Middle East

Syrian Security Forces Besiege City With Tanks, Snipers

Staff / Truthdig May 1, 2011 The city of Deraa, where Syria's anti-government protest movement began nearly two months ago, has become a giant death trap, with tanks leveling entire neighborhoods and snipers taking out anyone who comes in their sights (more). Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Muslim Brotherhood Forms New Egyptian Party

Staff / Truthdig Apr 30, 2011 The Muslim Brotherhood, seen by many as Egypt's most organized political movement following Mubarak's ouster, announced Saturday it plans to contest up to half of the country's parliamentary seats in elections this September. (more) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Battle for Misrata Intensifies

Staff / Truthdig Apr 24, 2011 In the face of continuing heavy bombardment, rebels in Libya appear to have gained ground against Gadhafi's forces in the city of Misrata, where fighting has raged for more than two months. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bloodiest Day Yet of Syrian Protests

Staff / Truthdig Apr 22, 2011 Marking the bloodiest day in a month of ever-escalating anti-government protest, Syrian security forces have reportedly shot dozens of demonstrators as tens of thousands march against the presidency of Bashar al-Assad. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Attack of the Drones Begins in Libya

Staff / Truthdig Apr 22, 2011 On Thursday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates confirmed that President Obama has given the go-ahead for U.S. forces to send armed Predator drones to Libya. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney officially disapproves of Obama's strategy vis-a-vis the Libyan conflict. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Syria Ends Emergency Rule as Opposition Gains Momentum

Staff / Truthdig Apr 20, 2011 Observers say the concessions could mark the beginning of the end for President Bashar al-Assad. (more) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Gaylingual’ Code Invented in Myanmar

Staff / Truthdig Apr 18, 2011 Gay men in Myanmar make up a language, women disappear in new-order Egypt and the Civil War divides Americans in 2011. These discoveries and more after the jump. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Syria Moves to End Emergency Rule

Staff / Truthdig Apr 17, 2011 After weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of cooling, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has decided to try to quell the dissent with honey rather than vinegar, overturning a national state of emergency that has lasted nearly 50 years. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Mubarak Speaks Out, Denies Corruption

Staff / Truthdig Apr 11, 2011 Breaking his silence for the first time since his departure, ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has gone public to defend his honor and declare that he did not steal billions from the country’s treasury. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Sadr Delivers an Ultimatum to U.S.

Staff / Truthdig Apr 9, 2011 Moqtada al-Sadr is back, issuing an ultimatum to American troops and contractors: Leave Iraq by the end of the year or he will revive his Mehdi Army and relaunch attacks on the United States' post-withdrawal presence in the country. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

NATO Apologizes to Libyan Rebels

Staff / Truthdig Apr 9, 2011 Airstrikes Thursday in NATO's campaign against Moammar Gadhafi's forces killed at least four Libyan rebels in a "friendly fire" accident, the second in a week. After a bit of foot-dragging by the British deputy commander of the air campaign, NATO apologized to the rebels. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

27 Killed in Latest Syrian Protest

Staff / Truthdig Apr 9, 2011 At least 27 demonstrators are dead at the hands of Syrian security forces as new protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad erupted Friday in the southern city of Daraa. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )