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Syria crisis: UN peacekeeping chief visits Homs - live updates Syria crisis: UN peacekeeping chief visits Homs - live updates
(40 minutes later)
Syria: The explosion that reportedly killed five people in the Qaboun district of Damascus last night (see 10.44am) remains rather puzzling. The Associated Press says:
It was not clear what the exact target of the blast was, although authorities in Damascus said it appeared to be a police station. But photos of the scene released by the state news agency, Sana, showed what looked like a restaurant.
The area was considered too dangerous for journalists to access.
2.08pm: Syria/Turkey: The Turkish police have foiled a suspected plot to abduct the head of the Free Syrian Army colonel Riad al-Asaad, according to Turkish press reports.
Two Turks were collaborating with a Syrian spy to Asaad, according to Bloomberg citing the the Istanbul daily Milliyet.
The three people accused of planning the kidnapping were detained and freed pending trial, it said.
The Turkish daily Zaman, reported the plot, but did not name Asaad as the target.
It said:
Hatay chief public prosecutor Adem Yazar said in a statement on Monday that an investigation was launched after a tip-off that a Syrian colonel currently residing in a tent city in the village of Apaydin, located in Hatay province, was going to be abducted and handed over to Syrian authorities.
It pointed out that last September two defectors were abducted and handed back to the Syrian government. They included Colonel Hussein Harmush whose forced confession was later broadcast on Syrian TV.
Harmush was reported to have been executed in January.
1.57pm: Egypt: The authorities have finally allowed presidential election observers to start work – though it's too late for them to draw a full picture, Reuters reports, citing monitoring groups.1.57pm: Egypt: The authorities have finally allowed presidential election observers to start work – though it's too late for them to draw a full picture, Reuters reports, citing monitoring groups.
Many international monitors arrived in April but waited weeks for the necessary paperwork, forcing them to miss most of an election campaign enlivened by mass rallies, vigorous canvassing and Egypt's first televised presidential debates.Many international monitors arrived in April but waited weeks for the necessary paperwork, forcing them to miss most of an election campaign enlivened by mass rallies, vigorous canvassing and Egypt's first televised presidential debates.
"We could not really assess the pre-electoral period as we did not have the accreditation," said Justin Doua, field director for the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), one of three foreign groups checking the vote."We could not really assess the pre-electoral period as we did not have the accreditation," said Justin Doua, field director for the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), one of three foreign groups checking the vote.
Another, the Carter Center, said last week the delay in getting badges meant its monitors could not observe candidate and voter nominations or campaigning, which ended on Sunday.Another, the Carter Center, said last week the delay in getting badges meant its monitors could not observe candidate and voter nominations or campaigning, which ended on Sunday.
The Center, founded by former US President Jimmy Carter with a remit to promote peace, democracy and public health, said on Tuesday it had now received its monitoring badges.The Center, founded by former US President Jimmy Carter with a remit to promote peace, democracy and public health, said on Tuesday it had now received its monitoring badges.
But a network of Arab monitors named Maat - after an ancient Egyptian goddess who personified truth, morality and justice - said some of its staff had still not received theirs.But a network of Arab monitors named Maat - after an ancient Egyptian goddess who personified truth, morality and justice - said some of its staff had still not received theirs.
EISA has sent its 33 witnesses out to 15 provinces and they reported some minor disorder during electoral meetings but no major clashes between rival campaigns, Doua said.EISA has sent its 33 witnesses out to 15 provinces and they reported some minor disorder during electoral meetings but no major clashes between rival campaigns, Doua said.
The Carter Center has also complained of state election committee rules limiting the time monitors can spend in polling stations and barring them from commenting on the process until results are announced.The Carter Center has also complained of state election committee rules limiting the time monitors can spend in polling stations and barring them from commenting on the process until results are announced.
Fewer international groups will be monitoring the vote than during a parliamentary election, whose final stage in January was overshadowed by a judicial crackdown on several civil society groups accused of receiving illegal foreign funds.Fewer international groups will be monitoring the vote than during a parliamentary election, whose final stage in January was overshadowed by a judicial crackdown on several civil society groups accused of receiving illegal foreign funds.
The election committee has accredited 9,700 monitors from 54 foreign and local groups for the presidential election, said Hazem Mounir of the election unit at Egypt's National Council for Human Rights, far fewer than in the parliamentary vote.
/> 		The election committee has accredited 9,700 monitors from 54 foreign and local groups for the presidential election, said Hazem Mounir of the election unit at Egypt's National Council for Human Rights, far fewer than in the parliamentary vote.
