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Syria: Damascus explosions - live updates Syria: Damascus explosions - live updates
(40 minutes later)
3.47pm: Syria: A grisly update from AP's Bassem Mroue:
In addition to the 55 dead, the ministrysaid there were 15 bags of human remains, meaning death toll likely to rise #Syria
— Bassem Mroue (@bmroue) May 10, 2012
3.26pm: Syria: The Assad regime wants the UN's security council to condemn today's bombing according to Nabil Abi Saab, a journalist with the UN Report based.
#Syria will ask #SecurityCouncil to condemn bomb attacks #Damascus
— Nabil Abi Saab (@NabilAbiSaab) May 10, 2012
Earlier, fellow UN journalist, Matthew Russell Lee, noted the UN's hesitance in condemning the blasts.
Bombs in #Syria would, in normal course, trigger #UN SC's standard press statement condemning #terrorism. But will that happen this morning?
— InnerCityPress (@innercitypress) May 10, 2012
Syria's state news agency Sana has leapt on remarks UN-Arab League envoy condemning the blast. The way they reported Annan's comments made it sound as if he accepted that the blasts were the work of terrorists.
Annan sounded more cautious in the way Reuters reported his comments.
Annan himself condemned the "abhorrent" bombings and urged all parties to halt violence and protect civilians. "The Syrian people have already suffered too much," he said in a statement.
2.38pm: Egypt: Tonight brings a historic moment for Egypt, and Egyptian television. It's the country's first-ever presidential TV debate.2.38pm: Egypt: Tonight brings a historic moment for Egypt, and Egyptian television. It's the country's first-ever presidential TV debate.
Front-running candidates Amr Moussa (former foreign minister and former head of the Arab League) and Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh (formerly of the Muslim Brotherhood) will be taking part tonight, with other candidates appearing in subsequent debates.Front-running candidates Amr Moussa (former foreign minister and former head of the Arab League) and Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh (formerly of the Muslim Brotherhood) will be taking part tonight, with other candidates appearing in subsequent debates.
With luck there will be none of the obsequious interviewing that was so familiar during the Mubarak era. The popular interviewer Mona el-Shazly and former al-Jazeera journalistWith luck there will be none of the obsequious interviewing that was so familiar during the Mubarak era. The popular interviewer Mona el-Shazly and former al-Jazeera journalist
Yosri Fouda will be posing the questions, and strict rules have been established for the debate, which the Egypt Independent explains:Yosri Fouda will be posing the questions, and strict rules have been established for the debate, which the Egypt Independent explains:
Each candidate will be given two minutes to answer questions. They will also be allowed to comment on each other's responses, as well as ask their opponent one question at the end of each half of the debate.Each candidate will be given two minutes to answer questions. They will also be allowed to comment on each other's responses, as well as ask their opponent one question at the end of each half of the debate.
As for the structure of the programme:As for the structure of the programme:
The first half will focus on the candidate's views on the constitution and powers of the presidential office, while the second will address electoral platforms, the judiciary, security and other issues.The first half will focus on the candidate's views on the constitution and powers of the presidential office, while the second will address electoral platforms, the judiciary, security and other issues.
2.29pm: Syria: Foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi has a few more details of the government's version of events.2.29pm: Syria: Foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi has a few more details of the government's version of events.
Two suicide bombers blow up 2 cars: more than 1000 kilos of highly explosives were used.Two suicide bombers blow up 2 cars: more than 1000 kilos of highly explosives were used.
— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012
2.15pm: Syria: Journalists and Middle East watchers are sceptical about opposition conspiracy theories about today's bombings.2.15pm: Syria: Journalists and Middle East watchers are sceptical about opposition conspiracy theories about today's bombings.
Dan Murphy from the Christian Science monitors tweets:Dan Murphy from the Christian Science monitors tweets:
every time a syrian opposition "spokesman" insists assad is bombing his own security agencies their credibility declines that much furtherevery time a syrian opposition "spokesman" insists assad is bombing his own security agencies their credibility declines that much further
— Dan Murphy (@bungdan) May 10, 2012— Dan Murphy (@bungdan) May 10, 2012
Marc Lynch, director of the Institute for Middle East studies at George Washington University, tweeted:Marc Lynch, director of the Institute for Middle East studies at George Washington University, tweeted:
Syrian regime certainly capable of orchestrating today's bombing but there's plenty of other plausible explanations out there.Syrian regime certainly capable of orchestrating today's bombing but there's plenty of other plausible explanations out there.
— Marc Lynch (@abuaardvark) May 10, 2012— Marc Lynch (@abuaardvark) May 10, 2012
Our colleague Peter Beaumont tweeted:Our colleague Peter Beaumont tweeted:
while don't doubt assad quite capable of attacking own ppl - un monitors - & blaming rebels, most dictators don't attack own intel HQswhile don't doubt assad quite capable of attacking own ppl - un monitors - & blaming rebels, most dictators don't attack own intel HQs
— peter beaumont (@petersbeaumont) May 10, 2012— peter beaumont (@petersbeaumont) May 10, 2012
2.05pm: Syria: Smoke from today's blasts could be seen from miles away according to video footage.2.05pm: Syria: Smoke from today's blasts could be seen from miles away according to video footage.
Here's a full version of Ian Black's analysis on the blame game over the explosions.Here's a full version of Ian Black's analysis on the blame game over the explosions.
1.56pm: Bahrain: The retrial of 20 medics convicted of helping last year's uprising has been adjourned, according to AP, citing their defence lawyer.1.56pm: Bahrain: The retrial of 20 medics convicted of helping last year's uprising has been adjourned, according to AP, citing their defence lawyer.
