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Syria crisis: Assad strikes back with jets in Aleppo and Damascus - live updates Syria crisis: Assad strikes back with jets in Aleppo and Damascus - live updates
(about 1 hour later)
3.25pm: Rival rebel battalions have fought fierce battles between each other in the east of Syria, according to Ghaith Abul-Ahad who has just returned from the area.
Speaking on a noisy train in Turkey, Ghaith said there are numerous splits within the Free Syrian Army including those between exiled leaders and those inside the country, and secularist and Islamists.
He said:
It's a really chaotic scene. They are unified by one goal, fighting Bashar al-Assad. But once that goals disappears you see the cracks emerging.
You see that very clearly in areas they control. Once they don't have a Syrian army to fight, once there is no security risk, all the differences start appearing on the surface. In a couple of places there have been clashes between battalions of the FSA.
Ghaith said the clashes have been over leadership and who controls the scarce supplies weapons.
People are fighting over these resources. Who is the legitimate force in a village? Who is the legitimate force in a town? These [questions] are creating so much friction between the units that they are fighting. It's kind of a secret, they don't want to talk about it but there are clashes happening ... clashes with RPGs, mortars, with hand grenades and kalashnikovs. It happened three weeks before I arrived in Deir el-Zour ...
Forming a uniform command structure is the real challenge for the FSA. In a small village I visited there were two military councils. You have a huge level of mistrust.
The diversity and scattered structure of the FSA is its strength but also its weakness, he claimed. "Even in Libya they [rebel forces] were more unified. Here the [opposition Syrian] National Council in Istanbul doesn't have the legitimacy amongst different group," Ghaith said.
Despite the infighting the rebels control 90% of Deir el-Zour province, Ghaith said.
We travelled for hours without meeting any government troops and any government checkpoints. Government checkpoints are concentrated around oil fields and military installations. For the first time the Free Syrian Army has more soldiers than the government forces. They do have control, yet they only have AK47 and RPGs. They cannot attack a bases because they don't have artillery they don't have tanks.
In reality they have safe havens [already] on the eastern side on the border with Iraq and on the northern side with Turkey.
Ghaith was in Deir el-Zour province last week as assassination attacks rocked the Assad regime in Damascus. He said that despite the chaotic scenes in the capital, the regime's showed its strength by continuing to fight in the east
Can you imagine this garrison fighting on the edge of the empire while Rome is burning. So I don't think the nerve structure of the regime has collapsed yet.
The key test for the FSA now is whether it can repeat its success in the countryside by taking control of key cities, he said. "I do see the endgame. The regime is crumbling."
1.40pm: Brazil has pulled "nearly all" its diplomats out of Syria on security grounds, the Rio Times reports. The paper quotes ambassador Edgard Casciano as saying things have become so bad in Damascus that "you simply cannot step outside there is so much shooting going on".1.40pm: Brazil has pulled "nearly all" its diplomats out of Syria on security grounds, the Rio Times reports. The paper quotes ambassador Edgard Casciano as saying things have become so bad in Damascus that "you simply cannot step outside there is so much shooting going on".
The embassy is in the Mezzeh district of Damascus.The embassy is in the Mezzeh district of Damascus.
The Rio Times adds that the number of Syrians applying for visas to go to Brazil has shot up to 395 so far this year, compared with 448 during the whole of 2011.The Rio Times adds that the number of Syrians applying for visas to go to Brazil has shot up to 395 so far this year, compared with 448 during the whole of 2011.
1.22pm: Israel's military chief of staff has warned that an attack on Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons could trigger a widespread conflict with international repercussions, writes Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem.1.22pm: Israel's military chief of staff has warned that an attack on Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons could trigger a widespread conflict with international repercussions, writes Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem.
Speaking to the Israeli parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee in Tuesday, Benny Gantz set out two options for possible Israeli military action on Syria's chemical arsenal, which the regime has admitted it possesses.Speaking to the Israeli parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee in Tuesday, Benny Gantz set out two options for possible Israeli military action on Syria's chemical arsenal, which the regime has admitted it possesses.
The first was a pre-emptive strike against weapons stores to prevent armaments falling into the hands of militant or jihadist groups. But, he said: "The possibility exists that we will find it difficult to pinpoint the exact place. If you work in a more spread-out fashion, you could very quickly find yourself in a wider conflict than you planned. What remains after we act and in whose hands [weapons] will fall must also be taken into consideration."The first was a pre-emptive strike against weapons stores to prevent armaments falling into the hands of militant or jihadist groups. But, he said: "The possibility exists that we will find it difficult to pinpoint the exact place. If you work in a more spread-out fashion, you could very quickly find yourself in a wider conflict than you planned. What remains after we act and in whose hands [weapons] will fall must also be taken into consideration."
The second option was to wait until there was an attempt to move such weapons, and then launch a pinpointed strike on the convoy transporting them. This would require accurate and sophisticated intelligence gathering.The second option was to wait until there was an attempt to move such weapons, and then launch a pinpointed strike on the convoy transporting them. This would require accurate and sophisticated intelligence gathering.
