Khalifa, Bahrain's "visionary" foreign minister.
Honored to meet His Excellency @khalidalkhalifa today in #Bahrain. Thoughtful, caveated, and visionary. Bahrain's 'opposition': engage.
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 16, 2012
Khalifa, in turn, was delighted to meet Husain:
Had the pleasure of meeting @Ed_Husain from CFR today .. Brainstorming conversation on local and regional issues
— Khalid Alkhalifa (@khalidalkhalifa) April 16, 2012
Husain's tweets continue:
Heading off to meet 'opposition' leaders in #Bahrain. Met senior parliamentarians earlier. They represent the people - not thugs on streets.
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 16, 2012
There's a fine line between a demonstration and a riot - many, many complaints here in #Bahrain of rise of latter in villages.
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 16, 2012
Shia Muslims here in #Bahrain complaining about intimidation by Shia al-Wifaq grp + its clerics. Rise of sectarianism damaging all.
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 16, 2012
Good to meet with #Bahrain opposition leaders Shaikh Ali Salman, Matar Matar, +others. Passionate people. Need to return to parliament.
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 16, 2012
Human rights activists must not sit by idly as supporters attack unarmed police with molotov cocktails, arrows. Condemn, control. #Bahrain
— Ed Husain (@Ed_Husain) April 17, 2012
10.01am: A German shipping company which owns a boat suspected of trying to smuggle Iranian arms to Syria said it had no knowledge of weapons on board, Reuters reports.10.01am: A German shipping company which owns a boat suspected of trying to smuggle Iranian arms to Syria said it had no knowledge of weapons on board, Reuters reports.
W Bockstiegel said it ordered the vessel Atlantic Cruiser to turn its transponder back on on Monday after the ship switched off the tracking system because its crew feared attack.W Bockstiegel said it ordered the vessel Atlantic Cruiser to turn its transponder back on on Monday after the ship switched off the tracking system because its crew feared attack.
The company also said in a statement it had no information about any weapons on board the ship which was originally destined for Syria. Sending weapons to Syria would be in violation of a European Union arms embargo.The company also said in a statement it had no information about any weapons on board the ship which was originally destined for Syria. Sending weapons to Syria would be in violation of a European Union arms embargo.
In Kiev, the Ukrainian company that chartered the ship denied there were arms on board and said its cargo was civilian goods.In Kiev, the Ukrainian company that chartered the ship denied there were arms on board and said its cargo was civilian goods.
"The shipping company has no current knowledge that the ship's cargo contains anything other than what was described in the documentation as civilian goods," the Emden-based shipping company said in a statement, its first comments on the issue."The shipping company has no current knowledge that the ship's cargo contains anything other than what was described in the documentation as civilian goods," the Emden-based shipping company said in a statement, its first comments on the issue.
The German company said it ordered the ship, which was chartered to a Ukraine-based company, not to continue its journey until questions about its cargo could be cleared up. It said it instructed the crew to turn its transponder back on.The German company said it ordered the ship, which was chartered to a Ukraine-based company, not to continue its journey until questions about its cargo could be cleared up. It said it instructed the crew to turn its transponder back on.
Spiegel Online reported that German government was demanding an explanation from the shipping company.
/> 		Spiegel Online reported that German government was demanding an explanation from the shipping company.

Officials in Germany are still seeking information about a German-owned ship believed to be carrying a load of weapons and military equipment that had been destined for the despotic regime of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Since the revelation on Friday, it appears that transponder used to broadcast the ship's whereabouts has been turned off repeatedly. On Monday, though, it appeared to be on again, with the 6,200 ton freighter ship apparently on a course towards Turkey.
Officials in Germany are still seeking information about a German-owned ship believed to be carrying a load of weapons and military equipment that had been destined for the despotic regime of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Since the revelation on Friday, it appears that transponder used to broadcast the ship's whereabouts has been turned off repeatedly. On Monday, though, it appeared to be on again, with the 6,200 ton freighter ship apparently on a course towards Turkey.
