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Syria crisis and Bahrain unrest - live updates Syria crisis and Bahrain unrest - live updates
(40 minutes later)
12.24pm: Bahrain: Journalist Mazen Mahdi is tweeting from a press conference given by the opposition al-Wefaq movement about Salah Abbas Habib, the protester who was found dead on Saturday.
Dr Taha Al-Durazi, who is said to have examined the dead man, has been giving a report:
Dr Taha (examined Salah ) say that they saw 10 different type of injuries and say 4 possible causes of deaths#Bahrain
— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012
Dr Taha say that they are not clear why medical examiner report did not list all injuries they saw
— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012
Dr Taha say that burns visible to chest and abdominal of Salah "friction burns" likely caused by dragging #Bahrain
— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012
Dr Taha speak about multiple broken injuries to Salah and say he noticed medical examiner reports of recent deaths not all accurate
— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012
12.20pm: Here's a summary of events so far today:
Syria
• Both the US and the UK have suggested they are losing patience with Kofi Annan's peace initiative amid continuing reports of breaches in the ceasefire. The UK warned of "robust" action against Syria if Annan's mission failed. The US said it won't wait 90 days if the Syria continues to flout the initiative. Russia urged the international community to stick by Annan's plan.
• Tunisia's president, Moncef Marzouki warned Bashar al-Assad that he is "finished" and will leave Syria "dead or alive". In an interview with al-Hayat newspaper Marzouki urged Assad to go now. "It is best for you and your family to leave alive because if you decide to leave dead, this would mean that you will cause the death of tens of thousands of innocent people," he said.
• Both the government and activists continue to blame each other for continuing violence. The activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria, claimed nine people have been killed by the security forces so far today. The state news agency said armed terrorists had killed army officers in Dera'a and Hama. Three intelligence officers were killed in Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In a separate incident a car bomb injured three people in the capital.
• President Barack Obama has signed an executive order targeting people and entities who use technology to help authoritarian regimes in Iran and Syria suppress their people. "Technologies should be in place to empower citizens, not to oppress them," Obama said on Monday at a speech at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.
Bahrain
• John Yates, the UK's former head of counter terrorism turned adviser to the Bahraini police, says he is "bewildered" by the level of criticism aimed at the Bahraini government. But in an article for the Telegraph he admitted that "challenges remain".
Egypt
• Saudi Arabia has suggested it may pardon an Egyptian human rights lawyer after his arrest sparked outrage in Egypt. Ahmed Gizawy was sentenced to a year in jail and 20 lashes for criticizing the King Abdullah after he travelled to Saudi Arabia to defend imprisoned Egyptian, Egyptian Chronicles reports.
12.18pm: Yemen: General Mohammed Saleh al-Ahmar, the air force chief who had been refusing to quit – despite being sacked by the president more than two weeks ago – has finally stepped down today, reports say.
The general – a half-brother of ex-President Saleh – was one of several key members of the old regime that the new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, had been trying to replace. On hearing of his dismissal, Ahmar reportedly made threats against Sana'a airport, which was then temporarily closed.
11.50am: Bahrain: The Guardian's video desk has footage of thousands of protesters attending the funeral of Salah Abbas Habib - an anti-government protester alleged to have been killed in clashes with riot police in the lead-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix.11.50am: Bahrain: The Guardian's video desk has footage of thousands of protesters attending the funeral of Salah Abbas Habib - an anti-government protester alleged to have been killed in clashes with riot police in the lead-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Violence flared after the ceremony, with police firing teargas at demonstrators and stones thrown at a police station

Violence flared after the ceremony, with police firing teargas at demonstrators and stones thrown at a police station

11.48am: Syria: The activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria, claims nine people have been killed so far today. Six were killed in Homs, it says.11.48am: Syria: The activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria, claims nine people have been killed so far today. Six were killed in Homs, it says.