Israel has declared its intention prevent the transfer of chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Such a move would be a "casus belli," foreign minister Avigdor Liberman said on Tuesday.Israel has declared its intention prevent the transfer of chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Such a move would be a "casus belli," foreign minister Avigdor Liberman said on Tuesday.
Gantz told politicians that he believed the Syrian regime had taken recent steps to secure its weapons depots. "To the best of my judgment, for now, [President Bashar] Assad has control over his chemical weapons stockpiles, and he has upgraded the protection around them. These weapons have not yet been transferred into negative hands, but that doesn't mean it won't happen."Gantz told politicians that he believed the Syrian regime had taken recent steps to secure its weapons depots. "To the best of my judgment, for now, [President Bashar] Assad has control over his chemical weapons stockpiles, and he has upgraded the protection around them. These weapons have not yet been transferred into negative hands, but that doesn't mean it won't happen."
Israeli commentators in the main interpreted the chief of staff's remarks as favouring a pinpointed strike. Writing in Israel Hayom, Yoav Limor said:Israeli commentators in the main interpreted the chief of staff's remarks as favouring a pinpointed strike. Writing in Israel Hayom, Yoav Limor said:
Without going into detail, Gantz is saying the following, freely translated: In order to act effectively against Syria's strategic weapons systems (which include not only chemical weapons stockpiles but also advanced anti-aircraft weapons, long-range missiles and surface-to-sea missiles), a broad, noisy preemptive campaign would be necessary.Without going into detail, Gantz is saying the following, freely translated: In order to act effectively against Syria's strategic weapons systems (which include not only chemical weapons stockpiles but also advanced anti-aircraft weapons, long-range missiles and surface-to-sea missiles), a broad, noisy preemptive campaign would be necessary.
On the way, it will be necessary to overcome air defense systems, bases and guards, meaning a great deal of fire and many casualties. Assad will certainly not be able to accept such an offensive, and will be forced to carry out a painful response.On the way, it will be necessary to overcome air defense systems, bases and guards, meaning a great deal of fire and many casualties. Assad will certainly not be able to accept such an offensive, and will be forced to carry out a painful response.
Syria hinted on Monday that it would respond to an "external attack" by use of chemical weapons. Even if it refrains from doing so, it still has enough weapons at its disposal to drag Israel into a painful confrontation.
Israel has no interest in war with Syria—certainly a war that could strengthen Assad and extend his stay in power—and therefore the relevant option at present is a pinpointed operation. It is assessed that a strike on a lone convoy could pass "under the radar" and would not drag the other side into a response.		Syria hinted on Monday that it would respond to an "external attack" by use of chemical weapons. Even if it refrains from doing so, it still has enough weapons at its disposal to drag Israel into a painful confrontation.
Israel has no interest in war with Syria—certainly a war that could strengthen Assad and extend his stay in power—and therefore the relevant option at present is a pinpointed operation. It is assessed that a strike on a lone convoy could pass "under the radar" and would not drag the other side into a response.
1.20pm: A video is circulating in the name of the "Omar Farouq Brigade" which urges Muslims to join a "jihad" against the Assad regime's forces.1.20pm: A video is circulating in the name of the "Omar Farouq Brigade" which urges Muslims to join a "jihad" against the Assad regime's forces.
The video is entitled "Turkish mujahideen who are conducting jihad in Syria". The Long War Journal, which translated its content, explains:The video is entitled "Turkish mujahideen who are conducting jihad in Syria". The Long War Journal, which translated its content, explains:
A speaker in Turkish exclaims, "O Muslims, o believers, where are you? Let's fight together to save Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan ..." The video then shows images of jihadi training camps in Syria, which they say include Turkish fighters, while a Turkish song, "Headed to Damascus," plays in the background.A speaker in Turkish exclaims, "O Muslims, o believers, where are you? Let's fight together to save Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan ..." The video then shows images of jihadi training camps in Syria, which they say include Turkish fighters, while a Turkish song, "Headed to Damascus," plays in the background.
The video closes with the declaration (spoken in Arabic with Turkish subtitles): "We are soldiers of the Omar Farouq Brigade in Syria ... and we raise our voice against Assad's barbaric army. We will live free on these lands! ... God help us!"The video closes with the declaration (spoken in Arabic with Turkish subtitles): "We are soldiers of the Omar Farouq Brigade in Syria ... and we raise our voice against Assad's barbaric army. We will live free on these lands! ... God help us!"
Omar Farouq was an al-Qaida operative killed in Iraq in 2006. The Long War Journal says it is unclear whether the Omar Farouq Brigade mentioned in the video is the same as the Al-Farouq Brigade, which is one of the most active units of the Free Syrian Army. The Long War Journal says it is unclear whether the Omar Farouq Brigade mentioned in the video is the same as the al-Farouq Brigade, which is one of the most active units of the Free Syrian Army.
1.05pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments on Syria.1.05pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments on Syria.