• Guardian journalist Ian Black, who is in Egypt for the election, is answering readers' questions here.
1.29pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:"1.29pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:"
SyriaSyria
• The UN's peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous claimed a "third party" is involved in the violence in Syria after a visit to the opposition stronghold of Homs, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. • The UN's peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous claimed a "third party" is involved in the violence in Syria after a visit to the opposition stronghold of Homs, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
• UN monitors have helped negotiate the release of two detainees in exchange for a damaged tank, according video from activists. It is unclear why the Syrian government agreed to release the two men in exchange for a tank that appeared to be totally destroyed (see 12.30pm).• UN monitors have helped negotiate the release of two detainees in exchange for a damaged tank, according video from activists. It is unclear why the Syrian government agreed to release the two men in exchange for a tank that appeared to be totally destroyed (see 12.30pm).
YemenYemen
• The annual National Day parade has gone ahead peacefully in Sana'a today, despite the bomb attack during yesterday's rehearsal. Its venue was hurriedly switched to the grounds of the air force academy and President Hadi watched from behind a bullet-proof glass screen (see 10.12 am).• The annual National Day parade has gone ahead peacefully in Sana'a today, despite the bomb attack during yesterday's rehearsal. Its venue was hurriedly switched to the grounds of the air force academy and President Hadi watched from behind a bullet-proof glass screen (see 10.12 am).
LibyaLibya
• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi, who is wanted by France, the international criminal court and Libya, has been charged by Mauritania's public prosecutor in a secret court hearing for entering the country illegally. His trial is expected to start soon, writes Monica Mark in Nouakchott.• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi, who is wanted by France, the international criminal court and Libya, has been charged by Mauritania's public prosecutor in a secret court hearing for entering the country illegally. His trial is expected to start soon, writes Monica Mark in Nouakchott.
• A female candidate has topped the poll in Benghazi's local elections (see 11.01am).• A female candidate has topped the poll in Benghazi's local elections (see 11.01am).
EgyptEgypt
• Thousands of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gathered for a show of strength before polls open tomorrow for the presidential election, but the movement has suffered a decline in popularity and its candidate Mohamed Morsi is uninspiring, writes Ian Black in Cairo.• Thousands of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gathered for a show of strength before polls open tomorrow for the presidential election, but the movement has suffered a decline in popularity and its candidate Mohamed Morsi is uninspiring, writes Ian Black in Cairo.
• Ian Black will be answering questions about the elections live from 2pm BST today. Please post a question here.
• Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign has complained about irregularities in electoral procedures for Egyptians in the Saudi city of Jeddah (see 12.49pm).• Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign has complained about irregularities in electoral procedures for Egyptians in the Saudi city of Jeddah (see 12.49pm).
• The Guardian's Ian Black will be answering questions about the elections live from 2pm BST on Tuesday 22 May. Please post a question here.
BahrainBahrain
• Jailed activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja has appeared in court in a wheelchair for his retrial in a civilian court. The case has now been adjourned until 29 May, according to his wife (see 11.13am).• Jailed activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja has appeared in court in a wheelchair for his retrial in a civilian court. The case has now been adjourned until 29 May, according to his wife (see 11.13am).
• A heavy security presence at Bahrain's largest public hospital, Salmaniya, has forced injured protesters to seek treatment in a network of secret clinics in people's homes, the New York Times reports. • A heavy security presence at Bahrain's largest public hospital, Salmaniya, has forced injured protesters to seek treatment in a network of secret clinics in people's homes, the New York Times reports.
LebanonLebanon
• In a move that could reduce the tension in Lebanon, a military prosecutor today ordered the release of Shadi Mawlawi, an outspoken Lebanese critic of Syrian president Bashar Assad (see 1.06pm).• In a move that could reduce the tension in Lebanon, a military prosecutor today ordered the release of Shadi Mawlawi, an outspoken Lebanese critic of Syrian president Bashar Assad (see 1.06pm).
KuwaitKuwait
• A Kuwaiti man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he insulted the prophet Muhammad and the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in messages on Twitter, the BBC reports. Hamad al-Naqi, a Shia Muslim, said his Twitter account had been hacked and that he had not written the messages.• A Kuwaiti man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he insulted the prophet Muhammad and the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in messages on Twitter, the BBC reports. Hamad al-Naqi, a Shia Muslim, said his Twitter account had been hacked and that he had not written the messages.
