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Syria: blasts defy Annan's peace plea - live updates Syria: blasts defy Annan's peace plea - live updates
(40 minutes later)
11.56am: Syria is importing significant volumes of grain via Lebanon to work around western sanctions and secure vital supplies, Reuters reports, citing European traders.
The trade is not illegal because food imports are not included in sanctions imposed by the EU, the US and other Western countries ... But the measures have blocked access to trade finance for Syria in the same way as similar penalties imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme.
Growing numbers of Syrians are struggling to obtain food, with prices of staples more than doubling after more than a year of conflict that has cost more than 10,000 lives.
Some people in the capital Damascus, long spared the violence but now shaken by explosions overnight, say they are stocking up with at least a month's supplies.
"Syrian grain imports are being transacted in large volumes using offices in Lebanon to handle the paperwork and act as initial buyer," one trader said. "The deal is then re-booked in Lebanon, and ships are then later diverted to Syrian ports."
Some trade sources said hundreds of thousands of tonnes were involved, while deals in smaller volumes are also being booked via dealers based in Dubai.
11.48am: Syria: The head of the UN monitoring mission Robert Mood said the observers' visit to Dera'a will continue despite the attack on a UN convoy which wounded six Syrian soldiers.
AP quoted him describing the attack as "a graphic experience that the Syrian people live with every day".
The explosion was more than 100 meters behind the convoy, it said.
A unnamed soldier told the agency: "We were driving behind the UN convoy as protection when a roadside bomb exploded, wounding a 1st Lieutenant and five troops".
11.39am: Egypt: Even if the generals give up political power next month, military men will continue to run Egypt, Zeinab Abul-Magd writes in an article for Foreign Policy. She points out:
• Eighteen of the 27 provincial governors are retired generals.
• Retired generals run many companies in the state-owned oil and gas sector.
• The head of the Suez Canal is a former military chief of staff.
• The heads of the Red Sea ports are retired generals, as is the manager of the maritime and land transport company.
• The health minister's assistant for financial and administrative affairs is a retired general, among many others in the ministry.
• There are dozens of retired generals in the environment ministry.
• The head of the Supreme Constitutional Court was originally an army officer.
In addition to all that, Abul-Magd writes:
Retired generals manage the vast enterprises owned by the military institution and produce goods and services for consumers rather than for military production. This includes chains of factories, service companies, farms, roads, gas stations, supermarkets, and much more.
There are three major military bodies engaged in civilian production: the Ministry of Military Production, running eight factories; the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation, running 12 factories; and the National Service Products Organisation, running 15 factories, companies, and farms.
They produce a wide variety of goods, including luxury jeeps, infant incubators, butane gas cylinders, plastic tubes, canned food, meat, chicken, and more. They also provide services, like domestic cleaning and gas station management.
11.19am: Syria: Here's video of Kofi Annan's soft-spoken warning about the descent into civil war in Syria.

As we noted yesterday the International Committee of the Red Cross has joined Human Rights Watch in suggesting that the fighting in some parts of Syria can already by defined as "armed conflict".

11.11am: Tunisia: The foreign ministry has accused US ambassador Gordon Gray of interfering in Tunisia's internal affairs, after he criticised last week's Persepolis verdict.11.11am: Tunisia: The foreign ministry has accused US ambassador Gordon Gray of interfering in Tunisia's internal affairs, after he criticised last week's Persepolis verdict.
Nessma TV chief Nabil Karoui was fined 2,400 dinars for "disturbing public order" and offending "good morals" by broadcasting the award-winning film. The US embassy issued a statement saying:
/> 		Nessma TV chief Nabil Karoui was fined 2,400 dinars for "disturbing public order" and offending "good morals" by broadcasting the award-winning film. The US embassy issued a statement saying:

His conviction raises serious concerns about tolerance and freedom of expression in the new Tunisia. We understand that Mr Karoui has the right to appeal his conviction, and we hope this case will be resolved in a manner, which guarantees free expression, a basic right denied to Tunisians during the Ben Ali era.