The doctors and nurses who treated activists wounded during anti-government protests were jailed for between five and 15 years in sentences that were immediately denounced by medical bodies and human rights groups around the world.The doctors and nurses who treated activists wounded during anti-government protests were jailed for between five and 15 years in sentences that were immediately denounced by medical bodies and human rights groups around the world.
In March, a retrial began in civilian court but was immediately postponed. Lawyer Jalila al-Sayed says the court Thursday delayed proceedings again until June 14.In March, a retrial began in civilian court but was immediately postponed. Lawyer Jalila al-Sayed says the court Thursday delayed proceedings again until June 14.
A retrial also is under way for a group of 21 activists, including a rights defender on hunger strike for three months.A retrial also is under way for a group of 21 activists, including a rights defender on hunger strike for three months.
1.45pm: Bahrain: Opposition activists say they blocked roads with burning tyres to demand the release of women prisoners, many of them locked up during more than a year of protests against the island kingdom's rulers.1.45pm: Bahrain: Opposition activists say they blocked roads with burning tyres to demand the release of women prisoners, many of them locked up during more than a year of protests against the island kingdom's rulers.
Bahrain's interior ministry blamed "thugs" for the road blockages which stopped traffic in the capital Manama.Bahrain's interior ministry blamed "thugs" for the road blockages which stopped traffic in the capital Manama.
Groups of thugs blocked various roads today morning. Legal procedures were taken and the situation was brought to normal #BahrainGroups of thugs blocked various roads today morning. Legal procedures were taken and the situation was brought to normal #Bahrain
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) May 10, 2012— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) May 10, 2012
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Activists from the "February 14 Youth Coalition" – a group opposed to the monarchy - posted videos online showing masked youths placing tyres in several areas of Manama and setting them alight.Activists from the "February 14 Youth Coalition" – a group opposed to the monarchy - posted videos online showing masked youths placing tyres in several areas of Manama and setting them alight.
A statement published with the video said they were calling for "the immediate release of women prisoners in the regime's prisons".A statement published with the video said they were calling for "the immediate release of women prisoners in the regime's prisons".
Zainab al-Khawaja, daughter of a jailed protest leader who is on hunger strike, was detained as she tried to protest on a highway during Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix last month, activists said.Zainab al-Khawaja, daughter of a jailed protest leader who is on hunger strike, was detained as she tried to protest on a highway during Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix last month, activists said.
Three other women were arrested two weeks ago after staging a protest outside a prison for the release of Khawaja's father, campaigners added.Three other women were arrested two weeks ago after staging a protest outside a prison for the release of Khawaja's father, campaigners added.
The opposition party Wefaq says at least 700 people are in jail pending trial or serving terms. The police have not given a figure for the total held.The opposition party Wefaq says at least 700 people are in jail pending trial or serving terms. The police have not given a figure for the total held.
1.35pm: Syria: A commander with the rebel Free Syrian Army, has condemned today's explosions in Damascus which he blamed on the government.1.35pm: Syria: A commander with the rebel Free Syrian Army, has condemned today's explosions in Damascus which he blamed on the government.
Brigadier general Moustafa el-Sheikh said no organisation apart from the Syrian government had the technical capability to cause such a huge explosion, according an email from the activist group the Revolution Leadership Council in Damascus.Brigadier general Moustafa el-Sheikh said no organisation apart from the Syrian government had the technical capability to cause such a huge explosion, according an email from the activist group the Revolution Leadership Council in Damascus.
"Our religion can never allow killing innocent people, children and women," he said."Our religion can never allow killing innocent people, children and women," he said.
1.19pm: Syria: The death toll from today's bomb blasts in Damascus has increased to 55, according to the state news agency Sana [warning: graphic content].1.19pm: Syria: The death toll from today's bomb blasts in Damascus has increased to 55, according to the state news agency Sana [warning: graphic content].
It said the number of injured has increased to 372 people.It said the number of injured has increased to 372 people.
The US embassy in Beirut has condemned the attacks. On its Twitter feed it said:The US embassy in Beirut has condemned the attacks. On its Twitter feed it said:
The indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians is reprehensible and unacceptable in any context. #Syria #StateDepartmentThe indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians is reprehensible and unacceptable in any context. #Syria #StateDepartment
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) May 10, 2012— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) May 10, 2012

It added:
It added:
We continue to call on the Syrian regime to fully and immediately implement the #AnnanPlan. #Syria #StateDepartmentWe continue to call on the Syrian regime to fully and immediately implement the #AnnanPlan. #Syria #StateDepartment
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) May 10, 2012— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) May 10, 2012
1.17pm: Syria: Ian Black, the Guardian's Middle East editor, has been looking at the claims and counter-claims regarding bomb attacks in Syria – including Syrians' suspicions that the regime is responsible. He writes:1.17pm: Syria: Ian Black, the Guardian's Middle East editor, has been looking at the claims and counter-claims regarding bomb attacks in Syria – including Syrians' suspicions that the regime is responsible. He writes:
Opinions are divided about two attacks on similarly sensitive security installations in the Kafr Sousseh area of Damascus just before Christmas. Opposition sources described mysterious transfers of prisoners to the heavily-guarded buildings the day before the blasts, which coincided with the arrival of Arab League monitors.Opinions are divided about two attacks on similarly sensitive security installations in the Kafr Sousseh area of Damascus just before Christmas. Opposition sources described mysterious transfers of prisoners to the heavily-guarded buildings the day before the blasts, which coincided with the arrival of Arab League monitors.