1.06pm: Lebanon: In a move that could reduce the tension in Lebanon, a military prosecutor today ordered the release of Shadi Mawlawi, an outspoken Lebanese critic of Syrian president Bashar Assad, the Associated Press reports.1.06pm: Lebanon: In a move that could reduce the tension in Lebanon, a military prosecutor today ordered the release of Shadi Mawlawi, an outspoken Lebanese critic of Syrian president Bashar Assad, the Associated Press reports.
Mawlawi's arrest earlier this month sparked clashes between pro- and anti-Syrian groups in the northern city of Tripoli that killed eight people. Judicial officials said Mawlawi was released on about $333 bail and will not be allowed to leave the country.Mawlawi's arrest earlier this month sparked clashes between pro- and anti-Syrian groups in the northern city of Tripoli that killed eight people. Judicial officials said Mawlawi was released on about $333 bail and will not be allowed to leave the country.
Following his release, Mawlawi – who was accused of belonging to a terrorist organisation – said he had confessed "under psychological pressure", in remarks quoted by the Daily Star.Following his release, Mawlawi – who was accused of belonging to a terrorist organisation – said he had confessed "under psychological pressure", in remarks quoted by the Daily Star.
Mawlawi, who wore a black headband bearing the Muslim profession of faith, insisted that his confession was null and void due to the manner in which it was extracted.Mawlawi, who wore a black headband bearing the Muslim profession of faith, insisted that his confession was null and void due to the manner in which it was extracted.
"I confessed to many things but only under pressure and any person would have confessed to those things when placed under such psychological pressure ... I later disavowed my confession.""I confessed to many things but only under pressure and any person would have confessed to those things when placed under such psychological pressure ... I later disavowed my confession."
Soon after Military Investigating Judge Nabil Wehbi approved his release, Mawlawi was whisked away from the Beirut Military Court in a dark Peugeot belonging to Safadi.Soon after Military Investigating Judge Nabil Wehbi approved his release, Mawlawi was whisked away from the Beirut Military Court in a dark Peugeot belonging to Safadi.
12.49pm: Egypt: Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign has complained about irregularities in electoral procedures for Egyptians in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Al-Masri al-Youm reports:12.49pm: Egypt: Abul Fotouh's presidential campaign has complained about irregularities in electoral procedures for Egyptians in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Al-Masri al-Youm reports:
In a statement, the campaign claimed it detected certain irregularities, saying that the consulate closed its doors after voting and asked the supervisors to leave and start the vote count the next day.In a statement, the campaign claimed it detected certain irregularities, saying that the consulate closed its doors after voting and asked the supervisors to leave and start the vote count the next day.
It also claimed that certain political forces collected ID cards from voters and voted on their behalf, and duplicate ballots were sent by mail.It also claimed that certain political forces collected ID cards from voters and voted on their behalf, and duplicate ballots were sent by mail.
Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi is reportedly in the lead among Saudi-based Egyptians, with almost 50% of the vote.Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi is reportedly in the lead among Saudi-based Egyptians, with almost 50% of the vote.
12.30pm: Syria: UN monitors have helped negotiate the release of two detainees in exchange for a damaged tank, according to video from activists.12.30pm: Syria: UN monitors have helped negotiate the release of two detainees in exchange for a damaged tank, according to video from activists.
It is unclear why the Syrian government agreed to release the two men, named by activists as Salaheddine al-Saleh and Walid Ma'amoun, in exchange for a tank that appeared to be totally destroyed.It is unclear why the Syrian government agreed to release the two men, named by activists as Salaheddine al-Saleh and Walid Ma'amoun, in exchange for a tank that appeared to be totally destroyed.
But in the crudely edited film, senior UN monitor Ahmet Himmiche, from Morocco, appears to negotiate for the release of the two men.But in the crudely edited film, senior UN monitor Ahmet Himmiche, from Morocco, appears to negotiate for the release of the two men.
"We will hand over the two detainees from our vehicle and the tank will be pulled out," Himmiche says according to our colleague Mona Mahmood."We will hand over the two detainees from our vehicle and the tank will be pulled out," Himmiche says according to our colleague Mona Mahmood.
The exchange took place on Monday in Khan Sheikhoun, scene of an attack last Tuesday during an inspection visit by UN monitors. Six monitors spent the night in the town under the protect of the Free Syrian Army, following the incident.The exchange took place on Monday in Khan Sheikhoun, scene of an attack last Tuesday during an inspection visit by UN monitors. Six monitors spent the night in the town under the protect of the Free Syrian Army, following the incident.