Homs-based activist @Samsomhoms says the arrival of UN monitors has not stopped the violence.Homs-based activist @Samsomhoms says the arrival of UN monitors has not stopped the violence.
Despite presence of observers in # Homs , snipers continue to randomly target people, like in Khaldiyeh & western Corniche yday #SyriaDespite presence of observers in # Homs , snipers continue to randomly target people, like in Khaldiyeh & western Corniche yday #Syria
— Samsom homs (@Samsomhoms) April 24, 2012— Samsom homs (@Samsomhoms) April 24, 2012
11.44am: Bahrain: We've been taking a closer look at that article by John Yates, the former London police chief who is now advising the Bahrain government.11.44am: Bahrain: We've been taking a closer look at that article by John Yates, the former London police chief who is now advising the Bahrain government.
Yates expressed bewilderment "at the level of animosity and bile" shown towards the kingdom, and "the media bias". Twitter users, meanwhile, have been expressing their own bewilderment at Yates and his article.Yates expressed bewilderment "at the level of animosity and bile" shown towards the kingdom, and "the media bias". Twitter users, meanwhile, have been expressing their own bewilderment at Yates and his article.
Some point out that the accusations of media bias come from a man who is in the far-from-impartial position of being employed by Bahrain's rulers:Some point out that the accusations of media bias come from a man who is in the far-from-impartial position of being employed by Bahrain's rulers:
RT @Axoncell @chanadbh remind me but Yates works and is paid by #Bahrain Gov on the other hand all other INDEPENDENT journalist are biased !RT @Axoncell @chanadbh remind me but Yates works and is paid by #Bahrain Gov on the other hand all other INDEPENDENT journalist are biased !
— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012— Mazen Mahdi (@MazenMahdi) April 24, 2012
In his article, Yates says:In his article, Yates says:
Some commentators have suggested that this great sporting event was in some way a PR stunt to legitimise the government and to send a message to the world that everything is fine.Some commentators have suggested that this great sporting event was in some way a PR stunt to legitimise the government and to send a message to the world that everything is fine.
No one seriously disputes that this was the government's intention. The official slogan for the race was: "UniF1ed: One Nation in Celebration".No one seriously disputes that this was the government's intention. The official slogan for the race was: "UniF1ed: One Nation in Celebration".
Yates also claims that the regime, after achnowledging mistakes, is changing its ways. Following the "brave step" of setting up the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) last year, it is now pushing through the commission's recommendations.Yates also claims that the regime, after achnowledging mistakes, is changing its ways. Following the "brave step" of setting up the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) last year, it is now pushing through the commission's recommendations.
Human rights organisations, while accepting that some changes have been made, disagree that real change is under way. Last week,
Human Rights Watch said:		Human rights organisations, while accepting that some changes have been made, disagree that real change is under way. Last week,
Human Rights Watch said:
Despite evidence that the Bahraini security forces have engaged in widespread torture, no senior figures have been brought to justice for these crimes. And while the guilty remain at large, thousands have been convicted and incarcerated, not for genuine criminal offences but for peaceful protest.Despite evidence that the Bahraini security forces have engaged in widespread torture, no senior figures have been brought to justice for these crimes. And while the guilty remain at large, thousands have been convicted and incarcerated, not for genuine criminal offences but for peaceful protest.
Yates also says a new code of conduct for the police has been published – though it doesn't seem to have prevented the police from standing by while a
/>Shia-owned supermarket was ransacked or increasingly resorting to the use of birdshot against protesters.		 Yates also says a new code of conduct for the police has been published – though it doesn't seem to have prevented the police from standing by while a Shia-owned supermarket was ransacked or increasingly resorting to the use of birdshot against protesters.