His conviction raises serious concerns about tolerance and freedom of expression in the new Tunisia. We understand that Mr Karoui has the right to appeal his conviction, and we hope this case will be resolved in a manner, which guarantees free expression, a basic right denied to Tunisians during the Ben Ali era.
Tunisia Live reports the government's riposte:
/> 		Tunisia Live reports the government's riposte:

The Tunisian ministry of foreign affairs response stated that the ambassador's declarations represent an "interference in the internal affairs of the Tunisian judiciary," and asserted that the Tunisian government conforms to international norms and respects the independence of the judiciary in forming its own conclusion.
/>
The Tunisian ministry of foreign affairs response stated that the ambassador's declarations represent an "interference in the internal affairs of the Tunisian judiciary," and asserted that the Tunisian government conforms to international norms and respects the independence of the judiciary in forming its own conclusion.
11.02am: Syria: The head of the UN observer mission to Syria, Major General Robert Mood (pictured), and 12 other monitors escaped unharmed in the attack on troops in Dera'a, AFP confirms.11.02am: Syria: The head of the UN observer mission to Syria, Major General Robert Mood (pictured), and 12 other monitors escaped unharmed in the attack on troops in Dera'a, AFP confirms.
It says six soldiers were wounded in the attack which targeted troops escorting the UN. Addounia TV reported that eight soldiers were wounded.It says six soldiers were wounded in the attack which targeted troops escorting the UN. Addounia TV reported that eight soldiers were wounded.
10.58am: Syria: Readers who are still in doubt about the outcome of Syria's election will have to wait a bit longer. The government news agency, Sana, says counting has finished in some areas but is still continuing in others.10.58am: Syria: Readers who are still in doubt about the outcome of Syria's election will have to wait a bit longer. The government news agency, Sana, says counting has finished in some areas but is still continuing in others.
In Lattakia, counting was finished in 300 out of 817 election centers, while 668 out of 720 ballots were counted in Tartous were six candidates presented an objection.In Lattakia, counting was finished in 300 out of 817 election centers, while 668 out of 720 ballots were counted in Tartous were six candidates presented an objection.
In Hama, 500 out of 1000 ballots were counted, and the rest are due to be finished by 8 PM, while counting in Aleppo is almost finished, but the Aleppo Countryside ballots are being scrutinized due to the late arrival of some ballots.In Hama, 500 out of 1000 ballots were counted, and the rest are due to be finished by 8 PM, while counting in Aleppo is almost finished, but the Aleppo Countryside ballots are being scrutinized due to the late arrival of some ballots.
300 out of the 604 ballots in Homs have been counted, and 280 out of 561 ballots have been counted in Deir Ezzor.300 out of the 604 ballots in Homs have been counted, and 280 out of 561 ballots have been counted in Deir Ezzor.
In Hasaka, 100 ballots have been counted so far, and counting is almost done in the 510 centers in Raqqa.In Hasaka, 100 ballots have been counted so far, and counting is almost done in the 510 centers in Raqqa.
Counting of ballots was finished in Sweida, Quneitra, Idleb and Daraa.Counting of ballots was finished in Sweida, Quneitra, Idleb and Daraa.

The pro-regime website Champress has a few results (in Arabic). It claims a turnout of 64.5% in Tartous province and 58% in Suweida.
The pro-regime website Champress has a few results (in Arabic). It claims a turnout of 64.5% in Tartous province and 58% in Suweida.
10.32am: Syria: Has the rebel Free Syrian Army resumed its attacks as its commander Riad al-Asaad threatened? Reuters says seven militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were killed in another attack on a bus, this time in the Damascus suburb of Irbin.10.32am: Syria: Has the rebel Free Syrian Army resumed its attacks as its commander Riad al-Asaad threatened? Reuters says seven militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were killed in another attack on a bus, this time in the Damascus suburb of Irbin.