Himmiche made reference to the incident in the latest video. He said: "We will assess how to move them [the detainees] from here, and Khan Sheikhoun will go down in history. We will say that Khan Sheikhoun is able to protect the monitors and their cars."Himmiche made reference to the incident in the latest video. He said: "We will assess how to move them [the detainees] from here, and Khan Sheikhoun will go down in history. We will say that Khan Sheikhoun is able to protect the monitors and their cars."
Later in the clip Khan Sheikhoun activist Abu Hammam appears in a striped shirt (we spoke to him last week).Later in the clip Khan Sheikhoun activist Abu Hammam appears in a striped shirt (we spoke to him last week).
In the clip he says: "An agreement has been reached to exchange detainees for a tank which has been destroyed. The UN has intervened to sought out this problem, with the people of Khan Sheikhoun who have protected the UN."In the clip he says: "An agreement has been reached to exchange detainees for a tank which has been destroyed. The UN has intervened to sought out this problem, with the people of Khan Sheikhoun who have protected the UN."
The detainees are later shown emerging from a UN vehicle. A damaged tank is also shown being taken away by what appear to be government soldiers.The detainees are later shown emerging from a UN vehicle. A damaged tank is also shown being taken away by what appear to be government soldiers.
The footage cannot be independently verified. The UN has yet to respond to queries about the apparent exchange.The footage cannot be independently verified. The UN has yet to respond to queries about the apparent exchange.
11.49am: Syria: An activist leader in Homs has accused the Assad regime of involvement in terrorism, writes Imogen Blake.11.49am: Syria: An activist leader in Homs has accused the Assad regime of involvement in terrorism, writes Imogen Blake.
Khaled Abu Salah, was filmed greeting chief UN peacekeeper Herve Lasdous and Robert Mood, head of the UN monitors, during their visit to the city on Monday.Khaled Abu Salah, was filmed greeting chief UN peacekeeper Herve Lasdous and Robert Mood, head of the UN monitors, during their visit to the city on Monday.
In what purports to be footage of a subsequent meeting with the UN officials, Salah denied Syrian government claims of al-Qaida involvement in the Syrian uprising.In what purports to be footage of a subsequent meeting with the UN officials, Salah denied Syrian government claims of al-Qaida involvement in the Syrian uprising.
Speaking through an interpreter he said: "We are working within the context of humanity, security and freedom. It is the other side that is [responsible] for relationships with terrorist groups and for various incidents which have occurred, including the assassination of Hariri [a reference to the killing of Lebanon's prime minister in 2005]."Speaking through an interpreter he said: "We are working within the context of humanity, security and freedom. It is the other side that is [responsible] for relationships with terrorist groups and for various incidents which have occurred, including the assassination of Hariri [a reference to the killing of Lebanon's prime minister in 2005]."
Khaled also paid tribute to Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik who were killed in a makeshift press centre in the Baba Amr area of Homs in February.Khaled also paid tribute to Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik who were killed in a makeshift press centre in the Baba Amr area of Homs in February.
He said: "I worked with the journalists during their presence in Syria, especially Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik. After the unfortunate deaths of these journalists, I want to make known that... the relationship between the activists and the international journalists was strong."He said: "I worked with the journalists during their presence in Syria, especially Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik. After the unfortunate deaths of these journalists, I want to make known that... the relationship between the activists and the international journalists was strong."
11.30am: Syria: Rebels have been filmed celebrating after capturing and setting alight a government tank in the north-west province of Idlib.11.30am: Syria: Rebels have been filmed celebrating after capturing and setting alight a government tank in the north-west province of Idlib.

The unverified footage was uploaded to the Syria-registered YouTube account idlib4all, which features videos in and around Idlib,

The unverified footage was uploaded to the Syria-registered YouTube account idlib4all, which features videos in and around Idlib,

11.13am: Bahrain: Activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja has appeared in court in a wheelchair, Gulf News reports via AFP.11.13am: Bahrain: Activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja has appeared in court in a wheelchair, Gulf News reports via AFP.
Khawaja staged a hunger strike after being sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. He is now being retried in a civilian court.Khawaja staged a hunger strike after being sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. He is now being retried in a civilian court.
Khawaja's wife, Khadija, tweets that the hearing was adjourned until 29 May:Khawaja's wife, Khadija, tweets that the hearing was adjourned until 29 May:
#Bahrain The court is adjourned to 29th May. Hadi was accompanied by a doctor and two nurses.#Bahrain The court is adjourned to 29th May. Hadi was accompanied by a doctor and two nurses.