On Twitter, Fatema Abuidrees comments:On Twitter, Fatema Abuidrees comments:
So if #JohnYates was bought in 'to reform the police force', will we get someone to reform John Yates? #BahrainSo if #JohnYates was bought in 'to reform the police force', will we get someone to reform John Yates? #Bahrain
— Fatema Abuidrees (@FatemaAbuidrees) April 24, 2012— Fatema Abuidrees (@FatemaAbuidrees) April 24, 2012
Yates is probably right when he points out that coverage of the protesters' case has increased as a result of the grand prix:Yates is probably right when he points out that coverage of the protesters' case has increased as a result of the grand prix:
If the Grand Prix had been cancelled, 200 journalists would not have been in the country to report on the demonstrators' grievances.If the Grand Prix had been cancelled, 200 journalists would not have been in the country to report on the demonstrators' grievances.
However, this overlooks the government's efforts to control the coverage through selective issuing of visas, forcing some of the journalists to leave, and arresting the Channel 4 crew together with their Bahraini helpers.However, this overlooks the government's efforts to control the coverage through selective issuing of visas, forcing some of the journalists to leave, and arresting the Channel 4 crew together with their Bahraini helpers.
C4 journalists covering the protests are being deported from Bahrain. @millerC4 is tweeting his first hand POVC4 journalists covering the protests are being deported from Bahrain. @millerC4 is tweeting his first hand POV
— Rachel Bremer (@rbremer) April 23, 2012— Rachel Bremer (@rbremer) April 23, 2012
11.25am: Syria: As the US and UK appear to be looking beyond Annan's troubled peace plan, Russia is sticking by it.11.25am: Syria: As the US and UK appear to be looking beyond Annan's troubled peace plan, Russia is sticking by it.
RIA Novosti quoted foreign minister Sergei Lavrov as saying: "I hope that those who are trying to disrupt the UN observer mission in Syria won't be able to carry out their plans."RIA Novosti quoted foreign minister Sergei Lavrov as saying: "I hope that those who are trying to disrupt the UN observer mission in Syria won't be able to carry out their plans."
He described the observer mission as "definitely a positive factor".He described the observer mission as "definitely a positive factor".
11.17am: Syria: The UN's food agency says it will soon deliver help to 500,000 people in Syria.11.17am: Syria: The UN's food agency says it will soon deliver help to 500,000 people in Syria.
Even after the increase, the UN says there are still around a million more who don't have enough to eat.Even after the increase, the UN says there are still around a million more who don't have enough to eat.
The World Food Program (WFP) says it will provide food for 250,000 people by the end of the month with help from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. It plans to quickly double that "in the coming weeks" and focus on Homs, Hama, Idlib and Damascus.The World Food Program (WFP) says it will provide food for 250,000 people by the end of the month with help from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. It plans to quickly double that "in the coming weeks" and focus on Homs, Hama, Idlib and Damascus.
WFP has been providing food assistance for up to 100,000 people a month in cities such as Homs, Hama, Idleb and Damascus, working with its partner the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). This week it also began distributing hot meals to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring Jordan.WFP has been providing food assistance for up to 100,000 people a month in cities such as Homs, Hama, Idleb and Damascus, working with its partner the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). This week it also began distributing hot meals to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring Jordan.
"As the conflict continues, Syrians in areas affected by the violence are struggling to feed their families and WFP is deeply concerned about the potential for food insecurity," said executive director Ertharin Cousin."As the conflict continues, Syrians in areas affected by the violence are struggling to feed their families and WFP is deeply concerned about the potential for food insecurity," said executive director Ertharin Cousin.
10.56am: Syria: Protecting minority rights is the key to diverting Syria away from the current escalating crisis towards a political solution, argues Middle East analyst Mokhtar Benabdallaoui.10.56am: Syria: Protecting minority rights is the key to diverting Syria away from the current escalating crisis towards a political solution, argues Middle East analyst Mokhtar Benabdallaoui.
Writing on Comment is Free he says:Writing on Comment is Free he says:
Syria needs .... a modus vivendi by which, at least initially, assurances are presented to Alawites, Christians, and Druze that whichever system replaces the current one, it will not be dominated by the majority.Syria needs .... a modus vivendi by which, at least initially, assurances are presented to Alawites, Christians, and Druze that whichever system replaces the current one, it will not be dominated by the majority.