The attack with rocket-propelled grenades destroyed the vehicle on the edge of Irbin, according to an activist.The attack with rocket-propelled grenades destroyed the vehicle on the edge of Irbin, according to an activist.
"Troops sealed off the area then tanks began shelling. A five story building was badly hit but it was empty," activist Mohammad Saeed told Reuters, saying he was speaking by satellite phone from the suburb."Troops sealed off the area then tanks began shelling. A five story building was badly hit but it was empty," activist Mohammad Saeed told Reuters, saying he was speaking by satellite phone from the suburb.
It is unclear who was behind this attack and the one in Dera'a which reportedly injured eight soldiers and occurred in the presence of UN monitors.It is unclear who was behind this attack and the one in Dera'a which reportedly injured eight soldiers and occurred in the presence of UN monitors.
10.25am: Syria: Troops fired across the Lebanese border on Wednesday morning, killing a 75-year-old woman and wounding her daughter, according to Reuters citing residents and a doctor in the Lebanese town of al-Qaa said.10.25am: Syria: Troops fired across the Lebanese border on Wednesday morning, killing a 75-year-old woman and wounding her daughter, according to Reuters citing residents and a doctor in the Lebanese town of al-Qaa said.
Halima Suleiman Karbi was shot in the head and her daughter, 33, was shot in the stomach as they sat by a mosque in the rural mountainous border region, residents said. Both were taken to hospital, where Karbi died from her wounds, a doctor said.Halima Suleiman Karbi was shot in the head and her daughter, 33, was shot in the stomach as they sat by a mosque in the rural mountainous border region, residents said. Both were taken to hospital, where Karbi died from her wounds, a doctor said.
10.07am: Bahrain: The situation in Bahrain is becoming worse, not better, Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group says in an article for the New York Review of Books.10.07am: Bahrain: The situation in Bahrain is becoming worse, not better, Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group says in an article for the New York Review of Books.
Part of what makes the current situation in Bahrain so disturbing is that the regime has succeeded in replacing the narrative of a peaceful movement for reform with an altogether different one: that the country's majority Shia are intent on driving the Sunnis off the island and handing the country over to Iran ... The regime's use of an Iranian bogeyman has been particularly effective.Part of what makes the current situation in Bahrain so disturbing is that the regime has succeeded in replacing the narrative of a peaceful movement for reform with an altogether different one: that the country's majority Shia are intent on driving the Sunnis off the island and handing the country over to Iran ... The regime's use of an Iranian bogeyman has been particularly effective.
Another negative development, according to Hiltermann, is the sidelining of the crown prince, who was not only more reform-minded than others in the royal family but had also been seeking to reduce Bahrain's dependence on neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Another negative development, according to Hiltermann, is the sidelining of the crown prince, who was not only more reform-minded than others in the royal family but had also been seeking to reduce Bahrain's dependence on neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
As protection for the "Iranian threat", Bahrain is now being driven towards a more dependent relationship with Saudi, in the form of proposals for a political confederation. If that came to pass, Hiltermann writes, "Bahrain would become no more than a satrapy, with the Al Khalifa [the royal family] reduced to, at most, policing the island on behalf of the House of Saud.As protection for the "Iranian threat", Bahrain is now being driven towards a more dependent relationship with Saudi, in the form of proposals for a political confederation. If that came to pass, Hiltermann writes, "Bahrain would become no more than a satrapy, with the Al Khalifa [the royal family] reduced to, at most, policing the island on behalf of the House of Saud.