— Khadija Almousawi (@tublani2010) May 22, 2012— Khadija Almousawi (@tublani2010) May 22, 2012
11.01am: Libya: Interesting development in Benghazi following the local elections on Saturday. Brown Moses (in the discussion thread below) highlights the success of a female candidate, Najat Rashid Mansur al-Kikhia, who defeated male contenders in the al-Birka district.11.01am: Libya: Interesting development in Benghazi following the local elections on Saturday. Brown Moses (in the discussion thread below) highlights the success of a female candidate, Najat Rashid Mansur al-Kikhia, who defeated male contenders in the al-Birka district.
She secured 7,784 votes – more than any other candidate in the city. Asma Magariaf has been tweeting about her background, and here is a photo:She secured 7,784 votes – more than any other candidate in the city. Asma Magariaf has been tweeting about her background, and here is a photo:
Dr, Najat Al Kikhia,winner of the fourth district, got 80% of total votes in her district. Congrats! #BenghaziElect2012 twitter.com/StayStrongLiby…Dr, Najat Al Kikhia,winner of the fourth district, got 80% of total votes in her district. Congrats! #BenghaziElect2012 twitter.com/StayStrongLiby…
— Nahla Elsubeihi ☪ (@StayStrongLibya) May 21, 2012— Nahla Elsubeihi ☪ (@StayStrongLibya) May 21, 2012
10.44am: Syria: The government news agency, Sana, has published photographs from the scene of last night's explosion in al-Qaboun district of Damascus.10.44am: Syria: The government news agency, Sana, has published photographs from the scene of last night's explosion in al-Qaboun district of Damascus.
It says: "An explosive device, planted by an armed terrorist group, went off causing the martyrdom of the civilians who were at the site of explosion." There are no details about the building where the explosion occurred.It says: "An explosive device, planted by an armed terrorist group, went off causing the martyrdom of the civilians who were at the site of explosion." There are no details about the building where the explosion occurred.
10.12am: Yemen: The annual National Day ceremony has gone ahead peacefully this morning in Sana'a, despite the bomb attack during yesterday's rehearsal.10.12am: Yemen: The annual National Day ceremony has gone ahead peacefully this morning in Sana'a, despite the bomb attack during yesterday's rehearsal.
Fazil Corman, the Turkish ambassador in Yemen, has been tweeting from the ceremony. He says the venue was changed at the last minute but he thinks it was the "right decision" to go ahead with it.Fazil Corman, the Turkish ambassador in Yemen, has been tweeting from the ceremony. He says the venue was changed at the last minute but he thinks it was the "right decision" to go ahead with it.
President Hadi arrives at the Yemen National Day ceremony. Solemn atmosphere but good participation in solidarity. twitter.com/FazliCorman/st…President Hadi arrives at the Yemen National Day ceremony. Solemn atmosphere but good participation in solidarity. twitter.com/FazliCorman/st…
— Fazli Corman (@FazliCorman) May 22, 2012— Fazli Corman (@FazliCorman) May 22, 2012
Reuters adds that President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who replaced President Saleh earlier this year, watched the parade from behind a bulletproof glass screen at the hastily rearranged and heavily protected new location – the air force academy in Sana'a.Reuters adds that President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who replaced President Saleh earlier this year, watched the parade from behind a bulletproof glass screen at the hastily rearranged and heavily protected new location – the air force academy in Sana'a.
9.56am: Yemen: "Covert" strikes by American drones in Yemen are not as covert as they used to be – thanks to Twitter. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) has documented what is thought to be the first-ever drone strike monitored in real time on Twitter.9.56am: Yemen: "Covert" strikes by American drones in Yemen are not as covert as they used to be – thanks to Twitter. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) has documented what is thought to be the first-ever drone strike monitored in real time on Twitter.
It started when Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) reported drone sightings:It started when Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) reported drone sightings:
#Yemen | Hearing multiple claims of drone sightings in Hadhramaut, especially in Shibam/Qatn directorates (KSA route). No attacks so far.#Yemen | Hearing multiple claims of drone sightings in Hadhramaut, especially in Shibam/Qatn directorates (KSA route). No attacks so far.
— Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) May 15, 2012— Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) May 15, 2012
The BIJ article continues:The BIJ article continues:
When the deadly attack finally came in the early hours of Thursday morning, the target itself was hardly a secret.When the deadly attack finally came in the early hours of Thursday morning, the target itself was hardly a secret.