• Activists have released disturbing video purporting to show victims of a massacre in the Qaboun district of Damascus. The footage shows the bodies of 11 people, some of whom appeared to have been tortured.• Activists have released disturbing video purporting to show victims of a massacre in the Qaboun district of Damascus. The footage shows the bodies of 11 people, some of whom appeared to have been tortured.
• About half of the UN's 300 observers have left Syria, Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations announced in Damascus. The new head of the mission Babacar Gaye, described the situation in Syria as "very difficult".• About half of the UN's 300 observers have left Syria, Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations announced in Damascus. The new head of the mission Babacar Gaye, described the situation in Syria as "very difficult".
• Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says the US reaction to last week's assassination of four members of Assad's inner circle amounted to an endorsement of terrorism. His ministry also dismissed the EU's latest sanctions against Syria as counter productive.• Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says the US reaction to last week's assassination of four members of Assad's inner circle amounted to an endorsement of terrorism. His ministry also dismissed the EU's latest sanctions against Syria as counter productive.
• Syria's envoy to the United Arab Emirates, Abdel Latif Al Dabbagh, has defected after his wife Lamia al-Hariri, who is Syria's the envoy to Cyprus, announced she was leaving Nicosia. The couple are reported to be in Qatar.• Syria's envoy to the United Arab Emirates, Abdel Latif Al Dabbagh, has defected after his wife Lamia al-Hariri, who is Syria's the envoy to Cyprus, announced she was leaving Nicosia. The couple are reported to be in Qatar.
• An armoured column is closing in on Aleppo as a part of a major counter offensive against rebels in Syria's two largest cities. Opposition activists said thousands of troops had withdrawn with their tanks and armoured vehicles from Idlib province near the Turkish border and were headed towards Aleppo.• An armoured column is closing in on Aleppo as a part of a major counter offensive against rebels in Syria's two largest cities. Opposition activists said thousands of troops had withdrawn with their tanks and armoured vehicles from Idlib province near the Turkish border and were headed towards Aleppo.
• Brigadier-General Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector so far, has made a video statement offering to lead a transition government in Syria. In the statement broadcast on al-Arabiya Tlass said: "Allow me to serve Syria after [President Bashar] al-Assad's era."• Brigadier-General Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector so far, has made a video statement offering to lead a transition government in Syria. In the statement broadcast on al-Arabiya Tlass said: "Allow me to serve Syria after [President Bashar] al-Assad's era."
• All of Turkey's remaining border gates with Syria are to be closed from today, an official told Reuters. The move will close the only three border gates that were still open, at Cilvegozu, Oncupinar and Karkamis, the unnamed official said.• All of Turkey's remaining border gates with Syria are to be closed from today, an official told Reuters. The move will close the only three border gates that were still open, at Cilvegozu, Oncupinar and Karkamis, the unnamed official said.
• In the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, the battle appears to be on an endless loop, writes Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. He wrote: "Every day, loyalist troops and tanks stubbornly try to take the city from the rebels. The rebels push them back and the army retaliates by pounding the city with mortar shells and rockets."• In the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, the battle appears to be on an endless loop, writes Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. He wrote: "Every day, loyalist troops and tanks stubbornly try to take the city from the rebels. The rebels push them back and the army retaliates by pounding the city with mortar shells and rockets."
• The BBC in Aleppo and ITN in the Damascus suburb of Douma have both broadcast footage of Assad's forces bombing opposition strongholds with fighter jets. Both reporters described the sight and sound of jets as "unmistakable".• The BBC in Aleppo and ITN in the Damascus suburb of Douma have both broadcast footage of Assad's forces bombing opposition strongholds with fighter jets. Both reporters described the sight and sound of jets as "unmistakable".
12.22pm: Very disturbing footage has emerged showing the victims of what activists claim was a massacre in the Qaboun district of Damascus.12.22pm: Very disturbing footage has emerged showing the victims of what activists claim was a massacre in the Qaboun district of Damascus.
Some of those killed had missing fingers, the footage shows [warning: extremely graphic content].Some of those killed had missing fingers, the footage shows [warning: extremely graphic content].
An update by the activist group the Local Coordination Committees in Syria said:An update by the activist group the Local Coordination Committees in Syria said:
The regime's army committed a new massacre against unarmed civilians who had hidden in a shelter due to fear of the shelling. After shelling, which had targeted the neighbourhood for the past 5 days, regime forces detained more than 150 people from one of the shelters. The detainees were taken to military police and threatened with death. Their bodies were found yesterday in the area of Tishreen neighbourhood, some were executed and others were killed due to the shelling.The regime's army committed a new massacre against unarmed civilians who had hidden in a shelter due to fear of the shelling. After shelling, which had targeted the neighbourhood for the past 5 days, regime forces detained more than 150 people from one of the shelters. The detainees were taken to military police and threatened with death. Their bodies were found yesterday in the area of Tishreen neighbourhood, some were executed and others were killed due to the shelling.
Reuters has this account of the alleged massacre.Reuters has this account of the alleged massacre.