The ultimate irony is that in seeking to escape Iranian interference, the Al Khalifas are rushing headlong into a Saudi embrace. For Bahrainis themselves, this would likely mean even less freedom and more autocracy than before: the Saudi regime would want to keep tight control over this tiny spit of land within Iran's military reach, and the introduction of its Wahhabi doctrine would put a swift end to the social liberties and free-wheeling cosmopolitanism to which ordinary Bahrainis have grown accustomed, exemplified by the island's signature Formula One race.The ultimate irony is that in seeking to escape Iranian interference, the Al Khalifas are rushing headlong into a Saudi embrace. For Bahrainis themselves, this would likely mean even less freedom and more autocracy than before: the Saudi regime would want to keep tight control over this tiny spit of land within Iran's military reach, and the introduction of its Wahhabi doctrine would put a swift end to the social liberties and free-wheeling cosmopolitanism to which ordinary Bahrainis have grown accustomed, exemplified by the island's signature Formula One race.
It also deprives many Saudis of illicit pleasures:It also deprives many Saudis of illicit pleasures:
Saudi weekenders use the island for wild indulgences forbidden at home: families flock to cinemas, women gather at malls to organise group drives, while men binge-drink and visit houses of ill repute, which now include major hotels, where prostitution is conspicuous.Saudi weekenders use the island for wild indulgences forbidden at home: families flock to cinemas, women gather at malls to organise group drives, while men binge-drink and visit houses of ill repute, which now include major hotels, where prostitution is conspicuous.
9.54am: Syria: An explosion targeted a Syrian military truck in the southern province of Dera'a in front of UN monitors.9.54am: Syria: An explosion targeted a Syrian military truck in the southern province of Dera'a in front of UN monitors.
AP reports:AP reports:
An Associated Press reporter who was travelling in the convoy said three bloodied Syrian soldiers were rushed from the scene. The military truck had its windows blown out.An Associated Press reporter who was travelling in the convoy said three bloodied Syrian soldiers were rushed from the scene. The military truck had its windows blown out.
The UN convoy was not hit.The UN convoy was not hit.
The head of the UN observer mission, Major General Robert Mood, was in the convoy.The head of the UN observer mission, Major General Robert Mood, was in the convoy.
Reuters says eight security personnel were wounded, citing a pro-government TV station.Reuters says eight security personnel were wounded, citing a pro-government TV station.
Explosion in front of UN monitors convoy in southern Syria, 8 Syrian guards wounded - pro-government Addounia TVExplosion in front of UN monitors convoy in southern Syria, 8 Syrian guards wounded - pro-government Addounia TV
— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) May 9, 2012— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) May 9, 2012
Meanwhile, government troops attacked opposition strongholds in Douma, near Damascus, while the security forces raided villages in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, according to the latest updates from Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.Meanwhile, government troops attacked opposition strongholds in Douma, near Damascus, while the security forces raided villages in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, according to the latest updates from Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
It also said one civilian was killed in machine gun fire near Jisr al-Shughur in the north west, AFP reports.It also said one civilian was killed in machine gun fire near Jisr al-Shughur in the north west, AFP reports.
9.22am: Syria: The town of al-Qusair, between Homs and the Lebanese border, is divided between areas controlled by rebels and the army, according to an audio diary from Al-Jazeera's James Bays.9.22am: Syria: The town of al-Qusair, between Homs and the Lebanese border, is divided between areas controlled by rebels and the army, according to an audio diary from Al-Jazeera's James Bays.
Meanwhile, the BBC's Lyse Doucet reports continuing violence in Homs. She appears to be reporting from the city on an authorised trip under the protection of UN monitors.Meanwhile, the BBC's Lyse Doucet reports continuing violence in Homs. She appears to be reporting from the city on an authorised trip under the protection of UN monitors.