Earlier, Arabic-language online media in the provincial capital of al-Mukalla had reported that a convoy of alleged al-Qaida rebels was heading north. That news was also swiftly tweeted.Earlier, Arabic-language online media in the provincial capital of al-Mukalla had reported that a convoy of alleged al-Qaida rebels was heading north. That news was also swiftly tweeted.
Others were clearly also charting the convoy's progress. As the vehicles approached Shibam at around 1am local time, at least one car, a Toyota Hilax, was destroyed by missiles from above.Others were clearly also charting the convoy's progress. As the vehicles approached Shibam at around 1am local time, at least one car, a Toyota Hilax, was destroyed by missiles from above.
A few minutes later, after receiving a phone call from relatives who witnessed the explosion, Sana'a-based lawyer Bafana was tweeting the news:A few minutes later, after receiving a phone call from relatives who witnessed the explosion, Sana'a-based lawyer Bafana was tweeting the news:
#Yemen NOW | Missile strike on car in Wadi Hadhramaut. Near city of Shibam. Suspected US drone attack.#Yemen NOW | Missile strike on car in Wadi Hadhramaut. Near city of Shibam. Suspected US drone attack.
— Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) May 16, 2012— Haykal Bafana (@BaFana3) May 16, 2012
9.37am: Egypt: Veteran Egyptian blogger Sandmonkey (well, six years is a long time in blogging) questions whether the two "frontrunners" in the presidential election will make it to the run-off. The trouble with Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, he says, is that they are both grey men appealing to the centre ground – but "Egyptians do not vote for centrist parties".9.37am: Egypt: Veteran Egyptian blogger Sandmonkey (well, six years is a long time in blogging) questions whether the two "frontrunners" in the presidential election will make it to the run-off. The trouble with Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, he says, is that they are both grey men appealing to the centre ground – but "Egyptians do not vote for centrist parties".
A centre is formed when two opposing forces of equal power and clearly different ideologies are fighting for control, thus creating the political balance that allows a centre to emerge. This doesn't exist in Egypt, which is why Abul Fotouh is turning more and more Islamist to appease his new Salafi supporters, and Moussa is finding himself up in shit-creek without a paddle.A centre is formed when two opposing forces of equal power and clearly different ideologies are fighting for control, thus creating the political balance that allows a centre to emerge. This doesn't exist in Egypt, which is why Abul Fotouh is turning more and more Islamist to appease his new Salafi supporters, and Moussa is finding himself up in shit-creek without a paddle.
One achievement of the Egyptian presidential election, he says, is that it has killed all ideologies:One achievement of the Egyptian presidential election, he says, is that it has killed all ideologies:
We have leftists supporting an Islamist candidate, liberals supporting a Nasserite leftists, A revolutionary workers-rights crusader candidate who didn't get the support of the workers and ended up only getting nominated by MP signatures from parties that he considered anti-revolutionary ...We have leftists supporting an Islamist candidate, liberals supporting a Nasserite leftists, A revolutionary workers-rights crusader candidate who didn't get the support of the workers and ended up only getting nominated by MP signatures from parties that he considered anti-revolutionary ...
It's a fine mess that will surely leave analysts and pundits scratching their head for years to come to make any sense of its one million and one questions, where ironically all the answers so far are as clear as grey.It's a fine mess that will surely leave analysts and pundits scratching their head for years to come to make any sense of its one million and one questions, where ironically all the answers so far are as clear as grey.
Another Egyptian blogger, Zeinobia, discusses the wildly varying opinion polls. One, for example, places Moussa on 31.7%, another on 14.6%. She wonders how accurately their sampling reflects Egypt's social and geographical make-up.Another Egyptian blogger, Zeinobia, discusses the wildly varying opinion polls. One, for example, places Moussa on 31.7%, another on 14.6%. She wonders how accurately their sampling reflects Egypt's social and geographical make-up.
An article from the Brookings Institution also points out that the polls are
not a reliable guide to who will win:		An article from the Brookings Institution also points out that the polls are
not a reliable guide to who will win:
It is important to keep in mind that it is not possible at this point to develop a good predictive model of electoral behaviour in Egypt, as the experiment is new, coalitions are still forming, and little information is available about likely voters. Therefore, polls ... can give a hint of the trends in public opinion about the presidential candidates but cannot provide accurate predictions ...It is important to keep in mind that it is not possible at this point to develop a good predictive model of electoral behaviour in Egypt, as the experiment is new, coalitions are still forming, and little information is available about likely voters. Therefore, polls ... can give a hint of the trends in public opinion about the presidential candidates but cannot provide accurate predictions ...