Western governments, however, concluded that the attacks had been carried out by an al-Qaida type group using military explosives and methods perfected in Iraq.Western governments, however, concluded that the attacks had been carried out by an al-Qaida type group using military explosives and methods perfected in Iraq.
But the next attack, a suicide bombing on January 6 in the nearby suburb of Meidan, was widely believed to have been staged by the Syrian authorities. Film inadvertently broadcast on state media showed apparently dead or injured people moving around after being filmed or objects such as shopping bags being placed at the scene by security personnel.But the next attack, a suicide bombing on January 6 in the nearby suburb of Meidan, was widely believed to have been staged by the Syrian authorities. Film inadvertently broadcast on state media showed apparently dead or injured people moving around after being filmed or objects such as shopping bags being placed at the scene by security personnel.
State media arrived on the scene surprisingly quickly, adding to suspicions that it was an elaborate fake.State media arrived on the scene surprisingly quickly, adding to suspicions that it was an elaborate fake.
A full version of Ian's commentary will be posted on the Guardian's website shortly.A full version of Ian's commentary will be posted on the Guardian's website shortly.
12.26pm: Here's a summary of main events so far today in Syria12.26pm: Here's a summary of main events so far today in Syria
• State media has blamed terrorists for two bomb attacks which killed 40 people and wounded 170 in the capital Damascus. The bombings which were largest to hit the capital since the uprising began have shattered the already widely-flouted ceasefire. The bombs exploded on a ring road close to a government intelligence agency in the al-Qazaz district.• State media has blamed terrorists for two bomb attacks which killed 40 people and wounded 170 in the capital Damascus. The bombings which were largest to hit the capital since the uprising began have shattered the already widely-flouted ceasefire. The bombs exploded on a ring road close to a government intelligence agency in the al-Qazaz district.
• Opposition groups and activists claimed the government deliberately orchestrated the attacks to derail the UN's peace mission. The Syrian National Council was reported as saying that the regime wanted to warn observers that they were in danger and show the international community they are battling terrorists. An activist in Damascus claimed an eyewitness to the blast was shot dead by snipers.• Opposition groups and activists claimed the government deliberately orchestrated the attacks to derail the UN's peace mission. The Syrian National Council was reported as saying that the regime wanted to warn observers that they were in danger and show the international community they are battling terrorists. An activist in Damascus claimed an eyewitness to the blast was shot dead by snipers.
• International envoy Kofi Annan condemned the attacks as "counter-productive" to both parties. UN monitors have launched an investigation into the blasts. In his initial reaction Robert Mood, the Norwegian major general heading the mission in Syria, said: "This is yet another example of the suffering brought upon the people of Syria from acts of violence ... I call on everyone within and outside Syria to help stop this violence."• International envoy Kofi Annan condemned the attacks as "counter-productive" to both parties. UN monitors have launched an investigation into the blasts. In his initial reaction Robert Mood, the Norwegian major general heading the mission in Syria, said: "This is yet another example of the suffering brought upon the people of Syria from acts of violence ... I call on everyone within and outside Syria to help stop this violence."
• No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks but a little known group, the al-Nusra Front, which has claimed responsibility for previous attacks, is coming under increasing scrutiny. There has been no word from the Free Syrian Army. It is not thought to be behind the blasts but yesterday its commander warned that the group was ready to resume attacks on government forces.• No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks but a little known group, the al-Nusra Front, which has claimed responsibility for previous attacks, is coming under increasing scrutiny. There has been no word from the Free Syrian Army. It is not thought to be behind the blasts but yesterday its commander warned that the group was ready to resume attacks on government forces.
• The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned yesterday's attack on Syrian troops who were escorting a UN monitoring visit to the southern city of Dera'a. Ban, said the attack undermined the UN peace plan, which he claimed was "possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country and avert a civil war."• The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned yesterday's attack on Syrian troops who were escorting a UN monitoring visit to the southern city of Dera'a. Ban, said the attack undermined the UN peace plan, which he claimed was "possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country and avert a civil war."
12.14pm: Syria: International envoy to Syria Kofi Annan has issued a statement condemning the attacks.12.14pm: Syria: International envoy to Syria Kofi Annan has issued a statement condemning the attacks.
He said any act that escalates tensions and raises the level of violence "can only be counter-productive to the interest of all parties."He said any act that escalates tensions and raises the level of violence "can only be counter-productive to the interest of all parties."
12.08pm: Syria: Noting that the name "Al-Nusra Front" doesn't sound very Islamic, we asked our Arabic-speaking colleague, Mona Mahmood, for an opinion. She told us:12.08pm: Syria: Noting that the name "Al-Nusra Front" doesn't sound very Islamic, we asked our Arabic-speaking colleague, Mona Mahmood, for an opinion. She told us:
Some of these [jihadist] factions have started to use names that give the impression they are secular, even though they are not. For example, instead of using Islamic names like "Muhammad's Army", "Mujadhideen", "Fatiheen", etc, they have started to use names like "Liberation Brigades", "Tomorrow Brigades", "Glory Brigades", and so on.Some of these [jihadist] factions have started to use names that give the impression they are secular, even though they are not. For example, instead of using Islamic names like "Muhammad's Army", "Mujadhideen", "Fatiheen", etc, they have started to use names like "Liberation Brigades", "Tomorrow Brigades", "Glory Brigades", and so on.