#Homs early morning can hear sound of gunfire, heavier weapons. No ceasefire here but UN monitors patrolling.#Syria#Homs early morning can hear sound of gunfire, heavier weapons. No ceasefire here but UN monitors patrolling.#Syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012
UN sources say "intense well coordinated" opposition attack yday north #homs lasted few hours blocked major motorway #syriaUN sources say "intense well coordinated" opposition attack yday north #homs lasted few hours blocked major motorway #syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012
Doucet also reports government's version of events:Doucet also reports government's version of events:
Governor #Homs - "u tell me some pple r afraid of the army, many more say they want us to protect them" #SyriaGovernor #Homs - "u tell me some pple r afraid of the army, many more say they want us to protect them" #Syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 9, 2012
9.18am: Syria: The Free Syrian Army is threatening to resume its attacks because the government has not honoured the ceasefire, AP reports citing an interview in Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.9.18am: Syria: The Free Syrian Army is threatening to resume its attacks because the government has not honoured the ceasefire, AP reports citing an interview in Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
It quotes colonel Riad al-Asaad, head of the FSA, as saying "our people are demanding that we defend them".It quotes colonel Riad al-Asaad, head of the FSA, as saying "our people are demanding that we defend them".
So much for giving peace a chance.So much for giving peace a chance.
8.32am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we will be tracking reaction to Kofi Annan's bleak assessment of UN efforts to end the violence in Syria. Among the other developments to monitor will be the fallout from yesterday's attack by a militia group in Libya on the office of the interim prime minister.8.32am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we will be tracking reaction to Kofi Annan's bleak assessment of UN efforts to end the violence in Syria. Among the other developments to monitor will be the fallout from yesterday's attack by a militia group in Libya on the office of the interim prime minister.
Here's a round up of the latest news:Here's a round up of the latest news:
SyriaSyria
• International envoy Kofi Annan has urged both sides in the conflict in Syria to "give peace a chance" after delivering a bleak assessment on the progress of his UN-backed initiative to end the violence. Speaking to reporters after briefing the security council, he said:• International envoy Kofi Annan has urged both sides in the conflict in Syria to "give peace a chance" after delivering a bleak assessment on the progress of his UN-backed initiative to end the violence. Speaking to reporters after briefing the security council, he said:
Government troops and armour are still present, though in smaller formation ... There have been worrying episodes of violence by the government but we have also seen attacks against government forces, troops and installations. And there has been a spate of bombings, which are really worrying, and I'm sure creates incredible insecurity among the civilian population ...Government troops and armour are still present, though in smaller formation ... There have been worrying episodes of violence by the government but we have also seen attacks against government forces, troops and installations. And there has been a spate of bombings, which are really worrying, and I'm sure creates incredible insecurity among the civilian population ...
I believe that the UN supervision mission is possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country. There is a profound concern that the country could otherwise descend into full civil war and the implications of that are quite frightening. We cannot allow that to happen.I believe that the UN supervision mission is possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country. There is a profound concern that the country could otherwise descend into full civil war and the implications of that are quite frightening. We cannot allow that to happen.
I hope that both the government and all components of the opposition understand this and seize this fragile, but real, opportunity to bring the situation under control ... The violence must stop and a credible political process must begin for the sake of the Syrian people.I hope that both the government and all components of the opposition understand this and seize this fragile, but real, opportunity to bring the situation under control ... The violence must stop and a credible political process must begin for the sake of the Syrian people.
• Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Ja'afari, accused foreign governments of plotting to undermine Annan's peace initiative, the New York Times reports. "We need to see these Qataris, the Saudis, the Turkish governments, as well as some other nations, stopping their incitement to violence, their sponsorship of the armed rebellion," he said.• Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Ja'afari, accused foreign governments of plotting to undermine Annan's peace initiative, the New York Times reports. "We need to see these Qataris, the Saudis, the Turkish governments, as well as some other nations, stopping their incitement to violence, their sponsorship of the armed rebellion," he said.