We know that political machinery is essential in getting out the vote and that the political environment in Egypt is changing almost by the day.We know that political machinery is essential in getting out the vote and that the political environment in Egypt is changing almost by the day.
9.20am: Syria: The UN supervision mission in Syria is looking for new recruits.9.20am: Syria: The UN supervision mission in Syria is looking for new recruits.
There is no mention of the potential dangers involved.There is no mention of the potential dangers involved.
9.01am: Syria: There's been another bomb near the capital Damascus, Reuters reports:9.01am: Syria: There's been another bomb near the capital Damascus, Reuters reports:
Five people were killed when an explosive device detonated at a restaurant in the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday, Syrian state media and activists said.Five people were killed when an explosive device detonated at a restaurant in the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday, Syrian state media and activists said.
The northern Damascus neighborhood of Qaboun where the bomb went off has been a centre of protests demanding the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule and has also seen fighting between Assad loyalists and rebels.The northern Damascus neighborhood of Qaboun where the bomb went off has been a centre of protests demanding the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule and has also seen fighting between Assad loyalists and rebels.
State television blamed the explosion on "terrorists," a term the Syrian government uses when referring to the armed opposition. It said the bomb exploded in a restaurant and showed footage of a burnt-out kitchen and a room full of debris.State television blamed the explosion on "terrorists," a term the Syrian government uses when referring to the armed opposition. It said the bomb exploded in a restaurant and showed footage of a burnt-out kitchen and a room full of debris.
The state news agency Sana blamed an "armed terrorist group" without elaborating.The state news agency Sana blamed an "armed terrorist group" without elaborating.
8.27am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.27am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:"Here's a roundup of the latest developments:"
SyriaSyria
• The UN's peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous claimed a "third party" is involved in the violence in Syria after a visit to the opposition stronghold of Homs, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. • The UN's peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous claimed a "third party" is involved in the violence in Syria after a visit to the opposition stronghold of Homs, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
He was referring to extremist groups, but didn't name any specific one. Ladsous affirmed that the focus in the Syrian crisis now "should be on building dialogue and confidence between the parties".He was referring to extremist groups, but didn't name any specific one. Ladsous affirmed that the focus in the Syrian crisis now "should be on building dialogue and confidence between the parties".
• Lasdous and Robert Mood, head of the UN monitors, were filmed meeting activists in Homs.• Lasdous and Robert Mood, head of the UN monitors, were filmed meeting activists in Homs.
Later one of the activists, Khaled Abu Salah, was filmed briefing the UN officials.Later one of the activists, Khaled Abu Salah, was filmed briefing the UN officials.
• The Guardian's Martin Chulov has spent five days with the rebel fighters from the Free Syrian Army in Jebel al-Zawiya in north-west Syria, one of four key opposition strongholds. Here are the main points of what he found:• The Guardian's Martin Chulov has spent five days with the rebel fighters from the Free Syrian Army in Jebel al-Zawiya in north-west Syria, one of four key opposition strongholds. Here are the main points of what he found:
- Rebels admitted that the government had succeed in exacerbating the the sectarian nature of the crisis. Mohammed Faisal, a defector from Aleppo, said: "There is no escaping that this has become sectarian in nature, but it's not what we want, it's what the regime wants. I have Alawite friends. I can't talk to them since I have left, even though I think I can still trust them. I just have to be careful now. A valley is between us and there is nothing we can do."- Rebels admitted that the government had succeed in exacerbating the the sectarian nature of the crisis. Mohammed Faisal, a defector from Aleppo, said: "There is no escaping that this has become sectarian in nature, but it's not what we want, it's what the regime wants. I have Alawite friends. I can't talk to them since I have left, even though I think I can still trust them. I just have to be careful now. A valley is between us and there is nothing we can do."
- The rebels were poorly armed. Due to scarcity rifles are worth $4,000, bullets $4 each, and RPG heads $1,000 each.- The rebels were poorly armed. Due to scarcity rifles are worth $4,000, bullets $4 each, and RPG heads $1,000 each.
- Rebels bristle at regime claims that they are linked with al-Qaida but are frustrated that the regime's narrative is starting to prevail.- Rebels bristle at regime claims that they are linked with al-Qaida but are frustrated that the regime's narrative is starting to prevail.