Footage showed 11 bloodied bodies, some in an alleyway and some inside a building. Three appeared to have been shot through their shirts, which were pulled above their heads, and one was kneeling against a wall.Footage showed 11 bloodied bodies, some in an alleyway and some inside a building. Three appeared to have been shot through their shirts, which were pulled above their heads, and one was kneeling against a wall.
Rania al-Midani, an opposition activist who lives near Qaboun, said that the men were arrested five days ago in a nearby district.Rania al-Midani, an opposition activist who lives near Qaboun, said that the men were arrested five days ago in a nearby district.
"Activists found them today in Tishreen alley. They thought these men were in jail. They could only enter the alleyway today to find their bodies as it was previously occupied by (pro-Assad militia) shabbiha," she told Reuters over Skype."Activists found them today in Tishreen alley. They thought these men were in jail. They could only enter the alleyway today to find their bodies as it was previously occupied by (pro-Assad militia) shabbiha," she told Reuters over Skype.
11.47am: Could this be why Manaf Tlass was out of the limelight for a while? There are claims that he was on umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) in Mecca, purging his sins.11.47am: Could this be why Manaf Tlass was out of the limelight for a while? There are claims that he was on umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) in Mecca, purging his sins.
Manaf Tlass is in Mecca to do Umrah. Repenting for his past & starting afresh? twitter.com/Turankislakci/… #Syria #TlassManaf Tlass is in Mecca to do Umrah. Repenting for his past & starting afresh? twitter.com/Turankislakci/… #Syria #Tlass
— Turk4Syria (@Turk4Syria) July 25, 2012— Turk4Syria (@Turk4Syria) July 25, 2012
As Hassan Hassan notes on Twitter, this would be a smart PR move if the story is true.As Hassan Hassan notes on Twitter, this would be a smart PR move if the story is true.
11.34am: About half of the UN's 300 observers have left Syria, Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations, told a press conference in Damascus.11.34am: About half of the UN's 300 observers have left Syria, Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations, told a press conference in Damascus.
There would have be substantial progress towards peace for th mission in Syria to be renewed again, Ladsous added.There would have be substantial progress towards peace for th mission in Syria to be renewed again, Ladsous added.
Babacar Gaye, the new head of the mission, described the situation in Syria as "very difficult".Babacar Gaye, the new head of the mission, described the situation in Syria as "very difficult".
In the mission's remaining 27 days he said "every effort will be seized to alleviate the suffering of the population".In the mission's remaining 27 days he said "every effort will be seized to alleviate the suffering of the population".
11.23am: Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says the US reaction to explosions in Damascus amounts to an endorsement of terrorism. In remarks at a press conference in Moscow, reported by Russia Today, he said:11.23am: Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov says the US reaction to explosions in Damascus amounts to an endorsement of terrorism. In remarks at a press conference in Moscow, reported by Russia Today, he said:
This is direct endorsement of terrorism. How are we supposed to understand that?This is direct endorsement of terrorism. How are we supposed to understand that?
This is a sinister position, I cannot find words to express our attitude towards that.This is a sinister position, I cannot find words to express our attitude towards that.
In other words this means "We are going to support such acts of terrorism until the UN [security council] does what we want".In other words this means "We are going to support such acts of terrorism until the UN [security council] does what we want".
Reuters says Lavrov was referring to what he said were comments by US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland that last week's attack which killed senior regime figures was not surprising given the Syrian government's conduct.Reuters says Lavrov was referring to what he said were comments by US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland that last week's attack which killed senior regime figures was not surprising given the Syrian government's conduct.
10.49am: Blogger Brown Moses has been studying videos of the fixed-wing aircraft seen circling over Aleppo yesterday – and he doubts that the warplanes were Russian-made MiGs.10.49am: Blogger Brown Moses has been studying videos of the fixed-wing aircraft seen circling over Aleppo yesterday – and he doubts that the warplanes were Russian-made MiGs.
The images are not very clear but he suggests that the shape more closely resembles the Czech-designed Aero L-39 Albatros, which is a jet trainer aircraft.The images are not very clear but he suggests that the shape more closely resembles the Czech-designed Aero L-39 Albatros, which is a jet trainer aircraft.
10.32am: More detail on the defection of Lamia al-Hariri, the Syrian envoy in Cyprus.10.32am: More detail on the defection of Lamia al-Hariri, the Syrian envoy in Cyprus.
Two sources in the Syrian opposition have told Reuters that Hariri left the diplomatic mission in Nicosia on Tuesday, telling staff she was feeling unwell and was going to a doctor.Two sources in the Syrian opposition have told Reuters that Hariri left the diplomatic mission in Nicosia on Tuesday, telling staff she was feeling unwell and was going to a doctor.
She is now reported to be in Qatar.She is now reported to be in Qatar.
10.15am: Russia has condemned the EU's latest sanctions against Syria as "counter productive" and said it would not recognise the EU's attempts to impose an air and sea blockade.10.15am: Russia has condemned the EU's latest sanctions against Syria as "counter productive" and said it would not recognise the EU's attempts to impose an air and sea blockade.