• Why is everyone pretending that Annan's plan has a prayer of succeeding? asks Salman Shaikh director of the Brookings Doha Centre. Writing in Foreign Policy he says:• Why is everyone pretending that Annan's plan has a prayer of succeeding? asks Salman Shaikh director of the Brookings Doha Centre. Writing in Foreign Policy he says:
The world should abandon the fiction that the Assad regime can be persuaded to reach a political accommodation with its adversaries. Rather, it is time for a renewed effort to forge a genuine united front, including all groups in Syria's social fabric, dedicated to Assad's downfall and the establishment of a pluralistic, democratic state in the aftermath. This effort needs stronger international backing today -- opposition leaders inside and outside the country do not have the resources to unite their ranks alone. If an endeavour to create a genuine grand opposition coalition were to succeed, the Assad regime would face a greater political and military challenge than ever before, stretching its forces to a breaking point. With Annan's peace plan in tatters, that's a goal the international community should embrace.The world should abandon the fiction that the Assad regime can be persuaded to reach a political accommodation with its adversaries. Rather, it is time for a renewed effort to forge a genuine united front, including all groups in Syria's social fabric, dedicated to Assad's downfall and the establishment of a pluralistic, democratic state in the aftermath. This effort needs stronger international backing today -- opposition leaders inside and outside the country do not have the resources to unite their ranks alone. If an endeavour to create a genuine grand opposition coalition were to succeed, the Assad regime would face a greater political and military challenge than ever before, stretching its forces to a breaking point. With Annan's peace plan in tatters, that's a goal the international community should embrace.
Global terrorism and Saudi ArabiaGlobal terrorism and Saudi Arabia
• A would-be "underwear bomber" involved in a plot to attack a US-based jet was in fact working as an undercover informer with Saudi intelligence and the CIA, it has emerged. The LA Times said that the bomb plan had provided intelligence leads that led to Sunday's missile attack that killed senior Yemeni al-Qaida leader Fahd Mohammed Ahmed al-Quso.• A would-be "underwear bomber" involved in a plot to attack a US-based jet was in fact working as an undercover informer with Saudi intelligence and the CIA, it has emerged. The LA Times said that the bomb plan had provided intelligence leads that led to Sunday's missile attack that killed senior Yemeni al-Qaida leader Fahd Mohammed Ahmed al-Quso.
LibyaLibya
• At least one man was killed when gunmen from a former rebel militia stormed and occupied the office of the interim prime minister, Abdurrahim al-Keib. Several dozen pickup trucks with heavy machine guns surrounded the building as government negotiators met the former rebels, who are demanding back pay they say they are owed.• At least one man was killed when gunmen from a former rebel militia stormed and occupied the office of the interim prime minister, Abdurrahim al-Keib. Several dozen pickup trucks with heavy machine guns surrounded the building as government negotiators met the former rebels, who are demanding back pay they say they are owed.
• Keib said his government would not give in to the demands of "outlaws", the BBC reports. In televised address following the attack, he said: "As the government asserts that it will deliver on its promises, it also announces that it will not give in to blackmail or to outlaws and will not negotiate under the threat of force."• Keib said his government would not give in to the demands of "outlaws", the BBC reports. In televised address following the attack, he said: "As the government asserts that it will deliver on its promises, it also announces that it will not give in to blackmail or to outlaws and will not negotiate under the threat of force."
BahrainBahrain
• A court review of a military tribunal's decision to convict activists of trying overthrow the state, has heard that that they were forced to sign confessions, the Independent reports. The group includes Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike for three months and did not attend the session.• A court review of a military tribunal's decision to convict activists of trying overthrow the state, has heard that that they were forced to sign confessions, the Independent reports. The group includes Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike for three months and did not attend the session.
EgyptEgypt
• The presidential election contest is turning into a two-horse race between former Muslim Brother Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh and Egypt's former foreign minister Amr Moussa, according to the latest Arabist podcast.• The presidential election contest is turning into a two-horse race between former Muslim Brother Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh and Egypt's former foreign minister Amr Moussa, according to the latest Arabist podcast.
The programme also asks whether last week's clashes in Abbasiya could derail the elections.The programme also asks whether last week's clashes in Abbasiya could derail the elections.