The process should be based on a clear roadmap: stipulate the return of the army to its barracks, remove weapons from the hands of insurgents, allow the presence of international monitors, and open a national debate under the auspices of regional and international forums.The process should be based on a clear roadmap: stipulate the return of the army to its barracks, remove weapons from the hands of insurgents, allow the presence of international monitors, and open a national debate under the auspices of regional and international forums.
In addition, a successful transition will require a parallel process of national reconciliation between these communities, where there is neither victor nor vanquished. However, this process should be careful not to institutionalise these community structures – such as the political preferences given to each sectarian group in Lebanon – which can shackle a transition towards stability and democracy.In addition, a successful transition will require a parallel process of national reconciliation between these communities, where there is neither victor nor vanquished. However, this process should be careful not to institutionalise these community structures – such as the political preferences given to each sectarian group in Lebanon – which can shackle a transition towards stability and democracy.
The process must protect minority rights, which are essential to democratic government. This is still achievable and can help Syrians avoid the chronic gridlock of political life in Lebanon, and more recently in Iraq, as well as the tens of thousands of casualties that would result from a prolonged civil war.The process must protect minority rights, which are essential to democratic government. This is still achievable and can help Syrians avoid the chronic gridlock of political life in Lebanon, and more recently in Iraq, as well as the tens of thousands of casualties that would result from a prolonged civil war.
10.31am: Bahrain: Amnesty has more criticism of Bahrain to bewilder John Yates, this time over the delay of the appeal for hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and fellow political prisoners.10.31am: Bahrain: Amnesty has more criticism of Bahrain to bewilder John Yates, this time over the delay of the appeal for hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and fellow political prisoners.
Its Middle East deputy director Hasiba Hadj Sahraoui said:Its Middle East deputy director Hasiba Hadj Sahraoui said:
The Bahrain authorities' delaying tactics are toying with the life of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, who is on death's doorstep as he enters his 75th day on hunger strike.The Bahrain authorities' delaying tactics are toying with the life of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, who is on death's doorstep as he enters his 75th day on hunger strike.
He and the 13 other defendants in this case are prisoners of conscience, held solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression amid anti-government protests last year.He and the 13 other defendants in this case are prisoners of conscience, held solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression amid anti-government protests last year.
The Grand Prix has come and gone but for the people of Bahrain the media spotlight has moved on while Bahrain's authorities have yet to turn the corner on the human rights situation in the country.The Grand Prix has come and gone but for the people of Bahrain the media spotlight has moved on while Bahrain's authorities have yet to turn the corner on the human rights situation in the country.
10.19am: Syria: Tunisia's president, Moncef Marzouki (pictured), has warned Bashar al-Assad that he is "finished" and will leave Syria "dead or alive", according to al-Arabiya citing an interview in al-Hayat.10.19am: Syria: Tunisia's president, Moncef Marzouki (pictured), has warned Bashar al-Assad that he is "finished" and will leave Syria "dead or alive", according to al-Arabiya citing an interview in al-Hayat.
It quotes Marzouki as saying:It quotes Marzouki as saying:
The Russians, Chinese and Iranians must understand that this man (Assad) is finished and that it is no longer possible to defend him.The Russians, Chinese and Iranians must understand that this man (Assad) is finished and that it is no longer possible to defend him.
You [Assad] will leave, in one way or another. You will leave, dead or alive. It is best for you and your family to leave alive because if you decide to leave dead, this would mean that you will cause the death of tens of thousands of innocent people.You [Assad] will leave, in one way or another. You will leave, dead or alive. It is best for you and your family to leave alive because if you decide to leave dead, this would mean that you will cause the death of tens of thousands of innocent people.