Russia's foreign ministry tweeted:Russia's foreign ministry tweeted:
The sanctions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council are essentially an air and sea blockade against #SyriaThe sanctions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council are essentially an air and sea blockade against #Syria
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) July 25, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) July 25, 2012
Russia rejects unilateral sanctions: they are counterproductive and will not help to settle the situation in #SyriaRussia rejects unilateral sanctions: they are counterproductive and will not help to settle the situation in #Syria
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) July 25, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) July 25, 2012
When the sanctions were announced on Monday's the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: "These sanctions are important because they will allow ships to be examined to see what cargo they're carrying, and that will prevent, I hope, any arms reaching Syria."When the sanctions were announced on Monday's the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: "These sanctions are important because they will allow ships to be examined to see what cargo they're carrying, and that will prevent, I hope, any arms reaching Syria."
10.09am: Syria's envoy to Cyprus has also defected, a member of the Syrian National Council told Reuters.10.09am: Syria's envoy to Cyprus has also defected, a member of the Syrian National Council told Reuters.
Al-Jazeera's live blog joins the marital dots on the two defections.Al-Jazeera's live blog joins the marital dots on the two defections.
Al Jazeera sources say Abdel Latif Al Dabbagh, Syria's ambassador to UAE, has defected. He is married to Lamia Hariri, Syria's ambassador to Cyprus, who defected yesterday.Al Jazeera sources say Abdel Latif Al Dabbagh, Syria's ambassador to UAE, has defected. He is married to Lamia Hariri, Syria's ambassador to Cyprus, who defected yesterday.
9.56am: Tribes are an ancient feature of Syrian society, neglected and exploited for decades by the Baathist regime in Damascus. They are now coming to the fore again, and can be expected to play an key role in the country's post-Assad future, Hassan Hassan writes in an article for Comment is free.9.56am: Tribes are an ancient feature of Syrian society, neglected and exploited for decades by the Baathist regime in Damascus. They are now coming to the fore again, and can be expected to play an key role in the country's post-Assad future, Hassan Hassan writes in an article for Comment is free.
He argues that Nawaf al-Fares (pictured), the Syrian ambassador in Iraq who defected recently may be the most important defector so far, since he is also an important tribal figure.He argues that Nawaf al-Fares (pictured), the Syrian ambassador in Iraq who defected recently may be the most important defector so far, since he is also an important tribal figure.

Unlike other opposition figures who have little power base in Syrian society, Fares leads a powerful clan in the east of the country. His clan is part of the Egaidat tribal confederation, the largest and most prominent in that area, with at least 1.5 million members across 40% of Syria's territory. It also has kinship links to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
Unlike other opposition figures who have little power base in Syrian society, Fares leads a powerful clan in the east of the country. His clan is part of the Egaidat tribal confederation, the largest and most prominent in that area, with at least 1.5 million members across 40% of Syria's territory. It also has kinship links to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
The Arab Gulf states' aggressive stance towards the Assad regime has been driven by these ties as well as by their anti-Iranian sentiment. From the early weeks of the uprising, members of the Syrian tribes in Deraa were appealing to their "cousins" in the Gulf to help them.The Arab Gulf states' aggressive stance towards the Assad regime has been driven by these ties as well as by their anti-Iranian sentiment. From the early weeks of the uprising, members of the Syrian tribes in Deraa were appealing to their "cousins" in the Gulf to help them.
From the Gulf to Iraq to Syria, the area is interlinked in a complex web of tribal relations. The Syrian tribes originated in Arabia and moved north with the Muslim campaigns in the seventh century and later in search of water and grazing for livestock.From the Gulf to Iraq to Syria, the area is interlinked in a complex web of tribal relations. The Syrian tribes originated in Arabia and moved north with the Muslim campaigns in the seventh century and later in search of water and grazing for livestock.
9.40am: We now have a video of Manaf Tlass's defection speech which was broadcast last night on the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV channel.9.40am: We now have a video of Manaf Tlass's defection speech which was broadcast last night on the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV channel.
His speech has had a mixed reception on Twitter. Some view it as a significant step:His speech has had a mixed reception on Twitter. Some view it as a significant step:
Manaf Tlass was not speaking to the opposition or to the people of #Syria: he was placing a call to his peers in the army.Manaf Tlass was not speaking to the opposition or to the people of #Syria: he was placing a call to his peers in the army.
— Rime Allaf (@rallaf) July 24, 2012— Rime Allaf (@rallaf) July 24, 2012
Manaf Tlas: "speak to you not as an official, but as an ordinary Syrian". Message of unity: "cannot rip down institutions of state" #SyriaManaf Tlas: "speak to you not as an official, but as an ordinary Syrian". Message of unity: "cannot rip down institutions of state" #Syria
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) July 24, 2012— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) July 24, 2012
Others think he left it too late, or question his motives:Others think he left it too late, or question his motives:
"Defection" is when they abandon one side and fight for the other. Simply abandoning one side & running away = desertion. #Syria #Tlas"Defection" is when they abandon one side and fight for the other. Simply abandoning one side & running away = desertion. #Syria #Tlas
— Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) July 24, 2012— Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) July 24, 2012
Manaf Tlas spoke too late. He missed the momuntum. Had he spoken earlier, he might'v even b credited for the success of top masterminds op.Manaf Tlas spoke too late. He missed the momuntum. Had he spoken earlier, he might'v even b credited for the success of top masterminds op.