All of that is done on purpose and it is like a new strategy to spare themselves from being pre-judged. Most of the secular resistance factions cannot stand up by themselves for the lack of funding and they have to integrate with Islamic factions as they have lot of money and weapons.All of that is done on purpose and it is like a new strategy to spare themselves from being pre-judged. Most of the secular resistance factions cannot stand up by themselves for the lack of funding and they have to integrate with Islamic factions as they have lot of money and weapons.
11.51am: Syria: The Nusra Front, the group that has claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Damascus, appears to be legitimate, according to terrorist expert Brian Fishman.11.51am: Syria: The Nusra Front, the group that has claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Damascus, appears to be legitimate, according to terrorist expert Brian Fishman.
Speaking to NPR he said:Speaking to NPR he said:

Moreover, the [Jabhat al-Nusra] as a group has been embraced by the jihadi community online, including some important scholars, particularly in Jordan but other major figures, ideological figures, within the jihadi trend.
Moreover, the [Jabhat al-Nusra] as a group has been embraced by the jihadi community online, including some important scholars, particularly in Jordan but other major figures, ideological figures, within the jihadi trend.
But he said the group is very small and is not necessarily aligned with the protesters and the rebels in Syria.But he said the group is very small and is not necessarily aligned with the protesters and the rebels in Syria.
11.34am: Syria: State TV has shown aerial coverage of the aftermath of the blast.11.34am: Syria: State TV has shown aerial coverage of the aftermath of the blast.
Activist Shakeeb al-Jabri is still cynical. "I like how ready they were," he tweets with a link to the footage.Activist Shakeeb al-Jabri is still cynical. "I like how ready they were," he tweets with a link to the footage.
11.20am: Syria: Jihadist groups are often described as "shadowy", and the Nusra Front – which is reported to have claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Damascus – is more shadowy than most.11.20am: Syria: Jihadist groups are often described as "shadowy", and the Nusra Front – which is reported to have claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Damascus – is more shadowy than most.
Its Arabic name, Jabhat al-Nusra li-Ahl al-Sham, roughly translates as "Support front for the people of Sham" ("Sham" is an alternative name for both Syria and Damascus).Its Arabic name, Jabhat al-Nusra li-Ahl al-Sham, roughly translates as "Support front for the people of Sham" ("Sham" is an alternative name for both Syria and Damascus).
The group first surfaced on 23 January with a call for armed struggle against the Assad regime, according to the jihadist monitoring organisation, SITE.The group first surfaced on 23 January with a call for armed struggle against the Assad regime, according to the jihadist monitoring organisation, SITE.
In a video posted at the end of February, it appeared to claim responsibility for a bomb attack in Damascus that killed 26 people on 6 January and another in Aleppo on 10 February that killed 28 people. The video was described in a report from AFP:In a video posted at the end of February, it appeared to claim responsibility for a bomb attack in Damascus that killed 26 people on 6 January and another in Aleppo on 10 February that killed 28 people. The video was described in a report from AFP:
A fighter, identified as Abu al-Baraa al-Shami and presented as the one who carried out the Damascus bombing, is heard saying he will carry out the attack to avenge a woman who was "raped" by Syrian security forces.A fighter, identified as Abu al-Baraa al-Shami and presented as the one who carried out the Damascus bombing, is heard saying he will carry out the attack to avenge a woman who was "raped" by Syrian security forces.
Shami urged Syrians to take part in jihad, or holy war.Shami urged Syrians to take part in jihad, or holy war.
"Brothers, hurry up and don't wait. Jihad is now in your country ... You don't need any fatwas," he said."Brothers, hurry up and don't wait. Jihad is now in your country ... You don't need any fatwas," he said.
The video also named the group's leader as Abu Muhammad al-Julani.The video also named the group's leader as Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
Al-Nusra has also claimed responsibility for bombings near the air intelligence and criminal security headquarters in Damascus on 17 March which reportedly killed at least 27 people.Al-Nusra has also claimed responsibility for bombings near the air intelligence and criminal security headquarters in Damascus on 17 March which reportedly killed at least 27 people.
A statement said those attacks were "in response to the continued shelling by the regime of residential districts of Homs, Idlib, Hama and Dera'a".A statement said those attacks were "in response to the continued shelling by the regime of residential districts of Homs, Idlib, Hama and Dera'a".
Last month, al-Nusra claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Damascus which killed at least nine people on 27 April.Last month, al-Nusra claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Damascus which killed at least nine people on 27 April.
Reuters reported:Reuters reported:
The group named the bomber as Abu Omar al-Shami and said he detonated his explosives amidst 150 members of the Syrian security forces who were gathered outside the Zain al-Abideen mosque in the Midan district of Damascus ...The group named the bomber as Abu Omar al-Shami and said he detonated his explosives amidst 150 members of the Syrian security forces who were gathered outside the Zain al-Abideen mosque in the Midan district of Damascus ...
In a statement posted on the Islamist web forum al-Shamukh it said Friday's bombing targeted the "aggressors who surround the houses of God" to attack worshippers after weekly prayers.In a statement posted on the Islamist web forum al-Shamukh it said Friday's bombing targeted the "aggressors who surround the houses of God" to attack worshippers after weekly prayers.
11.14am: Syria: More amateur video has emerged showing the extent of damage from today's bombing in Damascus.11.14am: Syria: More amateur video has emerged showing the extent of damage from today's bombing in Damascus.
It shows debris strewn on the streets as civilians, including school children, fleeing from the scene. It also shows a thick plume of black smoke over the city.It shows debris strewn on the streets as civilians, including school children, fleeing from the scene. It also shows a thick plume of black smoke over the city.