10.04am: Bahrain: President Obama's crackdown on the "malign use of technology" in connection with human rights abuses in Iran and Syria has led Twitter users to question why it doesn't apply to Bahrain too.10.04am: Bahrain: President Obama's crackdown on the "malign use of technology" in connection with human rights abuses in Iran and Syria has led Twitter users to question why it doesn't apply to Bahrain too.
Last August, Bloomberg reported the case of Abdul Ghani Al Khanjar, a Bahraini whose torturers had obtained transcripts of his text messages and details from personal mobile phone conversations.Last August, Bloomberg reported the case of Abdul Ghani Al Khanjar, a Bahraini whose torturers had obtained transcripts of his text messages and details from personal mobile phone conversations.
According to Bloomberg, the equipment used to intercept this information was sold by Siemens AG (SIE), and maintained by Nokia Siemens Networks and Trovicor GmbH.According to Bloomberg, the equipment used to intercept this information was sold by Siemens AG (SIE), and maintained by Nokia Siemens Networks and Trovicor GmbH.
The only way officers could have obtained messages was through the interception programme, says Ahmed Aldoseri, director of information and communications technologies at Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.The only way officers could have obtained messages was through the interception programme, says Ahmed Aldoseri, director of information and communications technologies at Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
While he won't disclose details about the programme, he says, "If they have a transcript of an SMS message, it's because the security organ was monitoring the user at their monitoring center."While he won't disclose details about the programme, he says, "If they have a transcript of an SMS message, it's because the security organ was monitoring the user at their monitoring center."
The use of the system for interrogation in Bahrain illustrates how western-produced surveillance technology sold to one authoritarian government became an investigative tool of choice to gather information about political dissidents – and silence them.The use of the system for interrogation in Bahrain illustrates how western-produced surveillance technology sold to one authoritarian government became an investigative tool of choice to gather information about political dissidents – and silence them.
9.55am: Syria: Rebel groups have killed a number of members of the security forces, according to separate reports.9.55am: Syria: Rebel groups have killed a number of members of the security forces, according to separate reports.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three intelligence officers were killed in the Barzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, according to AP. It gave no further details.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three intelligence officers were killed in the Barzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, according to AP. It gave no further details.
The state news agency, Sana, said armed groups killed a Lieutenant Colonel in the Dera'a countryside and a colonel and a warrant officer in the central city of Hama, in separate attacks.The state news agency, Sana, said armed groups killed a Lieutenant Colonel in the Dera'a countryside and a colonel and a warrant officer in the central city of Hama, in separate attacks.
The reports can't be independently verified.The reports can't be independently verified.
9.49am: Bahrain: The Formula One grand prix provided an "enthralling weekend" in Bahrain, the chairman of Bahrain International Circuit, businessman Zayed Alzayani, says in a congratulatory statement emailed this morning.9.49am: Bahrain: The Formula One grand prix provided an "enthralling weekend" in Bahrain, the chairman of Bahrain International Circuit, businessman Zayed Alzayani, says in a congratulatory statement emailed this morning.
Hosting such a big event would not be possible without the enormous hard work of all involved, including the marshals, other volunteers and my team at BIC and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.Hosting such a big event would not be possible without the enormous hard work of all involved, including the marshals, other volunteers and my team at BIC and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.
I am pleased to say that we have had a great level of support for this race weekend.I am pleased to say that we have had a great level of support for this race weekend.
Alzayani says the race attracted 28,000 paying spectators. The circuit's website says the stadium has a capacity for 45,000 spectators.Alzayani says the race attracted 28,000 paying spectators. The circuit's website says the stadium has a capacity for 45,000 spectators.
Alzayani cited "an independent survey" showing that 77% of Bahrainis support the race.Alzayani cited "an independent survey" showing that 77% of Bahrainis support the race.
He adds that BIC is planning to host a number of other motorsport events this year, including GP2 next week, the World Endurance Championship in September and the World Karting Championship in November."He adds that BIC is planning to host a number of other motorsport events this year, including GP2 next week, the World Endurance Championship in September and the World Karting Championship in November."