— Hassan Hassan (@hhassan140) July 24, 2012— Hassan Hassan (@hhassan140) July 24, 2012
Tlass would not defect if Assad had a chance to survive. #Tlass #SyriaTlass would not defect if Assad had a chance to survive. #Tlass #Syria
— Rodî Xelîl Kawro ✌ (@RodiKawro) July 24, 2012— Rodî Xelîl Kawro ✌ (@RodiKawro) July 24, 2012
Manaf Tlass defected, but he doesn't want to join the revolution. He wants the revolution to join him. #SyriaManaf Tlass defected, but he doesn't want to join the revolution. He wants the revolution to join him. #Syria
— Haytham Amaarah (@SyrianForChange) July 17, 2012— Haytham Amaarah (@SyrianForChange) July 17, 2012
He also seems to have an image problem, which is probably not helped be the widely-published photo of him with a large cigar.He also seems to have an image problem, which is probably not helped be the widely-published photo of him with a large cigar.
If I were an army officer, Manaf Tlass's speech tonight wouldn't convince me to defect. He looks like a guy chilling in Paris, nothing more.If I were an army officer, Manaf Tlass's speech tonight wouldn't convince me to defect. He looks like a guy chilling in Paris, nothing more.
— BSyria (@BSyria) July 24, 2012— BSyria (@BSyria) July 24, 2012
#manaftlas #Syria Manat Tlas looks like a GQ Model more than a defected General!!#manaftlas #Syria Manat Tlas looks like a GQ Model more than a defected General!!
— فراوس(@syrianintegrity) July 24, 2012— فراوس(@syrianintegrity) July 24, 2012
Manaf Tlass had a whole month to wear a suit, mend his hair and write a more interesting statement. National procrastinatorManaf Tlass had a whole month to wear a suit, mend his hair and write a more interesting statement. National procrastinator
— BSyria (@BSyria) July 24, 2012— BSyria (@BSyria) July 24, 2012
Why did Munaf Tlas speak now, is it because all those great positions that he set his eyes on were given to others at the same day? #SyriaWhy did Munaf Tlas speak now, is it because all those great positions that he set his eyes on were given to others at the same day? #Syria
— Dylan.johnsons (@dylan_johnsons) July 25, 2012— Dylan.johnsons (@dylan_johnsons) July 25, 2012
9.26am: Rebels have set fire to a police headquarters in Aleppo, according to video uploaded by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.9.26am: Rebels have set fire to a police headquarters in Aleppo, according to video uploaded by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The BBC has dramatic footage from fighting in the city yesterday, which mentioned a police headquarters close to a rebel held area. It shows rebels arresting and beating men suspected of being shabiha - Assad's militia.The BBC has dramatic footage from fighting in the city yesterday, which mentioned a police headquarters close to a rebel held area. It shows rebels arresting and beating men suspected of being shabiha - Assad's militia.
The rebels are filmed firing at helicopters with a captured tank as a jet flew overhead.The rebels are filmed firing at helicopters with a captured tank as a jet flew overhead.
8.40am: Babacar Gaye, a Senegalese general who commanded a peacekeeping force in Congo, has arrived in Damascus as the new head of the UN's monitoring mission in Syria.8.40am: Babacar Gaye, a Senegalese general who commanded a peacekeeping force in Congo, has arrived in Damascus as the new head of the UN's monitoring mission in Syria.
Gaye replaces General Robert Mood. He is shown in the video being greeted by Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations. The UN extended the mission by 30 days last week.Gaye replaces General Robert Mood. He is shown in the video being greeted by Hervé Ladsous, the head of UN's peacekeeping operations. The UN extended the mission by 30 days last week.
Gaye has a reputation as someone who speaks his mind, according to the diplomatic blog Inner City Press.Gaye has a reputation as someone who speaks his mind, according to the diplomatic blog Inner City Press.
8.15am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.15am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments and analysis:Here's a roundup of the latest developments and analysis:
SyriaSyria
• Thousands of troops have been sent to Aleppo as part of a major counter offensive against rebels in Syria's two largest cities. In the northern Damascus suburb of al-Tel Syrian forces fired artillery and rocket barrages forcing hundreds of families to flee the area, residents and opposition activists said.• Thousands of troops have been sent to Aleppo as part of a major counter offensive against rebels in Syria's two largest cities. In the northern Damascus suburb of al-Tel Syrian forces fired artillery and rocket barrages forcing hundreds of families to flee the area, residents and opposition activists said.