- The fighters don't expect help from the international community. One said: "Nothing will happen before the American elections, will it? And the French are too busy at home. Turkey and Saudi Arabia will do nothing without America, so it will come down to us."- The fighters don't expect help from the international community. One said: "Nothing will happen before the American elections, will it? And the French are too busy at home. Turkey and Saudi Arabia will do nothing without America, so it will come down to us."
YemenYemen
• Local press reported that al-Qaida carried out Monday's suicide bombing that killed more than 90 soldiers at a military parade rehearsal in the Yemeni capital. But none of the group's senior members has yet verified the claim, writes Tom Finn in Sana'a.• Local press reported that al-Qaida carried out Monday's suicide bombing that killed more than 90 soldiers at a military parade rehearsal in the Yemeni capital. But none of the group's senior members has yet verified the claim, writes Tom Finn in Sana'a.
Yemen's newly installed president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was due to attend the celebrations, responded to the bomb attack by firing two senior commanders, both allies of his predecessor, Saleh. One of them, a nephew of Saleh's, was the head of national security, an elite intelligence gathering unit that works closely with the CIA.Yemen's newly installed president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was due to attend the celebrations, responded to the bomb attack by firing two senior commanders, both allies of his predecessor, Saleh. One of them, a nephew of Saleh's, was the head of national security, an elite intelligence gathering unit that works closely with the CIA.
LibyaLibya
• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi, who is wanted by France, the international criminal court and Libya, has been charged by Mauritania's public prosecutor in a secret court hearing for entering the country illegally. His trial is expected to start soon, writes Monica Mark in Nouakchott.• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi, who is wanted by France, the international criminal court and Libya, has been charged by Mauritania's public prosecutor in a secret court hearing for entering the country illegally. His trial is expected to start soon, writes Monica Mark in Nouakchott.
EgyptEgypt
• Thousands of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gathered for a show of strength before polls open tomorrow for the presidential election, but the movement has suffered a decline in popularity and its candidate Mohamed Morsi is uninspiring, writes Ian Black in Cairo.• Thousands of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gathered for a show of strength before polls open tomorrow for the presidential election, but the movement has suffered a decline in popularity and its candidate Mohamed Morsi is uninspiring, writes Ian Black in Cairo.
Egyptian journalists shook their heads in despair as Morsi finally spoke – only to utter a catalogue of unquotable platitudes. The hope is that ideology and discipline will win out over personality ...Egyptian journalists shook their heads in despair as Morsi finally spoke – only to utter a catalogue of unquotable platitudes. The hope is that ideology and discipline will win out over personality ...
"In football can't a substitute come on with 10 minutes to go and score the winning goal?" asked Sheikh Mohammed Abdel-Maqsud."In football can't a substitute come on with 10 minutes to go and score the winning goal?" asked Sheikh Mohammed Abdel-Maqsud.
• Ian Black will be answering questions about the elections live from 2pm BST on Tuesday 22 May. Please post a question here.• Ian Black will be answering questions about the elections live from 2pm BST on Tuesday 22 May. Please post a question here.
BahrainBahrain
• A heavy security presence at Bahrain's largest public hospital, Salmaniya, has forced injured protesters to seek treatment in a network of secret clinics in people's homes, the New York Times reports. Its reporter described how three protesters with birdshot wounds sought help.• A heavy security presence at Bahrain's largest public hospital, Salmaniya, has forced injured protesters to seek treatment in a network of secret clinics in people's homes, the New York Times reports. Its reporter described how three protesters with birdshot wounds sought help.
The men travelled to one of dozens of houses that are scattered throughout this island nation, where a secret and growing network of caregivers — doctors, first-aid medics or people with no medical experience at all — wait daily for the casualties from the protests. The houses are not really field hospitals, but rather sitting rooms, often equipped with nothing more than bandages and gauze.The men travelled to one of dozens of houses that are scattered throughout this island nation, where a secret and growing network of caregivers — doctors, first-aid medics or people with no medical experience at all — wait daily for the casualties from the protests. The houses are not really field hospitals, but rather sitting rooms, often equipped with nothing more than bandages and gauze.
KuwaitKuwait
• A Kuwaiti man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he insulted the prophet Muhammad and the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in messages on Twitter, the BBC reports. Hamad al-Naqi, a Shia Muslim, said his Twitter account had been hacked and that he had not written the messages.• A Kuwaiti man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he insulted the prophet Muhammad and the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in messages on Twitter, the BBC reports. Hamad al-Naqi, a Shia Muslim, said his Twitter account had been hacked and that he had not written the messages.