11.07am: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council has blamed the government for today's blast, according to al-Jazeera's Zeina Khodr:11.07am: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council has blamed the government for today's blast, according to al-Jazeera's Zeina Khodr:
#SNC blames #Syria govt 4 #Damascus bombings; " wants 2warn #UN observers they r in danger & show intl community govt battling terrorists"#SNC blames #Syria govt 4 #Damascus bombings; " wants 2warn #UN observers they r in danger & show intl community govt battling terrorists"
— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) May 10, 2012— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) May 10, 2012
10.59am: Syria: The BBC's Lyse Doucet, who is in Damascus, reports on the the aftermath of today's explosion via Twitter.10.59am: Syria: The BBC's Lyse Doucet, who is in Damascus, reports on the the aftermath of today's explosion via Twitter.
Counted 20+ metal carcasses vehicles strewn across blackened #damascus highway - taxis, vans, family cars destroyed in blasts #syriaCounted 20+ metal carcasses vehicles strewn across blackened #damascus highway - taxis, vans, family cars destroyed in blasts #syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012
Angry crowds gather scene major blasts condemning opposition & foreign backers. Man pulls us aside says govt did it #syria.Angry crowds gather scene major blasts condemning opposition & foreign backers. Man pulls us aside says govt did it #syria.
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012
Bulldozers now clearing mounds of twisted metal. Teams still search for body parts #damascus#syriaBulldozers now clearing mounds of twisted metal. Teams still search for body parts #damascus#syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012
Hospital #Damascus see 30+ body bags morgue - corpses r charred sticks, limbs torn off..horrific #syriaHospital #Damascus see 30+ body bags morgue - corpses r charred sticks, limbs torn off..horrific #syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012
Doctor #Damascus hospital says worst emergency he has seen..injuries severe..#syriaDoctor #Damascus hospital says worst emergency he has seen..injuries severe..#syria
— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012— lyse doucet (@bbclysedoucet) May 10, 2012
10.42am: Syria: Opposition activists have expressed scepticism about state media's version of the today's explosions.10.42am: Syria: Opposition activists have expressed scepticism about state media's version of the today's explosions.
Shakeeb al-Jabri, a Syrian based in Lebanon, tweeted:Shakeeb al-Jabri, a Syrian based in Lebanon, tweeted:
Why is it only some explosions get featured on #Syria TV? FSA blows stuff up and takes credit for it but get no coverage on state media.Why is it only some explosions get featured on #Syria TV? FSA blows stuff up and takes credit for it but get no coverage on state media.
— Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) May 10, 2012— Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) May 10, 2012
British based Syrian blogger Maysaloon tweeted:British based Syrian blogger Maysaloon tweeted:
People would do well to remember that both Algeria and Russia carried out atrocities on their own people to blame on their opponents.People would do well to remember that both Algeria and Russia carried out atrocities on their own people to blame on their opponents.
— Maysaloon (@Maysaloon) May 10, 2012— Maysaloon (@Maysaloon) May 10, 2012
In response to such claims Syria's foreign affairs spokesman Jihad Makdissi tweeted:In response to such claims Syria's foreign affairs spokesman Jihad Makdissi tweeted:
Gen. Mood condemned the attack & the opposition is still busy blaming the Gov 2 score and gain instead of at least condemning it #Syria #UNGen. Mood condemned the attack & the opposition is still busy blaming the Gov 2 score and gain instead of at least condemning it #Syria #UN
— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012
10.37am: Syria: Robert Mood, the Norwegian major general heading the UN's monitoring mission in Syria, has condemned today's explosions in Damascus.10.37am: Syria: Robert Mood, the Norwegian major general heading the UN's monitoring mission in Syria, has condemned today's explosions in Damascus.
Reuters quoted him saying: "This is yet another example of the suffering brought upon the people of Syria from acts of violence. We have seen it here in Damascus and we have seen it in other cities and villages across the country... I call on everyone within and outside Syria to help stop this violence."Reuters quoted him saying: "This is yet another example of the suffering brought upon the people of Syria from acts of violence. We have seen it here in Damascus and we have seen it in other cities and villages across the country... I call on everyone within and outside Syria to help stop this violence."
10.26am: Bahrain: The kingdom's Olympic chief, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has 20,417 followers on Twitter – but no tweets to his name. He tweeted in the past, but has now apparently deleted everything.10.26am: Bahrain: The kingdom's Olympic chief, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has 20,417 followers on Twitter – but no tweets to his name. He tweeted in the past, but has now apparently deleted everything.
Activists say the sheikh deleted his tweets after Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said he would be "closely assessed" before being granted admission to Britain for the Olympic games in London.Activists say the sheikh deleted his tweets after Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said he would be "closely assessed" before being granted admission to Britain for the Olympic games in London.
Sheikh Nasser was recently quoted as saying of Bahrain's protesters: "May a wall fall on their heads ... even if they are an athlete".Sheikh Nasser was recently quoted as saying of Bahrain's protesters: "May a wall fall on their heads ... even if they are an athlete".
There are claims that he deleted his tweets for fear they might be used as grounds for banning him from Britain. Screenshots of some of the deleted tweets have now been posted on Twitter:There are claims that he deleted his tweets for fear they might be used as grounds for banning him from Britain. Screenshots of some of the deleted tweets have now been posted on Twitter:
In this tweet, Nasser Bin Hamad expresses his desire 4 all athletes that were detained 2 get life imprisonment #Bahrain twitter.com/alaashehabi/st…In this tweet, Nasser Bin Hamad expresses his desire 4 all athletes that were detained 2 get life imprisonment #Bahrain twitter.com/alaashehabi/st…
— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) May 9, 2012— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) May 9, 2012
10.18am: Syria: A little known Islamist group, the al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for a series of previous explosions in both Damascus and Aleppo.10.18am: Syria: A little known Islamist group, the al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for a series of previous explosions in both Damascus and Aleppo.