• Brigadier-General Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector so far, has made a video statement offering to lead a transition government in Syria. In the statement broadcast on al-Arabiya Tlass said:• Brigadier-General Manaf Tlass, the most senior defector so far, has made a video statement offering to lead a transition government in Syria. In the statement broadcast on al-Arabiya Tlass said:
Allow me to serve Syria after [President Bashar] al-Assad's era. We must all unite to serve Syria and promote stability in the country, rebuilding a free and democratic Syria. Allow me to call on a united Syria ... [The] new Syria ... should not be built on revenge, exclusion or monopoly.Allow me to serve Syria after [President Bashar] al-Assad's era. We must all unite to serve Syria and promote stability in the country, rebuilding a free and democratic Syria. Allow me to call on a united Syria ... [The] new Syria ... should not be built on revenge, exclusion or monopoly.
• All of Turkey's remaining border gates with Syria are to be closed from Wednesday, an official told Reuters. The move will close the only three border gates that were still open, at Cilvegozu, Oncupinar and Karkamis, the unnamed official said.• All of Turkey's remaining border gates with Syria are to be closed from Wednesday, an official told Reuters. The move will close the only three border gates that were still open, at Cilvegozu, Oncupinar and Karkamis, the unnamed official said.
• In the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, the battle appears to be on an endless loop, writes Ghaith Abdul-Ahad.• In the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, the battle appears to be on an endless loop, writes Ghaith Abdul-Ahad.
Every day, loyalist troops and tanks stubbornly try to take the city from the rebels. The rebels push them back and the army retaliates by pounding the city with mortar shells and rockets.Every day, loyalist troops and tanks stubbornly try to take the city from the rebels. The rebels push them back and the army retaliates by pounding the city with mortar shells and rockets.
The barrage starts in the morning and stops at midnight. Its aim is arbitrary: shells can land almost anywhere in the city.The barrage starts in the morning and stops at midnight. Its aim is arbitrary: shells can land almost anywhere in the city.
... Now most of the desolate countryside in the region is in the hands of the rebels, including the main border post.... Now most of the desolate countryside in the region is in the hands of the rebels, including the main border post.
• Government forces have hit back with attack helicopters and fighter jets after rebels seized parts of Aleppo, the BBC's Ian Pannell reports. • Government forces have hit back with attack helicopters and fighter jets after rebels seized parts of Aleppo, the BBC's Ian Pannell reports.
First came an unmistakeable sound that has so far been absent in this conflict - the roar of fighter jets. What appeared to be Russian-made MiG planes arced through the sky.First came an unmistakeable sound that has so far been absent in this conflict - the roar of fighter jets. What appeared to be Russian-made MiG planes arced through the sky.
We watched as they dropped in, bombing and strafing rebel positions. Dead and wounded civilians and fighters were taken to hospitals and makeshift clinics as the human cost of this conflict continues to grow.We watched as they dropped in, bombing and strafing rebel positions. Dead and wounded civilians and fighters were taken to hospitals and makeshift clinics as the human cost of this conflict continues to grow.
• ITN's Bill Neely said he witnessed war planes bombing opposition positions in the Damascus suburb of Douma.• ITN's Bill Neely said he witnessed war planes bombing opposition positions in the Damascus suburb of Douma.
Like Pannell, Neeley described the sight and sound of jets as "unmistakable". He reported: "This is the first time we can categorically say the Syrian airforce has been deployed here. President Assad is now using warplanes against his own people in this built up area."Like Pannell, Neeley described the sight and sound of jets as "unmistakable". He reported: "This is the first time we can categorically say the Syrian airforce has been deployed here. President Assad is now using warplanes against his own people in this built up area."
• Syrian rebels will eventually control a safe haven inside Syria which will act as a base for the opposition, according to US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Speaking at a news conference she said:• Syrian rebels will eventually control a safe haven inside Syria which will act as a base for the opposition, according to US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Speaking at a news conference she said:
We have to work closely with the opposition because more and more territory is being taken and it will, eventually, result in a safe haven inside Syria which will then provide a base for further actions by the opposition. And so the opposition has to be prepared. They have to start working on interim governing entities ... We do believe that it is not too late for the Assad regime to commence with planning for a transition, to find a way that ends the violence by beginning the kind of serious discussions that have not occurred to date.We have to work closely with the opposition because more and more territory is being taken and it will, eventually, result in a safe haven inside Syria which will then provide a base for further actions by the opposition. And so the opposition has to be prepared. They have to start working on interim governing entities ... We do believe that it is not too late for the Assad regime to commence with planning for a transition, to find a way that ends the violence by beginning the kind of serious discussions that have not occurred to date.
• More than sixty, mostly conservative, figures in the US, have called on Barack Obama to help establish safe zones in Syria, Foreign Policy magazine reports. The group includes Karl Rove, several of Mitt Romney's advisers and Radwah Ziadeh, a leading member of the Syrian National Council.• More than sixty, mostly conservative, figures in the US, have called on Barack Obama to help establish safe zones in Syria, Foreign Policy magazine reports. The group includes Karl Rove, several of Mitt Romney's advisers and Radwah Ziadeh, a leading member of the Syrian National Council.