9.39am: Syria: Britain's ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant, warned Syria of "robust consequences" if it continues to renege on Kofi Annan's six point peace plan.9.39am: Syria: Britain's ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant, warned Syria of "robust consequences" if it continues to renege on Kofi Annan's six point peace plan.
In a statement to the security council, Lyall Grant said:
In a statement to the security council, Lyall Grant said:
It is essential that the Syrian regime now meets its commitments on troop movements and heavy weapons, and ensures the conditions that will allow the mission to operate effectively, such as unhindered freedom of movement and access. This Council will be receiving regular and frequent reports – starting tomorrow. Failure of the regime to meet its commitments or any attempt to hinder the work of the Mission must be met by real and robust consequences.It is essential that the Syrian regime now meets its commitments on troop movements and heavy weapons, and ensures the conditions that will allow the mission to operate effectively, such as unhindered freedom of movement and access. This Council will be receiving regular and frequent reports – starting tomorrow. Failure of the regime to meet its commitments or any attempt to hinder the work of the Mission must be met by real and robust consequences.
Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, urged the international community to be patient.Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, urged the international community to be patient.
Too early to dismiss #Syria monitoring mission. Given #Assad record, odds are against it. Maybe arrival of 300 extra obs can make differenceToo early to dismiss #Syria monitoring mission. Given #Assad record, odds are against it. Maybe arrival of 300 extra obs can make difference
— Nadim Houry (@nadimhoury) April 24, 2012— Nadim Houry (@nadimhoury) April 24, 2012
9.24am: Syria: A car bomb in central Damascus has injured at least three people, according to the BBC and al-Jazeera's Rula Amin, citing Syrian state TV.9.24am: Syria: A car bomb in central Damascus has injured at least three people, according to the BBC and al-Jazeera's Rula Amin, citing Syrian state TV.
Activists said a "huge explosion" was heard in the city's Marjeh Square.Activists said a "huge explosion" was heard in the city's Marjeh Square.
State TV said a "booby-trapped" vehicle exploded in central Damascus, according to the Lebanon news site Naharnet.State TV said a "booby-trapped" vehicle exploded in central Damascus, according to the Lebanon news site Naharnet.
8.34am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. The full scale of an alleged massacre in Hama, following the visit of UN monitors, is becoming clearer as the US warns Syria that its patience is running out.8.34am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. The full scale of an alleged massacre in Hama, following the visit of UN monitors, is becoming clearer as the US warns Syria that its patience is running out.
Here's a roundup of the latest developmentsHere's a roundup of the latest developments
SyriaSyria
• Activists claim the Syrian army killed dozens of people in a bombardment of the city of Hama after a visit by UN monitors. The Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria said 50 people in the city, it named 13 of them who were killed in a direct hit by a tank shell on home in Arbaeen in the east of the city. Dozens of videos purporting to show the victims of the massacre and their funerals have emerged. • Activists claim the Syrian army killed dozens of people in a bombardment of the city of Hama after a visit by UN monitors. The Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria said 50 people were killed in the city. It named 13 of them who were killed in a direct hit by a tank shell on a home in Arbaeen, in the east of the city. Dozens of videos purporting to show the victims of the massacre and their funerals have emerged.
Video footage of the Arbaeen area showed several homes completely flattened by the attack.Video footage of the Arbaeen area showed several homes completely flattened by the attack.
• UN observers have made a brief visit to Homs after initially being denied entry to the city.• UN observers have made a brief visit to Homs after initially being denied entry to the city.
The observers promised to established a fixed schedule of visits starting today.The observers promised to established a fixed schedule of visits starting today.
• Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN, warned that the US would not wait 90 days if the Syrian government continued to flout the ceasefire. "The Syrian regime should make no mistake: we will be watching its actions day and night," she said.• Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN, warned that the US would not wait 90 days if the Syrian government continued to flout the ceasefire. "The Syrian regime should make no mistake: we will be watching its actions day and night," she said.