The ship had been stopped near the coast of Syria on Friday afternoon, but then disappeared from sight for around 24 hours. Then, on Sunday night, the Atlantic Cruiser's transponder was turned off again.The ship had been stopped near the coast of Syria on Friday afternoon, but then disappeared from sight for around 24 hours. Then, on Sunday night, the Atlantic Cruiser's transponder was turned off again.
9.47am: Bahrain: Activist Alaa Shehabi has posted a photo of protesters burning what she says was the biggest Formula One billboard on the main highway.9.47am: Bahrain: Activist Alaa Shehabi has posted a photo of protesters burning what she says was the biggest Formula One billboard on the main highway.
Photo of protesters burning down the biggest #F1 #BahrainGP billboard on the main highway #RaceofDisgrace #Bahrain twitter.com/alaashehabi/st…Photo of protesters burning down the biggest #F1 #BahrainGP billboard on the main highway #RaceofDisgrace #Bahrain twitter.com/alaashehabi/st…
— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 15, 2012— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 15, 2012
9.40am: New video footage from Homs appears to confirm that there is no ceasefire.9.40am: New video footage from Homs appears to confirm that there is no ceasefire.
This clips purports to show shelling in the northern district of Quosoor where 16 people were killed according to activists.This clips purports to show shelling in the northern district of Quosoor where 16 people were killed according to activists.
Another claims to show shelling in the nearby district of Bayada, another opposition stronghold.Another claims to show shelling in the nearby district of Bayada, another opposition stronghold.
9.29am: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton sounds stumped over what happens next in Syria as the ceasefire unravels.9.29am: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton sounds stumped over what happens next in Syria as the ceasefire unravels.
AFP quoted her saying:AFP quoted her saying:
This week will be critical in evaluating the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution.This week will be critical in evaluating the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution.
And we're hoping for the best. We want to see a peaceful period for the people of Syria.And we're hoping for the best. We want to see a peaceful period for the people of Syria.
We want to see a political process begin, but if violence is renewed, the regime reverts to shelling its own people and causing a great deal of death and injury, then we're going to have to get back to planning what our next steps [will be]We want to see a political process begin, but if violence is renewed, the regime reverts to shelling its own people and causing a great deal of death and injury, then we're going to have to get back to planning what our next steps [will be]
..
9.19am: The ceasefire hasn't stopped the steady flow of Free Syrian Army videos appearing on YouTube.9.19am: The ceasefire hasn't stopped the steady flow of Free Syrian Army videos appearing on YouTube.
One of the latest clips purports to show a guided tour of an FSA camp in a cave in Idlib province.One of the latest clips purports to show a guided tour of an FSA camp in a cave in Idlib province.
Another shows the formation of a large militia near Aleppo.Another shows the formation of a large militia near Aleppo.
8.38am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. The US says ongoing violence in Syria questions the wisdom of the UN peacekeeping mission before it gets under way.8.38am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. The US says ongoing violence in Syria questions the wisdom of the UN peacekeeping mission before it gets under way.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Susan Rice the US ambassador to the UN says repeated reports of breaches in last Thursday's ceasefire raise doubts about the future of the UN peacekeeping mission before it has even started.• Susan Rice the US ambassador to the UN says repeated reports of breaches in last Thursday's ceasefire raise doubts about the future of the UN peacekeeping mission before it has even started.
Speaking to reporters she said:Speaking to reporters she said:
Should the violence persist and the cease-fire—or cessation of violence, more aptly—not hold, that ... will call into question the wisdom and viability of sending in the full monitoring presence.Should the violence persist and the cease-fire—or cessation of violence, more aptly—not hold, that ... will call into question the wisdom and viability of sending in the full monitoring presence.
CNN also quoted Rice accusing the Assad regime of repeatedly lying. She said: "They have lied to the international community, lied to their own people. And the biggest fabricator of the facts is Assad himself. His representatives are merely doing his bidding and under probably some not insignificant personal duress."CNN also quoted Rice accusing the Assad regime of repeatedly lying. She said: "They have lied to the international community, lied to their own people. And the biggest fabricator of the facts is Assad himself. His representatives are merely doing his bidding and under probably some not insignificant personal duress."