Reuters said it was impossible to verify a statement from the group claiming responsibility for last month's apparent suicide attack in Damascus which killed at least nine people.Reuters said it was impossible to verify a statement from the group claiming responsibility for last month's apparent suicide attack in Damascus which killed at least nine people.
10.08am: Syria: Lena, a spokeswoman for the Revolution Council of Damascus, speculated the government was to blamed for today's attack.10.08am: Syria: Lena, a spokeswoman for the Revolution Council of Damascus, speculated the government was to blamed for today's attack.
She claimed an eye witness to the attack was shot by a government sniper.She claimed an eye witness to the attack was shot by a government sniper.
Speaking via Skype she said: "Some people say the security forces were there in order to stage the whole operation and in order to stop people seeing it and recording whatever might happen."Speaking via Skype she said: "Some people say the security forces were there in order to stage the whole operation and in order to stop people seeing it and recording whatever might happen."
Lena conceded that there was no evidence for government involvement in the attack, but insisted it was unlikely to be the result of a rebel attack.Lena conceded that there was no evidence for government involvement in the attack, but insisted it was unlikely to be the result of a rebel attack.
We still have no conclusive evidence. Logically speaking the Free Syrian Army has no advantage in targeting civilians, that they took an oath to protect.We still have no conclusive evidence. Logically speaking the Free Syrian Army has no advantage in targeting civilians, that they took an oath to protect.
However right from the start the regime has targeted cities ... so it is not strange now for it to target people in Damascus. It wants to create instability in the area, it wants to breach [Kofi Annan's] six point plan.However right from the start the regime has targeted cities ... so it is not strange now for it to target people in Damascus. It wants to create instability in the area, it wants to breach [Kofi Annan's] six point plan.
The regime is trying to pull the area into a pool of violence. It doesn't believe in political solutions it only believes in violence.The regime is trying to pull the area into a pool of violence. It doesn't believe in political solutions it only believes in violence.
Lena said the blast was largest she had heard in Damascus. She said: "We woke up to the sound of the blast it was very very huge. It was certainly larger than the former explosions we have had before in Damascus."Lena said the blast was largest she had heard in Damascus. She said: "We woke up to the sound of the blast it was very very huge. It was certainly larger than the former explosions we have had before in Damascus."
She said many parents were concerned about their children in the area because the area hit was near a school.She said many parents were concerned about their children in the area because the area hit was near a school.
Civilians were targeted by this explosion, the intelligence building is still in tact it is not destroyed. And the explosion happened in the middle of a road so many civilian cars were damaged and buses, pedestrians, passers by. It was horrible.Civilians were targeted by this explosion, the intelligence building is still in tact it is not destroyed. And the explosion happened in the middle of a road so many civilian cars were damaged and buses, pedestrians, passers by. It was horrible.
9.57am: Syria: The roadside bomb that exploded yesterday just moments after a UN convoy had passed by did not hit their military escort car but instead a bus carrying accompanying media, an eyewitness has told the activist organisation, Avaaz:9.57am: Syria: The roadside bomb that exploded yesterday just moments after a UN convoy had passed by did not hit their military escort car but instead a bus carrying accompanying media, an eyewitness has told the activist organisation, Avaaz:
Initial reports said that the bomb wounded six soldiers in a car escorting the UN team on the road between Deraa and the town of Khorbet Ghazala. But eyewitness Abu Abdul-Rahman told Avaaz: "At 11:45am, during the passing of the convoy of UN monitors on the Deraa-Khorbet Ghazala road, a bomb that was planted on the side of the road exploded, but the bomb missed the monitors' vehicle, hitting instead a bus of Addounia TV that was driving behind the monitors.Initial reports said that the bomb wounded six soldiers in a car escorting the UN team on the road between Deraa and the town of Khorbet Ghazala. But eyewitness Abu Abdul-Rahman told Avaaz: "At 11:45am, during the passing of the convoy of UN monitors on the Deraa-Khorbet Ghazala road, a bomb that was planted on the side of the road exploded, but the bomb missed the monitors' vehicle, hitting instead a bus of Addounia TV that was driving behind the monitors.
"There were journalists inside the bus. White smoke was coming from the bus but we do not know yet if there were any injuries. It is not true that the bomb targeted a military vehicle, we were in the area and we did not see any damaged military vehicles.""There were journalists inside the bus. White smoke was coming from the bus but we do not know yet if there were any injuries. It is not true that the bomb targeted a military vehicle, we were in the area and we did not see any damaged military vehicles."
Abu Abdul-Rahman told Avaaz that the bomb went off only a few dozen meters away from one of the largest military checkpoints in the area. Activists confirmed Abdul-Rahman's account, but told Avaaz that they had no information about who planted the bomb.Abu Abdul-Rahman told Avaaz that the bomb went off only a few dozen meters away from one of the largest military checkpoints in the area. Activists confirmed Abdul-Rahman's account, but told Avaaz that they had no information about who planted the bomb.