• President Barack Obama has signed an executive order targeting people and entities who use technology to help authoritarian regimes in Iran and Syria suppress their people. "Technologies should be in place to empower citizens, not to oppress them," Obama said on Monday at a speech at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.• President Barack Obama has signed an executive order targeting people and entities who use technology to help authoritarian regimes in Iran and Syria suppress their people. "Technologies should be in place to empower citizens, not to oppress them," Obama said on Monday at a speech at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.
BahrainBahrain
• John Yates, the UK's former head of counter terrorism turned adviser to the Bahraini police, says he is "bewildered" by the level of criticism aimed at the Bahraini government. But in an article for the Telegraph he admitted that "challenges remain".• John Yates, the UK's former head of counter terrorism turned adviser to the Bahraini police, says he is "bewildered" by the level of criticism aimed at the Bahraini government. But in an article for the Telegraph he admitted that "challenges remain".
The decision not to give visas to certain correspondents is one, as the Crown Prince said, that the government may wish to reflect upon. The death over the weekend of Salah Abbas al-Qattan, an anti-government protester, is also a powerful reminder of the tragic consequences of the unrest. However, the determination of the police chief to establish how Salah died and the level of resources now being applied to the investigation is testament to the new resolve to fix things.The decision not to give visas to certain correspondents is one, as the Crown Prince said, that the government may wish to reflect upon. The death over the weekend of Salah Abbas al-Qattan, an anti-government protester, is also a powerful reminder of the tragic consequences of the unrest. However, the determination of the police chief to establish how Salah died and the level of resources now being applied to the investigation is testament to the new resolve to fix things.
• Bahrain's highest appeals court has delayed giving a verdict on a jailed hunger striker and other activists seeking to overturn long sentences handed out for their part in pro-democracy protests last year. The court, which had been due to give a ruling yesterday, set the next hearing for 30 April amid claims by the family of the hunger striker, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, that his health is in sharp decline 11 weeks into his protest.Bahrain officials insist Khawaja faces no immediate medical risks.• Bahrain's highest appeals court has delayed giving a verdict on a jailed hunger striker and other activists seeking to overturn long sentences handed out for their part in pro-democracy protests last year. The court, which had been due to give a ruling yesterday, set the next hearing for 30 April amid claims by the family of the hunger striker, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, that his health is in sharp decline 11 weeks into his protest.Bahrain officials insist Khawaja faces no immediate medical risks.
EgyptEgypt
• Saudi Arabia has suggested it may pardon an Egyptian human rights lawyer after his arrest sparked outrage in Egypt. Ahmed Gizawy was sentenced to a year in jail and 20 lashes for criticizing the King Abdullah after he travelled to Saudi Arabia to defend imprisoned Egyptian, Egyptian Chronicles reports.• Saudi Arabia has suggested it may pardon an Egyptian human rights lawyer after his arrest sparked outrage in Egypt. Ahmed Gizawy was sentenced to a year in jail and 20 lashes for criticizing the King Abdullah after he travelled to Saudi Arabia to defend imprisoned Egyptian, Egyptian Chronicles reports.
• The latest Arabist podcast includes a useful and entertaining look ahead to next month's presidential election with discussions of the key candidates left in the race.• The latest Arabist podcast includes a useful and entertaining look ahead to next month's presidential election with discussions of the key candidates left in the race.
It also reviews the "train wreck" of Egypt's political transition. Issandr El Amrani argues that the leading Islamist candidates Khairat al-Shater and Hazem Abu Ismail only have themselves to blame for their disqualification because they helped draw up the the arbitrary and unfair election rules which they have fallen victim to.It also reviews the "train wreck" of Egypt's political transition. Issandr El Amrani argues that the leading Islamist candidates Khairat al-Shater and Hazem Abu Ismail only have themselves to blame for their disqualification because they helped draw up the the arbitrary and unfair election rules which they have fallen victim to.