• The peacekeeping mission risks descending into farce, according to the Independent. • The peacekeeping mission risks descending into farce, according to the Independent.
The advance team of six observers, led by a Moroccan, Colonel Ahmed Himmiche, set about negotiating the mission's ground rules with Syrian officials. As they did so, activists said yesterday's death toll across Syria had reached 30 as the beleaguered city of Homs was pummelled once more with "three or four bombings a minute", and a fierce assault was reported in Idlib.The advance team of six observers, led by a Moroccan, Colonel Ahmed Himmiche, set about negotiating the mission's ground rules with Syrian officials. As they did so, activists said yesterday's death toll across Syria had reached 30 as the beleaguered city of Homs was pummelled once more with "three or four bombings a minute", and a fierce assault was reported in Idlib.
• Kofi Annan's six point peace plan only has a 3% chance of working, according to the emir of Qatar. AFP quoted Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani telling a a press conference that the chances for success "are no higher than three percent", and that the Syrian people should not be supported through peaceful means but "with arms".• Kofi Annan's six point peace plan only has a 3% chance of working, according to the emir of Qatar. AFP quoted Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani telling a a press conference that the chances for success "are no higher than three percent", and that the Syrian people should not be supported through peaceful means but "with arms".
• The crisis in Syria has reached a stalemate which will not end unless the international community intervenes militarily, according to a retired general from the Syrian army. In an interview with Foreign Affairs magazine, Brigadier General Akil Hashem, said:• The crisis in Syria has reached a stalemate which will not end unless the international community intervenes militarily, according to a retired general from the Syrian army. In an interview with Foreign Affairs magazine, Brigadier General Akil Hashem, said:
The rebels cannot win on their own. If the international community does not intervene, the conflict will persist indefinitely unless there is a military coup, an assassination of Assad or of top members of his regime, or a mass defection among the Alawite sect itself. The battle could continue like this for at least a year, if not longer.The rebels cannot win on their own. If the international community does not intervene, the conflict will persist indefinitely unless there is a military coup, an assassination of Assad or of top members of his regime, or a mass defection among the Alawite sect itself. The battle could continue like this for at least a year, if not longer.
BahrainBahrain
• Bahrain's claims that it is tackling human rights abuses have been severely questioned in a new report by Amnesty International which highlights continuing reports of torture and excessive use of force against protesters. The groups Middle East deputy director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said: "With the world's eyes on Bahrain as it prepares to host the Grand Prix, no-one should be under any illusions that the country's human rights crisis is over." The report found:• Bahrain's claims that it is tackling human rights abuses have been severely questioned in a new report by Amnesty International which highlights continuing reports of torture and excessive use of force against protesters. The groups Middle East deputy director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said: "With the world's eyes on Bahrain as it prepares to host the Grand Prix, no-one should be under any illusions that the country's human rights crisis is over." The report found:
• No senior members of the armed forces have been held to account for human rights violations against protesters• No senior members of the armed forces have been held to account for human rights violations against protesters
• Scores of political prisoners, convicted under unfair military courts, remain in prison facing long-term sentences• Scores of political prisoners, convicted under unfair military courts, remain in prison facing long-term sentences
• The brutal behaviour of the security services remains unchanged as they continue to respond to protests with excessive force• The brutal behaviour of the security services remains unchanged as they continue to respond to protests with excessive force
• Detainees are still facing torture and ill-treatment in unofficial detention places• Detainees are still facing torture and ill-treatment in unofficial detention places
• Two protesters climbed on to the roof of the Bahraini embassy in central London, to protest at continued human rights abuses in the kingdom. One of the protesters was the son of jailed opposition leader Hasan Mushaima, the BBC reported.• Two protesters climbed on to the roof of the Bahraini embassy in central London, to protest at continued human rights abuses in the kingdom. One of the protesters was the son of jailed opposition leader Hasan Mushaima, the BBC reported.