9.47am: The death toll in Damascus has now reached 40, according to a tweet from Jihad Makdissi of the Syrian foreign ministry:9.47am: The death toll in Damascus has now reached 40, according to a tweet from Jihad Makdissi of the Syrian foreign ministry:
Primary toll of this morning terrorist attack in Damascus : 40 killed and 170 injuredMinistry of Interior will issue a Statement.Primary toll of this morning terrorist attack in Damascus : 40 killed and 170 injuredMinistry of Interior will issue a Statement.
— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012— Dr.Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 10, 2012
9.24am: Algeria: The authorities have being using arrests and other tactics to keep people from demonstrating in the capital during the run-up to today's elections, Human Rights Watch says.9.24am: Algeria: The authorities have being using arrests and other tactics to keep people from demonstrating in the capital during the run-up to today's elections, Human Rights Watch says.
Security forces are detaining people who try to demonstrate peacefully in Algiers, including at least one candidate for election, and have prevented people from reaching the city if they suspect them of intending to demonstrate.Security forces are detaining people who try to demonstrate peacefully in Algiers, including at least one candidate for election, and have prevented people from reaching the city if they suspect them of intending to demonstrate.
The government lifted a state of emergency in February 2011. Security forces justify their actions, however, on the basis of repressive laws on public gatherings, including a ban on gatherings in Algiers, the capital, imposed after a demonstration turned violent in 2001.These laws are contrary to Algeria's binding human rights obligations under international law ...The government lifted a state of emergency in February 2011. Security forces justify their actions, however, on the basis of repressive laws on public gatherings, including a ban on gatherings in Algiers, the capital, imposed after a demonstration turned violent in 2001.These laws are contrary to Algeria's binding human rights obligations under international law ...
The right to freedom of assembly remains severely compromised. Authorities have neither lifted the indefinite 2001 ban nor revised the 1991 law governing assembly, which requires prior authorisation for public demonstrations.The right to freedom of assembly remains severely compromised. Authorities have neither lifted the indefinite 2001 ban nor revised the 1991 law governing assembly, which requires prior authorisation for public demonstrations.
An indefinite ban on all demonstrations is not a proportionate response to a march that degenerated into violence 11 years ago but rather the negation of the people's right of assembly.An indefinite ban on all demonstrations is not a proportionate response to a march that degenerated into violence 11 years ago but rather the negation of the people's right of assembly.
9.23am: Syria: It is unclear when the government will announce the results of Monday's parliamentary election. The official news agency, Sana, says the Higher Committee for Elections will announce a date for the results one day in advance.9.23am: Syria: It is unclear when the government will announce the results of Monday's parliamentary election. The official news agency, Sana, says the Higher Committee for Elections will announce a date for the results one day in advance.
Results from some areas have already been unofficially published but the committee says it was not responsible for any leaks.Results from some areas have already been unofficially published but the committee says it was not responsible for any leaks.
Sana also says elections are being re-run in al-Zahiriyyeh and Amarat in al-Hasaka constituency because of "objections submitted to the judicial subcommittee in Hasaka".Sana also says elections are being re-run in al-Zahiriyyeh and Amarat in al-Hasaka constituency because of "objections submitted to the judicial subcommittee in Hasaka".
9.19am: Syria: Syria's health minister says 29 people have been killed and 103 wounded in the explosions, according to Reuters citing state TV.9.19am: Syria: Syria's health minister says 29 people have been killed and 103 wounded in the explosions, according to Reuters citing state TV.
The state news agency Sana has published horribly graphic photographs of the aftermath of the blasts [warning: disturbing content].The state news agency Sana has published horribly graphic photographs of the aftermath of the blasts [warning: disturbing content].
9.03am: Syria: A source in Damascus told the Guardian that both of the explosions were caused by car bombs and that they killed up to 20 people and wounded a further 35.9.03am: Syria: A source in Damascus told the Guardian that both of the explosions were caused by car bombs and that they killed up to 20 people and wounded a further 35.
The blasts were close to the university's faculty of mechanical engineering, he said. He said:The blasts were close to the university's faculty of mechanical engineering, he said. He said:
They were very large explosions. They could be heard from far away. People couldn't believe that this happened ...There are ambulances rushing to the area.They were very large explosions. They could be heard from far away. People couldn't believe that this happened ...There are ambulances rushing to the area.
8.43am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Two bomb attacks against a military intelligence unit have killed or wounded dozens of people, according to Syrian state TV, shattering the already widely flouted ceasefire.8.43am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Two bomb attacks against a military intelligence unit have killed or wounded dozens of people, according to Syrian state TV, shattering the already widely flouted ceasefire.
Here's a round up of the main developments:Here's a round up of the main developments:
SyriaSyria
• State-run TV blamed terrorists for the blasts, which were in the Qazaz area, where a Syrian intelligence agency has its headquarters. The explosions occurred at about 7.50am local time on Thursday during the rush hour, according to the state news agency Sana.• State-run TV blamed terrorists for the blasts, which were in the Qazaz area, where a Syrian intelligence agency has its headquarters. The explosions occurred at about 7.50am local time on Thursday during the rush hour, according to the state news agency Sana.
• A video posted online showed a plume of thick black smoke rising above Qaza as the second explosion appeared to strike.• A video posted online showed a plume of thick black smoke rising above Qaza as the second explosion appeared to strike.
• More than 1,000 people have been killed since the start of international envoy Kofi Annan's mission to end the violence, according to the activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria. It claims to have documented the names of 1,025 killed in the last month.• More than 1,000 people have been killed since the start of international envoy Kofi Annan's mission to end the violence, according to the activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria. It claims to have documented the names of 1,025 killed in the last month.