In a letter to the president they said:In a letter to the president they said:
We urge you to take immediate steps, in close and continuing consultation with the Congress, to work with regional partners to establish air-patrolled "safe zones" covering already liberated areas within Syria, using military power not only to protect these zones from further aggression by the Assad regime's military and irregular forces, but also to neutralise the threat posed by the Syrian dictatorship's chemical and biological weapons ...We urge you to take immediate steps, in close and continuing consultation with the Congress, to work with regional partners to establish air-patrolled "safe zones" covering already liberated areas within Syria, using military power not only to protect these zones from further aggression by the Assad regime's military and irregular forces, but also to neutralise the threat posed by the Syrian dictatorship's chemical and biological weapons ...
America's continued inaction in Syria risks becoming what you called in your 2009 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, "complicity in oppression," and only serves to undermine our interests and embolden our enemies.America's continued inaction in Syria risks becoming what you called in your 2009 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, "complicity in oppression," and only serves to undermine our interests and embolden our enemies.
• Western military intervention is "looking increasingly likely" because the conflict is now in danger of provoking violence across the Arab world that could lead to cross-border invasions, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute. Professor Michael Clarke, the thinktank's director general, says: "We are not moving towards intervention, but intervention is moving towards us. Events of recent days have created a step-change in the situation that will make a hands-off approach increasingly difficult to maintain."• Western military intervention is "looking increasingly likely" because the conflict is now in danger of provoking violence across the Arab world that could lead to cross-border invasions, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute. Professor Michael Clarke, the thinktank's director general, says: "We are not moving towards intervention, but intervention is moving towards us. Events of recent days have created a step-change in the situation that will make a hands-off approach increasingly difficult to maintain."
• The message from Damascus was one of business as usual as Assad appointed a new security chief and senior intelligence officials to replace three of the four members of his inner circle who were killed in last Wednesday's bomb attack. Ali Mamlouk, who was head of Syria's Internal Security Directorate, was appointed head of national security, replacing Hisham Bekhtiar who died from wounds inflicted in the bombing.• The message from Damascus was one of business as usual as Assad appointed a new security chief and senior intelligence officials to replace three of the four members of his inner circle who were killed in last Wednesday's bomb attack. Ali Mamlouk, who was head of Syria's Internal Security Directorate, was appointed head of national security, replacing Hisham Bekhtiar who died from wounds inflicted in the bombing.
• Syria expert Joshua Landis notes that most of the new military appointments have gone to Sunnis in an attempt to bridge the widening sectarian divide. • Syria expert Joshua Landis notes that most of the new military appointments have gone to Sunnis in an attempt to bridge the widening sectarian divide.
Three of the four new security nominations are Sunnis. There is debate on the fourth (Abdul Fattah Qudsiye), who may be either Sunni or Druze. All are hawks. The notorious Rustum Ghazali, who ruled Lebanon with an iron fist, is among them. The message is that Sunnis will dominate the security leadership. This is an effort to keep the Sunni-Alawi alliance alive. Baathist rule has been built on the Sunni-Alawi alliance, which has all but collapsed since the beginning of the uprising. The defections of high level Sunnis recently underscores that it is moribund.Three of the four new security nominations are Sunnis. There is debate on the fourth (Abdul Fattah Qudsiye), who may be either Sunni or Druze. All are hawks. The notorious Rustum Ghazali, who ruled Lebanon with an iron fist, is among them. The message is that Sunnis will dominate the security leadership. This is an effort to keep the Sunni-Alawi alliance alive. Baathist rule has been built on the Sunni-Alawi alliance, which has all but collapsed since the beginning of the uprising. The defections of high level Sunnis recently underscores that it is moribund.
LibyaLibya
• A British journalist has been deported for carrying out unauthorised filming at a military base on the outskirts of Tripoli, the Libya Herald reports. Sharon Ward, a freelance broadcaster who has worked for the BBC, was arrested at the Janzour Naval Academy last week, where she had been documenting the plight of 2,000 refugees currently housed at the facility.• A British journalist has been deported for carrying out unauthorised filming at a military base on the outskirts of Tripoli, the Libya Herald reports. Sharon Ward, a freelance broadcaster who has worked for the BBC, was arrested at the Janzour Naval Academy last week, where she had been documenting the plight of 2,000 refugees currently housed at the facility.
EgyptEgypt
• President, Mohamed Morsi has asked Hisham Kandil, a relatively young water minister little known outside the country, to form a new government, disappointing investors who had hoped for a high-profile economist. Kandil was a senior bureaucrat in the ministry until he was appointed minister last July after the fall of Hosni Mubarak. He obtained a doctorate in irrigation from the University of North Carolina.• President, Mohamed Morsi has asked Hisham Kandil, a relatively young water minister little known outside the country, to form a new government, disappointing investors who had hoped for a high-profile economist. Kandil was a senior bureaucrat in the ministry until he was appointed minister last July after the fall of Hosni Mubarak. He obtained a doctorate in irrigation from the University of North Carolina.