EgyptEgypt
• The political transition process in Egypt has been thrown into a state of complete confusion by events of the last month, according Nathan Brown professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. In an article in Foreign Policy magazine he writes:• The political transition process in Egypt has been thrown into a state of complete confusion by events of the last month, according Nathan Brown professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. In an article in Foreign Policy magazine he writes:
The combination of eccentric elements (such as the disqualification of anyone whose parents ever held foreign citizenship from the presidency) and unexpected gaps and omissions (such as the failure to specify any sequence of presidential elections and constitution writing or the silence on the ways in which the parliament was authorized to exercise oversight of the cabinet) scattered a series of landmines throughout the path. Making things worse was the way in which critical administering, governing, and adjudicating bodies were (or have come to be seen) as deeply interested or partisan actors - the parliament as the arm of Islamists, the Scaf as wedded to a set of political and material interests, the State Council as willing to seize any opportunity to pursue its ambitious understanding of its judicial role, and even the presidential election commission as a body headed by the constitutional court's chief justice, a figure seen as close to the military and security establishment. And the postponement of critical questions - security sector reform, for instance - has aggravated matters still further.The combination of eccentric elements (such as the disqualification of anyone whose parents ever held foreign citizenship from the presidency) and unexpected gaps and omissions (such as the failure to specify any sequence of presidential elections and constitution writing or the silence on the ways in which the parliament was authorized to exercise oversight of the cabinet) scattered a series of landmines throughout the path. Making things worse was the way in which critical administering, governing, and adjudicating bodies were (or have come to be seen) as deeply interested or partisan actors - the parliament as the arm of Islamists, the Scaf as wedded to a set of political and material interests, the State Council as willing to seize any opportunity to pursue its ambitious understanding of its judicial role, and even the presidential election commission as a body headed by the constitutional court's chief justice, a figure seen as close to the military and security establishment. And the postponement of critical questions - security sector reform, for instance - has aggravated matters still further.
Yes, there are rules. But if the word "process" has any meaning left, it cannot be applied to Egyptian politics today.Yes, there are rules. But if the word "process" has any meaning left, it cannot be applied to Egyptian politics today.
IranIran
• An Iranian-Canadian man convicted of espionage and having links with an opposition group is facing imminent execution in Iran. Hamid Ghassemi-Shall, 44, returned to Iran from Canada in May 2008 to visit his elderly mother and was detained on suspicion of gathering information for the Iranian militant group Mujahideen e-Khalq (MEK). The Iranian leadership considers the MEK its staunch enemy, and the US has listed the group as a terrorist organisation.• An Iranian-Canadian man convicted of espionage and having links with an opposition group is facing imminent execution in Iran. Hamid Ghassemi-Shall, 44, returned to Iran from Canada in May 2008 to visit his elderly mother and was detained on suspicion of gathering information for the Iranian militant group Mujahideen e-Khalq (MEK). The Iranian leadership considers the MEK its staunch enemy, and the US has listed the group as a terrorist organisation.
IsraelIsrael
• Denmark has demanded an explanation from the Israeli government for video footage showing a senior Israeli army officer striking a Danish activist in the face with an M16 rifle. In the video, Lt Col Shalom Eisner, deputy commander of the Jordan Valley territorial brigade, is clearly seen slamming his rifle into the face of Andreas Ias. The soldier was suspended by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) pending an investigation. The video emerged on the same day as Israel launched a security operation to prevent hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists entering the country en route to the West Bank, claiming they were provocateurs and were planning acts of violence.• Denmark has demanded an explanation from the Israeli government for video footage showing a senior Israeli army officer striking a Danish activist in the face with an M16 rifle. In the video, Lt Col Shalom Eisner, deputy commander of the Jordan Valley territorial brigade, is clearly seen slamming his rifle into the face of Andreas Ias. The soldier was suspended by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) pending an investigation. The video emerged on the same day as Israel launched a security operation to prevent hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists entering the country en route to the West Bank, claiming they were provocateurs and were planning acts of violence.