• The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned yesterday's attack on Syrian troops who were escorting a UN monitoring visit to the southern city of Dera'a. Ban, said the attack undermined the UN peace plan, which he claimed was "possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country and avert a civil war."• The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has condemned yesterday's attack on Syrian troops who were escorting a UN monitoring visit to the southern city of Dera'a. Ban, said the attack undermined the UN peace plan, which he claimed was "possibly the only remaining chance to stabilise the country and avert a civil war."
• The Syria uprising is decentralised, distrustful of the expatriate opposition, and in favour of both Sunni empowerment and equal rights, according to interviews with more than 20 activists conducted by the New York Times. • The Syria uprising is decentralised, distrustful of the expatriate opposition, and in favour of both Sunni empowerment and equal rights, according to interviews with more than 20 activists conducted by the New York Times.
If there was unanimity, it was in the fierce conviction that future leaders should come from their own ranks — "exclusively from this popular movement," Abu Omar said — not from exile groups, like the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and secular movements.If there was unanimity, it was in the fierce conviction that future leaders should come from their own ranks — "exclusively from this popular movement," Abu Omar said — not from exile groups, like the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and secular movements.
The fighters and activists knew they were talking to journalists and have an interest in appearing neither sectarian nor extremist. But many spoke candidly of the uprising's flaws and challenges, and one — a former interior decorator — volunteered that he had executed three men.The fighters and activists knew they were talking to journalists and have an interest in appearing neither sectarian nor extremist. But many spoke candidly of the uprising's flaws and challenges, and one — a former interior decorator — volunteered that he had executed three men.
AlgeriaAlgeria
• Today's parliamentary elections are expected to be hit by low turnout, according to blogger and Algeria expert the Moor Next Door.• Today's parliamentary elections are expected to be hit by low turnout, according to blogger and Algeria expert the Moor Next Door.
This is a regularly scheduled election taking place on time for a legislature with little authority or power (the real power in the Algerian legislature rests with the upper house, the Majlis al-Umma, which is indirectly elected, except for a third of delegates who are directly appointed by the president and which exists (circa 1997) precisely to prevent the parliament from acting as a credible challenge to the executive) and a poll in which most Algerians will probably not vote, out of indifference or as part of an active boycott. Though there were important reforms undertaken last year, these were largely pro forma and should not be taken as an indicator of significant change as yet.This is a regularly scheduled election taking place on time for a legislature with little authority or power (the real power in the Algerian legislature rests with the upper house, the Majlis al-Umma, which is indirectly elected, except for a third of delegates who are directly appointed by the president and which exists (circa 1997) precisely to prevent the parliament from acting as a credible challenge to the executive) and a poll in which most Algerians will probably not vote, out of indifference or as part of an active boycott. Though there were important reforms undertaken last year, these were largely pro forma and should not be taken as an indicator of significant change as yet.
• Speaking at a campaign rally before the election, Algeria's prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia described the Arab Spring as a "plague". Harking back to the country's independence struggle against France, he said: "The Arab spring for me is a disaster. We don't need lessons from outside. Our spring is Algerian, our revolution of 1 November 1954."• Speaking at a campaign rally before the election, Algeria's prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia described the Arab Spring as a "plague". Harking back to the country's independence struggle against France, he said: "The Arab spring for me is a disaster. We don't need lessons from outside. Our spring is Algerian, our revolution of 1 November 1954."
EgyptEgypt
• The two leading candidates in the presidential race, former foreign minister Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, are preparing to go head-to-head in a televised debate tonight. A court decision to suspend the poll is expected to be overruled but it underlines the chaotic build up to the first round of voting which is due to start on 23 May.• The two leading candidates in the presidential race, former foreign minister Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, are preparing to go head-to-head in a televised debate tonight. A court decision to suspend the poll is expected to be overruled but it underlines the chaotic build up to the first round of voting which is due to start on 23 May.
• The conservative Salafi group are divided over whether to back Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign. Fotouh, who has been backed by many leading revolutionaries, was backed by the Salafist Nour party but many Salafits doubt his commitment to Sharia law, according to Reuters.• The conservative Salafi group are divided over whether to back Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign. Fotouh, who has been backed by many leading revolutionaries, was backed by the Salafist Nour party but many Salafits doubt his commitment to Sharia law, according to Reuters.
• Amr Moussa says there is a danger of the Muslim Brotherhood monopolising the levers to power in Egypt. In an interview with Majalla he said:• Amr Moussa says there is a danger of the Muslim Brotherhood monopolising the levers to power in Egypt. In an interview with Majalla he said:
I fear the Muslim Brotherhood would be tempted by their new authority especially if they win the presidency. Their political power would extend to include administrative, economic, banking, media, cultural and judicial sectors. Thus, Egypt would be governed by one political segment represented by the Brotherhood.I fear the Muslim Brotherhood would be tempted by their new authority especially if they win the presidency. Their political power would extend to include administrative, economic, banking, media, cultural and judicial sectors. Thus, Egypt would be governed by one political segment represented by the Brotherhood.
IranIran
• An Iranian cartoonist has been sentenced to be 25 lashes for a caricature of MP Ahmad Lotfi Ashtiani. The cartoonist, Mahmoud Shokraye, depicted Ashtiani dressed as a footballer, with a congratulatory letter in one hand to reflect criticism of political involvement in sport.• An Iranian cartoonist has been sentenced to be 25 lashes for a caricature of MP Ahmad Lotfi Ashtiani. The cartoonist, Mahmoud Shokraye, depicted Ashtiani dressed as a footballer, with a congratulatory letter in one hand to reflect criticism of political involvement in sport.